Donald Burton

Donald Graham Burton (10 February 1934 – 8 December 2007) was an English theatre and television actor born in Norwich, Norfolk, England. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on a scholarship and went on to build a career spanning stage, television, and film across several decades.

Burton spent many years as an Associate Artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company, where his work encompassed some of Shakespeare's most demanding material. In 1964 he took on the role of the Duke of Exeter across the full cycle of eight Shakespeare history plays performed by the RSC, including The Wars of the Roses and both parts of Henry IV. The following year he appeared in the RSC's production of Gogol's The Government Inspector at the Aldwych Theatre in London, a production that also featured Paul Scofield, Eric Porter, and Paul Rogers. His stage work extended beyond classical repertoire to include contemporary pieces such as How the Other Half Loves and Educating Rita.

Burton's Broadway credit came with the 1990 production of The Merchant of Venice at the 46th Street Theatre. His connection to the production is also noted in verified records as a 1989 Broadway appearance.

On British television, Burton accumulated a wide range of credits, among them Big Breadwinner Hog, Warship, The Duchess of Duke Street, Upstairs, Downstairs, Public Eye, Minder, and Fraud Squad. He was perhaps most recognizable to British audiences through his portrayal of Commander Mark Nialls, captain of the fictional HMS Hero, in the BBC drama Warship. His film appearances included King Arthur, the Young Warlord (1975), The Message (1976), and Hudson Hawk (1991).

Burton married actress Carroll Baker on 10 March 1982, having met her while touring in the play Motive. They remained married until his death. He had three daughters: Rachel Larkin, Sarah Burton, and Kerri Davenport Burton. Burton died of emphysema at his home in Cathedral City, California, on 8 December 2007, at the age of 73.