Mark Burnett (born 17 July, 1960) is a British-American television producer. He is known for introducing reality television as a genre to the USA. He produced the USA version of the series Survivor and the Eco-Challenge. Survivor is the most watched summer series since Sonny and Cher. He has also produced The Apprentice, The Restaurant, The Casino, Rock Star, Combat Missions, The Contender, Martha Stewart, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, and Pirate Master. He collaborated with Steven Spielberg on a FOX show titled On the Lot, which granted one out of 18 contestants an exclusive Hollywood deal with DreamWorks and Spielberg. The show premiered in May 2007.
New series for Mark Burnett in 2008 include Amnesia and My Dad Is Better Than Your Dad on NBC and Jingles on CBS.
Since 2001, Burnett has been nominated for 48 Emmy Awards and has won two.
In November of 2007 Burnett was elected into the Broadcast and Cable Hall of Fame.
Time Magazine included Burnett in their April 26, 2004 list "100: Our List of the Most Influential People in the World Today".
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) & "Apprentice, The" (2004). Is now working on a reality boxing show called "Contender, The" (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.
Had two sons with his ex-wife Diane: James and Cameron Burnett.
Announced engagement to girlfriend Roma Downey [December 2, 2006].
Married Roma Downey on April 28, 2007 at their home in Malibu. The ceremony was officiated by Della Reese.
