Tim Burton, born on August 25, 1958, started his filmmaking career by making short films in his parent’s backyard with crude ‘8mm’ film without sound. He became an iconic film director, producer, writer, artist, and animator. Although he was once fired from Walt Disney Studios, his undeniable talents meant he continued to work with them on several projects. His short film “Frankenweenie,” which triggered his axing from Disney, became an entire stop-motion film from the studio in 2012. He has produced some of the most beloved movies to date. We’ll help you celebrate this talented movie maker right here.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Timothy Walter Burton
Nickname:
Tim
Birth date:
August 25, 1958
Age:
66
Zodiac Sign:
Virgo
Height:
5' 11.6"
Relationship Status:
Divorced
Net Worth:
$115 million
Background
Tim Burton is one of the most famous movie directors globally, and his unique Gothic style and horror movies have endeared him to millions. He has been fired from Disney multiple times, but he is not one to be discouraged. Burton was born on August 25, 1958, in Burbank, Los Angeles County, California. His parents are Jean and Bill Burton. His Zodiac sign is Virgo, and he has Dutch, English, French, German, Scottish, and Swedish origins.
Burton started making films in his teens, and although he wasn’t an exceptional student, he was a fine filmmaker. He made his first known film, “The Island of Doctor Agor,” when he was 13 and featured his classmates in the movie. After leaving high school, he attended the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, Santa Clarita, where he studied character animation. While in college, Burton made the short movie “Stalk of the Celery Monster,” which he used to land an animator’s apprenticeship at Walt Disney Studios.
At Disney, there was a problem; even though his artistic talent was desired, Burton’s style was not what the brand wanted at the time. In 1982, he made “Vincent,” which wasn’t very successful, and followed it up with “Frankenweenie” in 1984. The studio fired him immediately after making “Frankenweenie.” The following year, he worked with his former classmate on “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” The $7 million budget movie was a success, grossing $40 million. It marked the beginning of Burton’s reputation for producing high-grossing movies with small budgets. He made iconic movies like “Batman” (1989), “Batman Returns” (1992), and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993). He created some other works but didn’t direct them. They include “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (2007); and “Alice in Wonderland” (2010).
Burton is a father of two children whom he had with his ex-wife Lena Gieseke during the course of their four-year marriage.
Career timeline
Burton completes his study of character animation at the California Institute of the Arts.
Burton gets fired by Disney Studios after making "Frankenweenie.”
Burton directs “Pee-wee's Big Adventure” and in so doing makes his mark as a profitable film director.
Burton makes "Frankenweenie" a second time, and this time, he gets his accolades.
Why We Love Tim Burton
He does not give up despite the obstacles
As a young boy, Burton used a small camera to capture his ideas. When Disney fired him, he continued to get his work produced.
He has helped raise awareness about Diabetes
Diabetes is a silent killer. Burton has done a lot of advocacy work in spreading awareness about the disease. We appreciate his efforts.
His work helps many people feel better
Burton’s work shows that it is okay to lose your head and talk about your innermost feelings. His dark jokes have made millions of people happy for decades.
5 Surprising Facts
He’s a huge fan of sea food
Burton loves shrimp, crabs, and lobsters.
He has a learning disability
Burton has struggled with dyslexia all his life.
He has a phobia for chimpanzees
Burton directed "Planet of Apes" despite his phobia of Chimpanzees.
He does not read comics
Burton doesn't read Comics, which is shocking, considering his talent with visuals and his impressive work on Batman.
He draws inspiration from his old drawings
Many of Burton’s movies are based on the imaginative drawings he sketched as a young child.
Tim Burton FAQs
What disabilities does Tim Burton have?
Autism. The filmmaker finds it difficult to forge relationships.
Did Tim Burton do Coraline?
No, Burton didn’t produce or direct “Coraline”. Henry Selick created it.
What is Tim Burton's style called?
German Expressionism. It is an art style that became prevalent in Europe in the 1920s.
Tim Burton’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | August 25 | Monday |
2026 | August 25 | Tuesday |
2027 | August 25 | Wednesday |
2028 | August 25 | Friday |
2029 | August 25 | Saturday |