Date of death and quick facts
Burgess Meredith died on September 9, 1997. He was an American actor best known for roles such as Mickey Goldmill in the Rocky films and the narrator of the television series The Twilight Zone. Born on November 16, 1907, he lived to be 89. His death occurred in Malibu, California, and was attributed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. The following table summarizes key dates and attributes for quick reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | September 9, 1997 | Obituaries, Social Security Death Index |
| Date of birth | November 16, 1907 | Biographies, Census records |
| Place of death | Malibu, California, USA | News reports, death certificate index |
| Cause of death | Complications from Alzheimer’s disease | Obituaries, family statements |
| Age at death | 89 years old | Calculated from birth and death dates |
Confirming the date through reliable records
When asking what year did Burgess Meredith die, the answer is 1997. You can confirm this through multiple authoritative channels. Social Security records show death claims tied to his name in 1997. Major newspapers published detailed obituaries in September 1997, outlining his career highlights and surviving family. Professional biographies and databases such as IMDb and the Social Security Death Index align on the 1997 date. In practice, cross-checking at least two of these sources provides a high level of confidence.
Key milestones in context
Understanding Burgess Meredith’s life frame helps explain why the question about his death year arises frequently. His career spanned stage, radio, film, and television, keeping his name in public view well into his later years. Notable points include his military service during World War II, his work as a director and producer on early television, and his enduring recognition as a character actor. These milestones anchor the timeline and clarify why 1997 is consistently cited as his year of death.
Military service and early career
Meredith served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II, producing and narrating training films. After the war, he worked in radio and regional theater, building a foundation that would lead to film and television roles in the 1950s and beyond. These experiences shaped his method approach and versatility as a performer.
Peak recognition in film and television
From the 1970s through the 1990s, Meredith appeared in iconic projects. He played Mickey Goldmill in Rocky (1976), Rocky III (1982), and Rocky V (1990), delivering performances that defined his public legacy. He also narrated episodes of The Twilight Zone and contributed to numerous television dramas and anthologies. These roles kept him visible to audiences and ensured that queries about his death remain prominent.
Why misconceptions about his death year appear
Despite clear records, some people encounter incorrect years for Meredith’s death. This can happen when news snippets confuse him with others, when databases contain transcription errors, or when dates are misremembered in casual conversation. Since his career lasted many decades, it is sometimes unclear when a well-known figure from earlier eras passed away. Relying on primary documents such as obituaries and official indices reduces the risk of these misconceptions.
How to cite Burgess Meredith’s death accurately
For written work or public notes, cite the date of death as September 9, 1997, along with reputable sources. Reference an obituary from a major publication, a Social Security record, or an entry from a trusted biographical database. Including URLs or archive identifiers allows others to verify the claim independently. Consistent citations help maintain accuracy across summaries and reference lists.
Summary and final clarification
To directly answer the question: Burgess Meredith died in the year 1997, specifically on September 9. He was 89 years old and died in Malibu, California, from Alzheimer’s-related complications. Reliable sources including obituaries, government indices, and biographies consistently agree on this timeline. For enduring clarity, treat 1997 as the definitive year of death and cross-check with at least two authoritative records when precision is required.