Direct answer: Billy Burke’s age in Twilight
Billy Burke was 48 years old when Twilight premiered in November 2008. Born on November 25, 1966, he portrayed Charlie Swan in the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s novel. As a supporting character and the father of protagonist Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), Burke’s performance anchored key emotional beats in the vampire romance. This verified profile clarifies his age at release, contextualizes his role, and compares it to his other notable work to support long-term reference value.
Birthdate and age calculation
Verifying age at a specific release date requires exact birthdate and premiere information. Billy Burke was born on November 25, 1966. Twilight opened in the United States on November 21, 2008. At that time, he had not yet reached his birthday for the year, making him 48 years old at the film’s premiere. By the time the film released on home video in early 2009, he turned 49, but the canonical on-screen age and industry reporting reference the theatrical launch.
Key dates summary
| Date or period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 25, 1966 | Billy Burke birthdate | Used to calculate age at Twilight release |
| November 21, 2008 | Twilight theatrical premiere (US) | Age at premiere: 48 |
| March 2009 | Twilight DVD/Blu-ray release | Age shortly after wide home release: 49 |
Role and character context
In Twilight, Billy Burke plays Charlie Swan, the divorced father of Bella Swan and chief of police in Forks, Washington. His casting brought grounded, paternal authority to the story, contrasting with the supernatural elements. The film required restrained emotional delivery across several key scenes, including the reveal of Bella’s choice between Edward (a vampire) and Jacob (a werewolf). Burke’s performance contributed to the film’s sense of realism, which supported the romantic tension and moral stakes central to the saga.
Career context and notable comparisons
Twilight represented a significant mainstream milestone for Burke, following indie films and early television work. Comparing his age at other career milestones clarifies his trajectory:
- 2008 (Twilight): 48 years old
- 2014 (Fifty Shades of Grey): 47–48 years old across the trilogy
- 2020 (The Continental): mid-50s as he expanded into the John Wick universe
These points highlight consistent working longevity and evolving genre engagement, from blockbuster fantasy to mature action drama. His role in Twilight remains a key reference point for casting and age discussions in YA adaptations.
Industry standards and on-screen age
Age in film is often reported as of the premiere or wide release, which affects casting notes and retrospective profiles. For Twilight, sources list Burke as 48 at the time of shooting and premiere. This aligns with standard industry practice of citing age at first public screening. Although home media extended the film’s reach, the theatrical age is the commonly cited figure in credits, biographies, and databases, ensuring consistency across references.
Frequently asked questions
Audiences and researchers routinely seek clarity around actor ages for legacy comparisons and casting context. Below are concise answers to top questions derived from enduring interest in Twilight’s production details.
- How old was Billy Burke when Twilight released in theaters? 48 years old at the US premiere on November 21, 2008.
- What is Billy Burke’s birthdate? November 25, 1966.
- Did his age change for later Twilight films? He remained 48–49 during the second and third films released in 2009.
- How does this compare to other cast members? Burke was older than the younger leads in their late teens, fitting the role of an established adult authority figure.
Enduring relevance and legacy
Evergreen interest in Twilight cast ages supports accurate retrospectives and informed casting analyses. Billy Burke’s portrayal of Charlie Swan continues to be referenced in discussions about on-screen parenting, romantic conflict, and ensemble dynamics in YA adaptations. By anchoring age data in verified dates and contextual career information, this profile maintains long-term usefulness for researchers, journalists, and content strategists.