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Ronnie Burns Obituary
Burns died Wednesday of cancer at his Pacific Palisades home, according to his wife, Janice.
Born in Evanston, Ill., he was adopted when he was 3 months old. He grew up among the elite of Hollywood and the privileged of Beverly Hills, but preferred a more low-key life, according to friends and family.
Burns appeared as himself for several seasons on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show," which aired from 1950 to 1958, and later on "The George Burns Show."
He also appeared on a few other shows, including "Playhouse 90" and "The Honeymooners," but was never comfortable with fame, his wife said. He quit acting in the early 1960s, although he worked behind the cameras with his father in 1964, producing the sitcom "Wendy and Me."
In his youth, Burns was an avid surfer and later got into boat racing and sailing. After leaving show business, he went into real estate investment, using money he had made from acting. In later years, he raised Arabian horses and had a ranch in Santa Ynez.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
194 Entries
David Schuster
July 8, 2025
May God be with you. I still watch you and your parent's on the show. Say Hi to your parent's and all my family especially my wife Angel whom I miss very much.
God bless and thank you.
William Wein
June 19, 2025
I just saw you on the Honeymooners as Wallace, you were unforgettable, now you are with your Parents
L Whitt
March 23, 2025
I love watching you on George Burns show but your mother was really funny
Christopher and Cassandra Morrison
November 13, 2024
My wife and I still watch George and Gracie every night. Your whole family is so amazing and wish your memory never be forgotten
How you can show support
Rodney Stephens
June 24, 2024
It will be great to meet George Burns and Gracie Allen Burns and Ronnie Burns in heaven one day may God bless and keep them all
Nick Robbins
January 7, 2024
Your parents were. The best, rest now and reunite with George and Gracey
ginny
July 1, 2022
I just finished reading, Jack Benny's daughter, Joan's biography.
The Benny's and the Burns's were very close friends. Joan related that: "Ronnie was the apple of his parents eyes".
Both families attended the recitals, school plays and other important events in their children's and granchildren's lives.
Seemed to be a very warm, loving environment. I wish Ronnie's children and grandchildren would share what it was like growing up.
January 16, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Stankiewicz
October 11, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.I still watch the reruns of the George Burns Gracie Allen show which you appeared in
Jason Simmons
May 23, 2020
Thank you for the memories ronnie ,and your mother and father! I still watch and will remain to watch ! Rest in peace..
Jennifer Baribault
May 19, 2020
I enjoy watching The Burns & Allen show a great way to start off your morning, thanks for the laughter & memories that you have given to us, your legacy will live on with the reruns, Ronnie was talented actor as his parents. They had a good casting on the show it was joy to see Bea Benaderet Harry Vonzel George & Gracie and along with their son Ronnie. He will be missed and never be forgotten. We all know that he is in a good place now. My thoughts, prayers are with you.
Susan Miller
May 7, 2020
Thank you very much for the memories. I still watch you and your parents every morning. RIP Ronnie. Much Love.
Aarona Pollard
March 9, 2020
I remember...
Paul Duron
February 23, 2020
I will always enjoy your families great entertainment shows!
Dennis Vann
January 2, 2020
Burns and Allen show is my favorite of all time
Brad Thorgaard
November 1, 2019
Enjoy watching him and his parents still today.. thank you .. they were great..
Paul Powell
October 26, 2019
We are blessed with the technology to see the youth and life of others. We find ourselves blessed with the moments filmed perhaps forever. he was well blessed and lived a good life. Thanks ronnie
Tim Garrity
October 5, 2019
Rest in peace and love
I have enjoyed you and your family in the 50's and now in 2018 and 2019. Thank you for the best medicine ever, LAUGHTER
TIM G Albany, N.Y
Helen Cowen
September 23, 2019
Loved the George burns and gracie Allen show
Mary Tidwell
September 5, 2019
I watch george and gracie every morning. You were such a handsome man. Tell george and gracie we miss you everyday
Karen GARDNER
June 4, 2019
You and your parents brought happiness to so many. My heart is it your family, Karen Gardner
April 29, 2019
You were so talented.
Thanks for the laughs.
j
Nadine Robinson
April 10, 2019
May you rest in peace. Sincerely, Nadine Robinson
Jonathan Powell
March 21, 2019
So enjoy watching you and your folks faithfully every Saturday evening on PBS here in Midwest USA town. Comedy that is true, genuine and belly laugh comedy. My prayers and blessings to you, your wife and family~~Thank you, Jonathan Powell-o big red Cornhusker state-Benkelman Nebraska (RIP)
Daria Dolhy
December 11, 2018
Here it is December 2018 and I am still laughing each morning watching your show. What a wonderful family to have been blessed with. Rip Ronnie
Jonathan Palmer
November 19, 2018
Thanks for the laughs. You were great
Brenda Radford
November 8, 2018
Loved you on your mom and dad show.great actor
October 13, 2018
R.I.P. Ronnie Burns.You are truly missed.
Jennie Sloan
April 21, 2018
R.I.P..You'll be greatly missed..
Laughter is truly the best medicine
Connie Miller
April 11, 2018
I watch the George Burns and Gracie Allen show every single morning because it just makes my day start out wonderfully! I truly wish I was born in that era, I missed out on so much. May God bless all of the fans that you have made and may you and I see each other someday in God's glorious heaven!
Gary Larsen
November 2, 2017
Thank You for all added in your acting
career for all the joy you have given us .
GOD bless you Ronnie !
Teresa King
October 30, 2017
I just started watching the Burns and Allen show this year. It is a wonderful show, so funny. Ronnie was a great actor as his parents were too. Rest In Peace!!!! Sincerely Teresa Burns King.
Sandra Spencer
October 27, 2017
I love watching the show i still do when you join the show you and your mom was great RIP Ronnie
Lynn Purcell
August 28, 2017
I watch the Burns and Allen show now on TV. I didn't know you were really their child until I looked it up online. RIP.
Ron English
August 19, 2017
RIP Ronnie
Ron English
August 19, 2017
I grew up watching Ronnie Burns. I often wondered what happened to him.
RIP Ronnie.
I would love to know if he was buried as I would like to place flowers on the grave.
gin holl
June 13, 2017
had great love for his families... it was great to watch
Mark Collins (Salis-Birnbaum)
May 29, 2017
Hard to believe you pasted at an early age.
I was very friendly with your father in his later years.
I don't recall meeting you although we are cousins. You were a bit older than I.
My late sympathies to your family.
Carmel Nabarrette
May 26, 2017
RIP Ronnie,I enjoyed watching u on the show wth your mom nd dad.to this day I still watch the show every morning.
Gloria Kannas
February 28, 2017
Enjoyed watching Ronnie on The George Burns & Gracie Allen show. I watch that show daily. Even in 2017.
Donna Tenaglia
February 24, 2017
I am still a huge fan of George Burns and Gracie Allen, two classy, talented people! Loved Ronnie too! I own every episode and especially love the ones which featured Ronnie, RIP.
Joseph Gauthier
December 19, 2016
Rest in peace, Ronnie. You and the late Mike Arquette were roommates at Black-Foxe Military Institute in the 1940s and my room was next to yours. Those were great days and I'm very happy that you enjoyed a full and wonderful life and that I knew both of you.
Joe Gauthier
Betty Tucker
December 4, 2016
I was so in love with the George Burns and Gracie Allen show once I saw it on satellite TV. Gracie was the utmost in womanhood to me. She was so beautiful. Made me wish I had been born in that time frame. I like to think the family once again are together in heaven making God smile. Rest in peace Burns family.
john lillpop
November 26, 2016
Am huge fan of Burns and Allen including Ronnie. Watch episodes on YOUTUBE and all books George wrote.
Ronnie was a great talent.
john
July 17, 2016
God bless you ronny I enjoyed your family show iam 74 now retired trucker and pro,wrestler and referee great life I loved your show all my life God bless you and your family. Ted
LEAH ROSE GREEN
June 5, 2016
Love & Light always be with you.
Only our body dies.
gts
May 2, 2016
gts
May 2, 2016
GET TV syndicates the George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. What a joy to see Harry Vonzel Bea Benadaret George, Gracie and, yes, Ronnie. His is such a natural camera presence--very funny. He reminds me of Tony Curtis, Peter Lawford, and Jack Lemon. His is a grand talent. Thank goodness for syndication television. Rest In Peace, Ronnie
sheila barden
February 29, 2016
Wonderful family . I watch every day they are on. Such a shame youth of today do not appreciate such a great show and marvelous people
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
February 26, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
February 24, 2016
I'm watching g burns g Allen on tv and I really miss the entire family I hope the extended family is well and they all brought great joy to us all thanks [email protected]
Carolyn Pullum
January 23, 2016
R.I.P RONNIE
Barbara Deel
January 8, 2016
I feel bless that I have enjoy this talent from his parents and Ronnie. I have laugh so much over the years. Thank you for all the laughs
Muriel King
December 27, 2015
I remember him from his TV appearance
He was a genuine talent .
My condolences to his family
May He rest in Peace
Geraldine Nichols
December 25, 2015
Just saw some George Burns Gracie Allen shows on tv today, which included son, Ronnie Burns. Delightful show and family.
bob jones
December 23, 2015
rest in peace
Nancy Buckley
December 5, 2015
Ronnie Burns seemed like such a LIKABLE guy! Hope he is with Mom and Dad now!!!! Rest in His Loving Peace George, Gracie and Ronnie!
Roselee Adams Williams Williams
November 30, 2015
I watch Burns & Allen as often as possible did not know Ronnie passed. Love the show!! Ronnie was a special part of the show w/ all of his girlfriends! May his memories live on.
Albert Stanley
November 10, 2015
Great man
September 3, 2015
I simply love him thank you ronnie
Mark Metz
June 18, 2015
has you in a special place.
wendy rantz
June 16, 2015
love and miss the whole clan
Janice Denning
June 11, 2015
I'm watching the Burns and Allen Show every morning and really enjoy it. I love watching Ronnie on the show only saw Sandra a few times
Ben Musacchio
May 27, 2015
Ronnie, I lit a candle for you.
Sandra
May 21, 2015
Dear Ron,
I just watched you on the Burns and Allen show this morning. You were so handsome. Loved your parents and read your dads book "Gracie."
How I miss them. There will never be another comedian like your mom.
Joanna Hogan
May 21, 2015
I don't think it is ever too late to note the notable and remember someone who you admired. I was watching the old reruns of George Burns and Gracie Allen. Ronnie was on this episode. Not knowing much I "googled" him and found his memoriam. I really liked Ronnie Burns on the show and do wish he would have pursued acting to a greater extent. I read he disliked the fame of acting which is why I most likely was unaware of his passing. Rest in peace Ronnie Burns, I think the world has missed seeing you on TV, or the Big Screen. I am sure your mom and dad are glad you have joined them again.
Linda Dill
April 14, 2015
Rest in the loving arms of Jesus, Ronnie! Also your parents and sister. God bless your family!
Kathy Tinley
March 22, 2015
Loved watching the George Burns and Gracie Allen show. I only saw Ronnie just a few times when I watched the show. As a matter of fact, I am watching the show as I am typing this. Ever so grateful for reruns. Was happy that George Burns and I shared the same birthday. R.I.P. Ronnie forever.
Ed Schrock
March 5, 2015
Have loved the Burns family all my life. I remember vividly the day Gracie died and have always loved their TV shows, one of which I am watching as I write this. I've visited their resting places many, many times in Glendale, CA
Mark Johnson
March 2, 2015
I miss this family. I watch it daily. Rest in peace!
T. A. Cloppler
February 18, 2015
Have always loved George Burns. Didn't really remember Gracie, (died when was too young to know) but luv seeing the Burns & Allen show with Ronnie!!!!
T. A. Cloppler
February 17, 2015
Have always loved George Burns. Didn't really remember Gracie, (died when was too young to know) but luv seeing the Burns & Allen show with Ronnie!!!!
Donald Sisco
February 16, 2015
Rest in peace, Ronnie. I still love watching you and your mom and dad this many years later.
George
February 4, 2015
Will always love george, gracie and ronnie!
January 29, 2015
Wow! I'm sorry to hear of his death. I know that I'm late with my condolences decades late! But, I just googled this to find out where certain actors were today. I just finished watching the George Burns & Gracie Allen Show! Yes! The re-Runs....love that show! I watch it every morning! Thank you for airing all the reruns. The show is so funny! Absolutely Loved George Burns! And Gracie Allen was so cute and Hilarious! And Ronnie Burns....what can I say about Ronnie? "What a Babe!"....a big Fan! Lucille
Lucille Rangel
January 29, 2015
Wow! I'm sorry to hear of his death. I know that I'm late with my condolences decades late! But, I just googled this to find out where certain actors were today. I just finished watching the George Burns & Gracie Allen Show! Yes! The re-Runs....love that show! I watch it every morning! Thank you for airing all the reruns. The show is so funny! Absolutely Loved George Burns! And Gracie Allen was so cute and Hilarious! And Ronnie Burns....what can I say about Ronnie? "What a Babe!"....a big Fan! Lucille
jerrilee simonetti
January 26, 2015
To the family of Ronnie Burns, I wish you all the best, and I LOVE watching the Burns and Allen show, I only wish that I could have known the Burns in person they seam like a very loyal and loving family.
Helene Riles
January 12, 2015
I watch the wonderful Burns family every morning. I googled Ronnie to see if he was still living, only to learn of his death. I am also surprised to know that he was adopted. You could see the love for him from Gracie and George. RIP Ronnie
Ruth members
January 6, 2015
I have Been Watching Burns & allen
For so long and enjoying it all these
Years, l never know you were adopted always
Thought you were their natural son.
Cassandra Evans
January 2, 2015
I am 44 years old but I love watching the George Burns and Gracie Allen show. I dvr it so that I can be entertained by them every day. What made me look up Ronnie was I kept saying how much he looked so much like George, but he was just taller. I wasn't sure if he was indeed their real life child, and I am amazed that yes he was but he was adopted
Gary DalCorso
January 1, 2015
Ronnie was absolutely GREAT in the classic "Young at Heart" (The Honeymooners). He'll live forever as the very hip 18-year old Wallace who plans to meet up with his girlfriend Judy at the Kramden apartment and they hold hands as they go out on a date to the Tunnel of Love, roller skating, bop contests, and it's the night Wallace is going to ask Judy to wear "his pin" meaning she belongs to him and no one else. Well done, Ronnie!
Terry Howell
December 8, 2014
I did not know you were adopted but I watch the burns & Allen show almost every night it's funny you even look like them and I'm pretty sure that they love you very much looks like you love them too I'm sorry to hear your past and wish your family thank you for all the years of happiness you and your family giving me
December 7, 2014
Caroline Hawkins I watch the George Burns Gracie Allen show every morning in my home. They come on at a.m. I love it.
Jerry Vaughn
December 3, 2014
Loved the burns and Allen show. Gracie was my favorite.
peggy erskine
September 16, 2014
he was so beloved as his parents were,they made some great comedy.im still watchng the shows,i get up at 300 in the morning just to watch them.r.i.p. ronnie,george,the infomus gracie
Sandralee Nordquist
September 11, 2014
I remember an episode when sang, "She's cute."
john vuini
August 13, 2014
I only wish he has uncut films of his special parents. Pass these to his grandchildren and let them be proud as well as entertained.
sandy fowler
August 4, 2014
even though it's seven years past the the time you left us, I just wanted to say that I know you're dancing in heaven with the angels and Jesus, thank you for your entertainment on the George Burns show, i really enjoy it.
Dirk G.
August 4, 2014
Thanks for the wonderful years of enjoyment..you and your parents have blessed us with a Unique show, talent and understanding on how familys stick together...you were surely blessed to be adopted by George & Gracey and that blessing came thru the tv screen to millions until today..even thou your not in the body your spirit lives in us.
Cyndi Kerr
July 14, 2014
I hope your kids and grandchildren really tap into how cherrished and loved your parents/grandparents were. Wish all of us could love each other as much as they did. RIP Ronnie/family
Cyndi Kerr
July 14, 2014
Awe, It seems the older I get, (I'm 53) the more I appreciate "the old days" and often not always, wish the "old days" were back. EVERY SINGLE night I watch the Burns/Allen show and see Ronnie. It just makes me sigh relief when I hear their opening song and then watch how Ronnies parents loved him so dearly. RIP Ronnie and Gracie and George, YOU ARE SO MISSED.
June 19, 2014
He is missed and was loved... That is important..
Fred Anzevino
June 14, 2014
Discovered just how incredibly talented your mom and dad were just over the last few years watching antenna tv reruns...you added so much fun to the show as well with your great looks and superb comic timing...what a legendary family..I hope your children and grandchildren carry on the legacy your parents and yourself left for all of us and generations to come...rip Ronnie Burns...gone too soon..
Markita Pointer
April 3, 2014
Loved you on the show R.I.P.
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