Jere Burns has always been a versatile presence on screen, carving out a unique space in both comedy and drama over the years. Early in his career, Jere Burns made a strong impression with his portrayal of Kirk Morris on the NBC sitcom “Dear John” (1988–92), where he played an unapologetically smarmy and sexist character that audiences loved to hate. With his sharp, angular features and an intense, almost hypnotic gaze—some might even say Rasputin-like—Jere Burns quickly became the go-to actor for shady or morally ambiguous roles during the 1980s and early ‘90s.
It was on “Dear John” that Jere Burns truly broke through, bringing a delightfully lecherous energy to his role that stood out even among the show’s quirky ensemble. That success opened doors, and soon Jere Burns was popping up as the comic foil in a string of short-lived but memorable comedies like “Bob” (CBS, 1992–93), “The Mommies” (NBC, 1994–95), and later “Surviving Suburbia” (2009). He also spent two seasons as part of the workplace comedy “Good Morning, Miami” (NBC, 2002–04), further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and scene-stealing performer.
In 1996, Jere Burns stepped into a rare leading role with the family-oriented sitcom “Something So Right,” which aired first on NBC and then moved to ABC before wrapping in 1998. While known primarily for his comedic timing, Jere Burns never limited himself—he consistently took on dramatic guest spots throughout his career, showcasing his depth and range.
Then, around 2010, Jere Burns began what many saw as a new chapter. Moving beyond the sitcom world, he brought his signature intensity to some of cable television’s most acclaimed dramas. Fans may remember him as the calm yet unsettling leader of a drug rehab group on “Breaking Bad” (AMC, 2009–13), or as a ruthless Southern criminal on “Justified” (FX, 2010–15). He also made a lasting impact on “Burn Notice” (USA, 2007–2013), playing a cunning, scheming member of a shadowy syndicate who always seemed to be three steps ahead.
Later, Jere Burns returned to comedy with gusto, taking on the role of the sarcastic and deadpan Lieutenant Atkins in the offbeat police satire “Angie Tribeca” (TBS, 2016– ), proving once again that Jere Burns could master any tone, from dark drama to absurdist humor. Across decades and genres, Jere Burns has remained a chameleon—constantly evolving, endlessly watchable, and always leaving a mark, no matter how brief his appearance.
When it comes to Jere Burns’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to The Funhouse Massacre (2015) as the standout—yes, that’s right, Jere Burns’s highest rated movie is indeed The Funhouse Massacre, a horror-comedy that really brought his talents to the forefront. On the flip side, going through the years, one title tends to come up when discussing the lower end of the spectrum: Wired (1989). That film, while notable for various reasons, ended up being Jere Burns’s lowest rated movie overall. So, whether you’re diving into his most praised work or exploring the less-acclaimed corners of his career, Jere Burns has certainly made an impression across different eras of cinema.