Mark Burnett
Template:Short description Template:Otherpeople Template:Unreliable sources Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox person James Mark Burnett (born Template:Date) is a British-American television producer, best known for creating Survivor, The Apprentice, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, Shark Tank, and The Voice. He has produced more than 4000 hours worth of television programming, which have appeared on over 15 major television networks and aired in over 70 countries.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1995, Burnett developed his first production company, Mark Burnett Productions, which focused on reality television.<ref name="AK03">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2009, he founded Lightworkers Media with Roma Downey, which focuses on Christian media.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He served as president of United Artists Media Group from 2014 to 2018, and chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group from 2018 to 2022.<ref name="ny2019">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Burnett has received numerous awards including 10 Primetime Emmy Awards<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
In 2024, President Donald Trump appointed Burnett as the United States Special Envoy to the United Kingdom.<ref name="TS24">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Early life
James Mark Burnett<ref name="EB2025">Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref> was born on Template:Date in London, England.<ref name="SR13">Template:Cite magazine</ref> He is the only son of Archie Burnett<ref name="ny2019"/> and Jean Nicol Burnett (née Scott).<ref name="DB2012">Template:Cite book</ref> Both originally from Glasgow,<ref name="ny2019"/><ref name="MB05">Template:Cite book</ref> Burnett's parents moved to Dagenham<ref name="OMG2014">Template:Cite magazine</ref> where Archie was employed as a Ford Motor factory worker<ref name="ny2019"/> and boxing coach,Template:Sfn while Jean worked at a battery compound.<ref name="OMG2014"/>Template:Sfn Burnett's father is Roman Catholic while his mother was Presbyterian.<ref name="OMG2014"/> His mother passed away in 1993.<ref name="DB2012"/><ref name="SR13"/>
Burnett grew up in boroughs of East London and attended an Anglican parochial primary school.<ref name="OMG2014"/> He undertook secondary schooling at The Warren School and later enrolled at Redbridge Technical College in Ilford.<ref name="Bloomberg2016">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1978, he dropped out before finishing his degree to enlist in the British Army. Burnett volunteered for the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment for five years,<ref name="ny2019"/> serving in Northern Ireland and the Falkland Islands.<ref name="OMG2014"/>
Early career
In October 1982, Burnett immigrated to the United States, where his friend Nick Hill, who had emigrated from the UK earlier, was working as a nanny and chauffeur. Hill knew of an open position for a live-in nanny with the Jaeger family in affluent Beverly Hills. Despite having no experience as a nanny, Burnett went on the interview. The Jaegers, realizing the advantage of having a nanny and security at the same time, hired him. After a year of working for the Jaegers, he moved on to another family in Malibu, California, taking care of two boys for $250 a week. He was eventually given a position in the insurance office owned by the boys' father. Two years later, Burnett rented a portion of a fence at Venice Beach in Los Angeles, and sold T-shirts for $18 each during weekends. Realizing he made more money selling T-shirts, he left his insurance job.Template:Sfn
In 1991, Burnett and four others joined a French adventure competition, the Raid Gauloises. Afterward, Burnett saw a business opportunity in holding similar competitions. He purchased the format rights and brought a similar competition, Eco-Challenge, to America. Eco-Challenge launched Burnett's career as a television producer.<ref name="bio">Template:Cite web</ref>
Productions
Burnett first produced the expedition race show Eco-Challenge in 1995.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> This led to the hit reality show Survivor which premiered in the summer of 2000, and was the most watched summer series since Sonny & Cher.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Survivor was named the Number 1 reality series of all time by Entertainment Weekly in 2009.<ref>20 Best Reality-TV Shows Ever Template:Webarchive EW.com</ref>
In 2004, NBC premiered The Apprentice, a reality television series in which contestants competed for a job under Donald Trump.
Burnett has produced several other television franchises including Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, Shark Tank, The Voice, Beat Shazam, Coupled, and TKO: Total Knock Out.
Past shows include The Celebrity Apprentice (NBC), Bully Beatdown, Combat Missions, The Contender, The Contender Asia, Expedition Africa, Expedition Impossible, How'd You Get So Rich?, Martha Stewart, My Dad Is Better than Your Dad, On the Lot (a collaboration with Steven Spielberg), Pirate Master, The Restaurant, Rock Star, Sarah Palin's Alaska, Stars Earn Stripes, Starmaker, Toughest Cowboy and Wedding Day.
Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, produced The Bible, a ten-hour History Channel drama based upon stories of the Bible.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Bible became the No. 1 new series on cable TV in 2013<ref name="CNBCPrssRls03252013">Press Release. Roma Downey And Mark Burnett's #1 New Cable Series THE BIBLE Is Also A New York Times Best Seller, Dominating Amazon And Is #1 On iTunes And #1 On Twitter, 25 March 2013. Template:Dead link</ref> and was the No. 1 series in Canada, Spain and Portugal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In total, with subsequent airings, The Bible was seen by more than 100 million viewers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
After the success of The Bible, Burnett and Downey started developing more faith-based scripted series. A.D. The Bible Continues premiered on NBC on Easter Sunday 2015, and The Dovekeepers miniseries aired on CBS in 2015.
In September 2014, MGM acquired a 55 percent interest in One Three Media and LightWorkers Media. The two companies were consolidated into a new film and television company, United Artists Media Group, which was then acquired fully by MGM in 2015.
In December 2015, Burnett was named president of MGM Television and Digital Group, signing a five-year deal. Burnett's appointment was set up to occur simultaneously with the closing of MGM's acquisition of the remaining 45 percent of Hearst's, Burnett's and Roma Downey's interests in United Artists Media Group (UAMG), which would be absorbed under the MGM Television Group umbrella. MGM Television would now have numerous unscripted and scripted television shows airing on network and cable or in production, including: The Voice (NBC); Survivor (CBS); Shark Tank (ABC); Beyond the Tank (ABC); Celebrity Apprentice (NBC); Fargo (FX); Vikings (HISTORY); Teen Wolf (MTV); 500 Questions (ABC); The People's Choice Awards (CBS); LIGHT TV, Lucha Underground (El Rey Network) and America's Greatest Makers (INTEL/Turner).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In June 2018, MGM appointed Burnett as Chairman of MGM Worldwide Television.
In 2017, Burnett had timeslot winning shows on six nights out of seven.Template:Citation needed As Chairman of MGM Worldwide Television, he oversaw scripted television shows including, Fargo (FX), The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu), Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla (Netflix).Template:Citation needed
As of 2024, Burnett is the executive producer of five network television shows: Generation Gap (ABC), Beat Shazam (FOX), Shark Tank (ABC), Survivor (CBS) and The Voice (NBC). Burnett is also the executive producer of the cable series Lucha Underground (The El Rey Network) and The Contender (EPIX).Template:Citation needed
Personal life
Relationships and family
Shortly after moving to California, Burnett met Kym Gold through his t-shirt selling business, as Gold owned a wholesale apparel store.<ref name="ny2019"/> After Burnett took a six week course on Judaism,<ref name="ny2019"/> they married in 1988<ref name="DB2012"/> at the house of Gold's parents in Malibu. The wedding was officiated by a rabbi.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> They divorced a year later, shortly after Burnett received his green card.<ref name="ny2019"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1989, Burnett met actress and talent agent Dianne Minerva while both were working at the talent agency of Gold's father.<ref name="DB2012"/> The two married on Template:Date in Hanalei Bay.<ref name="DB2012"/><ref name="ny2019"/> They have two sons together,<ref name="Wang2007">Template:Cite magazine</ref> James (born Template:Date) and Cameron (born Template:Date).<ref name="DB2012"/> The couple separated in 2003 and divorced in 2006.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> According to Minerva, she found out that Burnett intended to file for divorce after hearing him call their marriage a "failure" and himself "single" on The Howard Stern Show.<ref name="ny2019"/>
In Template:Date, Burnett began dating Roma Downey after meeting in a salon.<ref name="ny2019"/> In Template:Date, Burnett proposed while vacationing with their children in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. The couple wed on Template:Date in their Malibu home. The ceremony was officiated by Downey's former co-star, Della Reese.<ref name="Wang2007"/>
In 2014, Burnett's son Cameron received brain surgery to remove a neuroendocrine tumor.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Philanthropy
Burnett has supported various charitable organizations including Operation Smile,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref >and the Malibu Foundation (which provides wildfire relief).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Together with Downey, Burnett has been involved with numerous Christian organizations, such as Compassion International.<ref name="Purdum2016">Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2014, the two established the Cradle of Christianity Fund which seeks to help Christian refugees.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Religion
Burnett grew up in a joint Catholic and Presbyterian household and received an Anglican education.<ref name="OMG2014"/> He explored converting to Judaism during his first marriage,<ref name="ny2019"/> and attended Catholic services during his second marriage.<ref name="DB2012"/> During an interview with Esquire in 2001, Burnett described religion as a "waste of time."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Burnett became more dedicated to his faith after meeting Downey, with the two calling themselves the “noisiest Christians in Hollywood.”<ref name="ny2019"/> Since 2014, Burnett has described himself as a non-denominational Christian.<ref name="OMG2014"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He has stated that he does not attend one specific church, but that he and Downey attend many different churches of different denominations across the U.S.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Political views and affiliations
Due to his close personal relationship with Trump, there has been significant media speculation about Burnett's political views and affiliation.<ref name="ny2019"/><ref name="TV16">Template:Cite magazine</ref> In 2001, Burnett described himself as "apolitical"<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and reiterated this in 2016.<ref name="ny2019"/> In 2008, Burnett donated the maximum contribution to Barack Obama's campaign<ref name="ny2019"/> and $30,400 to the Democratic National Committee.<ref name="MJ16">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2013, he donated more than $5000 to Democratic Secretary of State of Kentucky Alison Lundergan Grimes.<ref name="TV16"/> As of 2025, he has made no known donations to any Republican candidates.<ref name="TV16"/>
Following the 2016 United States presidential election, Burnett disavowed Trump's campaign stating,
"Given all of the false media reports, I feel compelled to clarify a few points. I am not now and have never been a supporter of Donald Trump’s candidacy. I am NOT “Pro-Trump" ... Further, my wife and I reject the hatred, division and misogyny that has been a very unfortunate part of his campaign."<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Both Tom Barrack, chairman of Trump's 2016 inauguration committee, and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, senior advisor to Melania Trump, stated that Burnett helped produce the inauguration.<ref name="ny2019"/><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Burnett denies these claims.<ref name="ny2019"/><ref name="MJ16"/> In 2024, Trump appointed Burnett to serve as the Special Envoy to the UK.<ref name="TS24"/>
Controversies
Competition interference
Burnett has been accused across multiple shows of interfering with results and compromising the shows' integrity. During Eco-Challenge, Burnett was accused of setting more hurdles than player were made aware of prior to starting the race<ref name="KM17">Template:Cite magazine</ref> and admitted to waiving the $12,500 entrance fee for specific teams.<ref name="AK03"/>
In 2001, Survivor contestant Stacy Stillman sued CBS, claiming that Burnett had interfered in the show's results. According to the lawsuit, two cast members originally planned on voting out fellow contestant Rudy Boesch, but Burnett stepped in and convinced them to vote out Stillman. This, alleged Stillman, was because Burnett viewed Boesch as a potential fan favourite and feared that losing the oldest cast member would alienate an older viewing audience. The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
In 2010, the Federal Communications Commission investigated Burnett's show Our Little Genius after receiving a complaint about producer interference. The show was subsequently cancelled before airing.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Trump tapes and Emmy's altercation
In the years following the 2016 presidential election, several former producers and contestants on The Apprentice accused Trump of making derogatory statements, using racial slurs, and sexually harassing contestants while on set.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Purdum2016"/> In 2016, several media outlets alleged Burnett owned and was withholding tapes from Apprentice that showcased this behaviour.<ref name="ny2019"/><ref name="Purdum2016"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Burnett responded stating that he did not have the access or rights to release archival footage from the show, as it was owned by MGM and subject to "existing contractual obligations."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2018, actor Tom Arnold released a series in collaboration with Viceland that sought to find disparaging recordings of Trump.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In episode two of The Hunt for the Trump Tapes, Arnold reiterated the allegations that Burnett personally held unreleased Apprentice footage featuring inappropriate behaviour.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> While promoting the show, Arnold stated that he planned to confront Burnett about the footage at that year's Emmy Awards ceremony.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> At a pre-Emmys party on Template:Date, Burnett and Arnold got into a physical altercation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Arnold later filled out a battery report with the Los Angeles Police Department but no charges were filed against either party.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Awards, honors, and affiliations
In 2004, Time called Burnett one of the Most Influential People in the World Today.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Burnett was also named "Philanthropist of the Year" by the Reality Cares Foundation. He has won both Brandweek's "Marketer of the Year Award", the prestigious Rose d'Or Frapa Format Award, the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award and the Norman Lear Award from the Producers Guild of America.
Burnett served for two years on the board of directors for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.<ref>Burnett profile at nbc.com Template:Webarchive</ref> In November 2007, Burnett was elected into the Broadcast & Cable Hall of Fame and in 2008, it was announced that he would be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On 8 July 2009, Burnett received a star at 6664 Hollywood Blvd.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In June 2011, Burnett was elected into the Producers Guild of America Council Board of Delegates and currently serves on the Producers Council. He is an ambassador for Operation Smile.
In 2013, the ten-hour mini-series The Bible received the Parents Television Council 2013 Seal of Approval. Shark Tank, The Voice and Survivor were all nominated for Critics Choice Awards, at which The Voice won for Best Reality Series – Competition.<ref>Critics Choice Award Winners 2013 — The Big Bang Theory. TVLine (10 June 2013). Retrieved on 23 October 2013.</ref> The three shows were nominated for the Television Critics Association Awards, at which Shark Tank won for Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming.<ref name="tvcritics.org">The Television Critics Association Announces 2013 TCA Award Nominees | Television Critics Association Template:Webarchive. Tvcritics.org (10 June 2013). Retrieved on 23 October 2013.</ref>
In 2013, The Voice, Shark Tank, and The Bible were nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards; The Voice won for Outstanding Reality – Competition Program. The Voice and Shark Tank were nominated at the 2015 Critics' Choice Television Awards, at which Shark Tank won for Best Reality Series.
In 2014, Burnett was named the "Number 1 Reality Producer" on The Hollywood Reporter Reality Power List.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2014, Burnett and his wife Roma Downey were recipients of the Anti-Defamation League's Entertainment Industry Award. He and Downey are heavily involved with philanthropic organizations Operation Smile and Compassion International.<ref>Tim Glenn, compassion.com, Compassion International Partners with Award-Winning Producers and Multiple Churches in 40 U.S. Cities to Promote "Son of God" Feature Film, USA, 10 February 2014</ref> In 2015, they partnered with the Institute for Global Engagement to launch the Cradle Fund (TCF). TCF is focused on raising $25 million to help Middle Eastern minorities displaced by ISIS<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to return to a home where they can practice their faith without fear.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of 2019, they have helped more than 10,000 displaced Christian refugees to relocate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Filmography
Productions
| Template:Dagger | Denotes an unreleased title. |
Award shows
- (2007) 2007 MTV Movie Awards
- (2008) 2008 MTV Movie Awards
- (2010) 36th People's Choice Awards <ref name="Purdum2016"/>
- (2011) 37th People's Choice Awards
- (2011) 2011 MTV Movie Awards
- (2011) 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards <ref name="Purdum2016"/>
- (2011) Spike Video Game Awards
- (2012) 38th People's Choice Awards
- (2012) Spike Video Game Awards
- (2014) 40th People's Choice Awards
- (2015) 41st People's Choice Awards
- (2016) 42nd People's Choice Awards
- (2017) 43rd People's Choice Awards
Films
| Year | Title | Notes | Template:Refh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Are We There Yet? | Television film | <ref name=Schneider2003>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
|
| 2010 | Live for the Moment | <ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
| |
| 2014 | Son of God | <ref name="OMG2014">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| Women of the Bible | Television film | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| |
| 2015 | Little Boy | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| |
| Woodlawn | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| ||
| 2016 | Ben-Hur | <ref name="ny2019"/> | |
| 2021 | Resurrection | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| |
| 2022 | Cirque Du Soleil: Without a Net | Filmed live performance | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2025 | Grace for the World: Live from St. Peters Square | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
|
Television programs
The following section lists unscripted or reality television programs including game shows. Template:Table alignment
Television series
The following section lists television series and miniseries that follow a narrative structure. Template:Table alignment
| Year | Title | Notes | Template:Refh |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | School Spirits | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 2013 | The Bible | <ref name="OMG2014"/><ref name="JO17"/> | |
| 2015 | The Dovekeepers | ||
| A.D. The Bible Continues | |||
| Answered Prayers | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| ||
| Unveiled | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| ||
| 2020 | Messiah | <ref name="JO17">Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 2021 | Luis Miguel: The Series | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> | |
| 2023 | Secrets of Miss America | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| |
| Act Your Age | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
| ||
| TBA | El Gato Template:Dagger | <ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> |
Web series
- (2006) Gold Rush<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- (2011) CliffsNotes<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Music Videos
- (2014) "Mercy" by Anthony EvansTemplate:Cn
Unaired and Prematurely Cancelled Programs
- (2000) Destination: Mir<ref name="AK03">Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- (2004) Commando Nanny<ref name=Schneider2003/>
- (2005) Global Frequency<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- (2008) This is Your Life<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- (2008) Rebuilding the Kingdom<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- (2008) Jingles<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- (2010) Our Little Genius<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- (2011) Untitled Joel Osteen Reality Show <ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- (2012) Mark Burnett's Alaska<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- (2015) Dream Funded: Let the Crowd Decide<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- (2016) Untitled MTV Hip-Hop Reality Competition<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
Appearances
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Template:Refh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | "The Computer is Personal Again" | Himself | Advertisement by HP | <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2012 | Family Guy | Himself | Episode: "Ratings Guy" |
Published works
- Mark Burnett; Martin Dugard (2000). Survivor: the Ultimate Game. New York: TV Books, L. L. C. Template:ISBN.
- Template:Cite book
- Template:Cite book
See also
References
External links
Template:Mark Burnett Template:Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television
- 1960 births
- Living people
- 20th-century evangelicals
- 21st-century evangelicals
- American evangelicals
- American reality television producers
- British Army personnel of the Falklands War
- British emigrants to the United States
- British expatriates in the United States
- British evangelicals
- British Parachute Regiment soldiers
- Businesspeople from the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
- English people of Scottish descent
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer executives
- People from Dagenham
- Primetime Emmy Award winners
- Television producers from California
- Television producers from London
- British television show creators
- British television producers
- Mass media people from Malibu, California
- Businesspeople from Malibu, California