Gilliam was born in Dallas, Texas. Before acting, Gilliam was a member of the Coast Guard’s boxing team where he won 201 out of 217 fights. He remained in the boxing world for decades, working as a referee in California. While working as a fireman for the city of Dallas, Gilliam appeared in the role of “Floyd”, the desk clerk in the film Paper Moon. He then went on to appear in such popular movies as Blazing Saddles and Back to the Future Part III. Gilliam has had roles in movies such as Honeymoon in Vegas, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Farewell, My Lovely, Fletch, Gator, Telefon, and The Terror Within II. His television appearances include Alice, Charlie’s Angels, The A-Team, The Dukes of Hazzard, The Fall Guy, and he appeared as a regular on Evening Shade. Burton’s credits include nearly 200 other television show appearances and over 300 TV commercials.

Burton and his wife Susan now reside in Allen, Texas. They have two children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who live in the Dallas area.