Edward Burns Biography: Wife, Age, Height, Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Parents, Girlfriend

Edward Fitzgerald Burns Jr., professionally known as Edward Burns, is an acclaimed American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, celebrated for his contributions to independent cinema.

Best known for his debut film The Brothers McMullen (1995), which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, Burns has built a career blending heartfelt storytelling with authentic portrayals of working-class life.

His roles in films like Saving Private Ryan (1998) and his work as a filmmaker on projects such as She’s the One (1996) have earned him recognition as a versatile talent in Hollywood.

Profile

• Full Name: Edward Fitzgerald Burns Jr.
• Stage Name: Edward Burns
• Born: 29 January, 1968
• Age: 57 years old
• Birthplace: Woodside, Queens, New York City, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
• Height: 1.85m
• Parents: Edward J. Burns Sr. and Molly Burns
• Siblings: Mary Burns, Brian Burns
• Spouse: Christy Turlington (m. 2003)
• Girlfriends: Heather Graham (ex), Maxine Bahns (ex)
• Children: Grace Burns, Finn Burns
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $40 million

Early Life and Education

Edward Fitzgerald Burns Jr. was born on January 29, 1968, in Woodside, Queens, New York City, to Edward J. Burns Sr., a police officer and public relations spokesman, and Molly Burns, a federal agency manager.

Raised in Valley Stream, Long Island, alongside his older sister, Mary, and younger brother, Brian, he grew up in a tight-knit Irish-American family.

Burns began his education at Chaminade High School, a Catholic institution, before transferring to Hewlett High School.

He later attended the State University of New York at Oneonta and the University at Albany, ultimately graduating from Hunter College with a degree in English.

In 2002, Hunter College awarded him an honorary doctorate in English.

His ethnicity is Irish-American, and his religious background is Catholic.

Career

Edward Burns kicked off his filmmaking career with The Brothers McMullen (1995), a low-budget indie film he wrote, directed, and starred in, which captured the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Shot on a shoestring budget, the film’s success launched Burns into the spotlight as a fresh voice in independent cinema, focusing on themes of family and relationships.

His early acting roles in his own films, alongside appearances in projects like Saving Private Ryan (1998) as Private Reiben, showcased his ability to balance directing with performing.

Burns solidified his reputation with films like She’s the One (1996) and Sidewalks of New York (2001), both of which he wrote, directed, and starred in, earning praise for their authentic dialogue and relatable characters.

He expanded his reach with television, creating and starring in the series Public Morals (2015), a crime drama set in 1960s New York.

His ability to produce character-driven stories, often inspired by his Irish-American roots, led to consistent work in both film and TV, including roles in 27 Dresses (2008) and Friends with Kids (2011).

Burns continues to shape the indie film landscape with projects like The Fitzgerald Family Christmas (2012) and Summertime (2020), which reflect his signature focus on family dynamics.

His recent work includes writing, such as his novel A Kid from Marlboro Road (2024), and producing content for streaming platforms.

His influence as a pioneer of low-budget filmmaking and his commitment to authentic storytelling resonate with aspiring filmmakers and audiences alike.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @edward_burns
• Facebook Handle: Edward Burns
• Twitter Handle: @edward_burns

Personal Life

Edward Fitzgerald Burns Jr. married supermodel Christy Turlington on June 7, 2003, and they have two children, Grace, born in October 2003, and Finn, born in February 2006.

Before his marriage, he dated actress Heather Graham from 1998 to 1999 and had a long-term relationship with actress Maxine Bahns earlier in his career.

Burns leads a relatively private life, splitting time between New York and Los Angeles, and often incorporates his family-oriented values into his work.

Filmography

• The Brothers McMullen (1995)
• She’s the One (1996)
• Saving Private Ryan (1998)
• Sidewalks of New York (2001)
• Ash Wednesday (2002)
• Confidence (2003)
• The Holiday (2006)
• 27 Dresses (2008)
• Friends with Kids (2011)
• The Fitzgerald Family Christmas (2012)
• Summertime (2020)

Net Worth

Edward Fitzgerald Burns Jr. has an estimated net worth of $40 million, built through his multifaceted career as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter.

His earnings stem from successful films like The Brothers McMullen and Saving Private Ryan.

His production work and endorsements further enhance his financial standing.