[3] He initially planned to be an attorney like his father, but participation in theatrical productions at the University of Washington (UW) turned his interest to acting.
[5] He was a member of the Washington Coast Artillery, National Guard for six years before the United States entered the war.
[4] His other newspaper roles included editorial writer, drama and music critic, art editor, and being in charge of Sunday magazines and rotogravure sections.
[5] Burdick's work on stage included performing in Anniversary Waltz, The Apple Cart, Auntie Mame, Calculated Risk, Death of a Salesman, The Ivory Branch, and Solid Gold Cadillac.
[5] His other radio creations included Night Editor, in which he starred for 12 years,[2] beginning on KPO on September 12, 1934.