Mark Burnett (born 17 July, 1960), a British-born, naturalized citizen of the United States, is an extremely successful and dynamic TV producer, best known for pioneering reality television as a genre for the 2000s and beyond. Burnett created the series Survivor and the Eco-Challenge adventure race, as well as using his eponymous prodcution company to setup shows like The Apprentice, The Restaurant, The Casino, Rock Star and The Contender. He is currently collaborating with Stephen Spielberg on a new show called On the Lot which will grant one out of 16 contestants an exclusive Hollywood deal with Dreamworks and Spielberg.

He has won two Emmy Awards, and is living with Northern Ireland-born actress, Roma Downey.

Biography

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.

In 2005, he wrote the book (published by Ballantine Books)^* JUMP IN! (Even if you don't know how to swim) an autobiographical journey from the moment he left his home in the UK to America. An inspiring tale of over 20 years from his first job as a male nanny in a Beverly Hills home, to selling t-shirts in Venice Beach, to his many trials, mishaps and successes in reality television production of his acclaimmed TV shows.

Personal

He is linked to Roma Downey, who plays Monica in the television series Touched by an Angel (1994-2003). He has two sons, James and Cameron from previous marriage.

He holds dual US and British citizenship.

External links

• Rock Star Fantasy Game for Mark Burnett's Reality TV Show, Rock Star Supernova and Rockstar INXS On CBS
• IMDB.com entry for Mark Burnett

1960 births | Living people | Emmy Award winners | Naturalized citizens of the United States

Mark Burnett