Actor. A native of Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, Burns is probably best known for playing the role of Jack Cleary in the 1983 television miniseries, “The Thorn Birds”, which also starred Richard Chamberlain. He also played Deputy Brett Cueva in the television series, “240-Robert” in 1981. His other credits include the films, “Herbie Goes Bananas” (1980), “The Day The Bubble Burst” (1982), “Spiker” (1986), and the television programs, “Werewolf”, “Simon & Simon”, “Heart of The City”, and “Eight Is Enough.” He died from AIDS. (bio by: K)