Burton Gilliam. Photo courtesy of Woodrow Wilson via Facebook.
Monday was a landmark day for Woodrow Wilson alumnus Burton Gilliam.
The “Blazing Saddles” star celebrated his 83rd birthday. He wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday that he had received more than 950 happy birthday messages via calls, texts, emails and Facebook.
“Thank you relatives, friends, fans and those of you whom I may have never met,” Gilliam wrote. “I’m blessed to have you in my corner. Bring on #84.”
Gilliam, who also acted in “Back to the Future Part III” and “Paper Moon” was diagnosed with cancer. In January, he said on a podcast he was still having problems with his appetite. One of the show’s hosts offered to talk with him off the air about something to help with that.
“There’s something special that I can give you to increase your appetite a little bit,” he said.
“I’m bewildered,” Gilliam said in response.
Gilliam, nicknamed “Bubba,” is cancer free. His doctors found the cancer early on.
He was inducted into the Woodrow’s hall of fame in 2004.
