Burton Hill Mustin (February 8, 1884[1][2] – January 28, 1977) was an American character actor[3] who appeared in over 150 film and television productions.

Known for his dependability and versatility, Mustin established a career as a well-known character actor and worked extensively in film and television from the 1950s to the 1970s.

[4] His last major role was as Arthur Lanson on the CBS sitcom Phyllis, appearing on the show until shortly before his death in early 1977 at the age of 92.

In 1916, Mustin began working as a salesman selling Oakland Sensible Sixes, and he later sold luxury air-cooled Franklins.

After the Franklin company quit selling automobiles in 1934, Mustin sold Mercurys and Lincolns until civilian car production was halted in 1942, during World War II.

He was also a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, making his first trip to California in 1925 for a quartet competition in San Francisco.

Almost from the start to the end of his career, Mustin specialized in playing older men, and with his tall scarecrow frame, bald head and beaked nose, he became one of the most familiar and busiest elderly character actors.

During the 1960s, Mustin made one or more appearances on The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Batman (episode 48), Ben Casey, The Beverly Hillbillies, Bewitched, Bonanza, Cimarron Strip, Dr. Kildare, Dragnet, Get Smart, Gunsmoke, Ichabod and Me, The Jack Benny Program, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, The Monkees, My Three Sons, The New Phil Silvers Show, and The Virginian.

Known for his quick wit and song-and-dance abilities, Mustin was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson during the 1970s.

Hosted by Gene Kelly, the series featured an ensemble cast of five married couples that dealt with various issues through comedy sketches and song-and-dance routines.

He then had roles in Talk About a Stranger (1952), The Sellout (1952; first credited), The Silver Whip (1953), Half a Hero (1953), She Couldn't Say No (1954), The Desperate Hours (1955), Man with the Gun (1955), Storm Center (1956), and The Sheepman (1958).

(1964), The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (1964), Sex and the Single Girl (1964), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), Cat Ballou (1965) (uncredited as a former gunfighter "Old ... Old ... ?"

), The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1965), The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967), Speedway (uncredited) (1968), The Shakiest Gun in the West (1968), The Great Bank Robbery (1969), Hail, Hero!

In 1974, Mustin portrayed "Uncle Jeff" in the musical film Mame, starring Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur.

In 2000 TV Land created a series of commercials celebrating the often-seen but little-known-by-name character actors who regularly appeared in their shows, with Mustin being featured in one.