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Today's paper. Last Updated: 05/29/2012

Screen Giant Lancaster Dead at 80

LOS ANGELES -- Burt Lancaster, the circus acrobat who rose from the New York streets to become one of Hollywood's biggest film stars, died at age 80 of a heart attack, his agent said Friday.


Born the son of a postal worker on Nov. 2, 1913, Lancaster broke into show business and with dogged determination learned about the movie business. He appeared in more than 70 films but never studied acting.


With his rugged good looks, Lancaster was a natural for tough-guy roles. But the notoriously stubborn actor with a sometimes fierce temper also sought parts that were challenging and intelligent.


After circus work and military service in World War II, Lancaster turned to films. By 1955 a string of hits had established him as a box-office giant.


Lancaster was lauded in numerous roles, especially when playing a heroic loser. He won an academy award in 1960 for best actor as the flamboyant sham evangelist in the film "Elmer Gantry."




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