Mark Burnett - Biography

Last Editor: mjs200128092				Mark Burnett Biography -   Name : Mark Burnett Profession : Producer Birth Details : born July 17, 1960 Spouse : Roma Downey (2004 - present) Diane Burnett (? - 2003) (divorced) 2 children

Mark Burnett Trivia -

He was a paratrooper in the British Army English entrepreneur, adventure racing promoter and television producer; creator and executive producer of the television series "Survivor." Formerly an NCO in the British Army's elite Parachute Regiment. Did several tours of duty in Northern Ireland and fought in the 1982 Falklands war. Ex-British paratrooper & decorated war hero who is now one of the USA's major TV producers responsible for shows such as "Survivor" (2000) & "The Apprentice" (2004). Is now working on a reality boxing show called "The Contender" (2005) with Sylvester Stallone and former boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard. In October 1982 he was on his way to Central America as an advisor to the British SAS in a "security operation". He was going there via Los Angeles. His mother advised him to think seriously about the risks, as she had a bad feeling about it. On the flight to LA, he thought about it, and opted to stay in the USA instead, where he has lived ever since. Whilst with the Paras he was awarded campaign medals for his tours in Northern Ireland and the Falklands campaign.

Mark Burnett Detailed Biography -

Mark Burnett (born July 17, 1960), a British-born, naturalized citizen of the United States, is an extremely successful and dynamic TV producer, best known for the reality television series Survivor and the Eco-Challenge adventure race, as well as for The Apprentice, The Restaurant, The Casino, Rock Star: INXS and The Contender. He has won two Emmy Awards, and is living with Northern Ireland-born actress, Roma Downey. Mark Burnett was born an only child in London, England. From 1977 to 1982 Burnett served in the British Army in Northern Ireland, and also took part in the Falklands War. In 1982 Burnett moved to Los Angeles, and for the next decade held a variety of low-level jobs. In early 1991 Burnett was inspired when he read an article chronicling the Raid Gauloises, the most famous adventure race of its day. Burnett became convinced that bringing an expedition-style race to the United States could capture the imagination of the American public. After purchasing the rights to the Raid from its creator, Burnett launched the Eco-Challenge. In 1996, Burnett attempted to reapply the formula of "Americanizing" a proven formula by purchasing the rights to Survivor.