Burke attended the Kennedy Child Study Center in New York City, from age five until graduating shortly before his eighth birthday.

At that time there were no suitable private education programs for students with disabilities in the area, so, in the fall of 1973, Burke was sent to board at the Cardinal Cushing School and Training Center in Hanover, Massachusetts.

This role inspired Burke to participate in a talent show after he transferred to Don Guanella, in which he acted as a zombie in a reenactment of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.

He continued to hone his talent by attending night classes, going to auditions, writing scripts, and voraciously reading books about his favorite actors.

Network executives at ABC were impressed by his performance in Desperate and created Life Goes On with Burke's character, Charles "Corky" Thatcher, as the main role.

[6][7] As a Goodwill Ambassador, he travels the country attending Buddy Walks,[8] making public appearances, speaking with the press and greeting fans.

They also produced a two-episode DVD for children called The Forever Friends Show and have appeared on television performing their signature song, "Celebrate.