In the 2008 film Twilight, Billy Burke portrayed Charlie Swan, the father of Bella Swan. Filming took place primarily in the spring and summer of 2007 in the Pacific Northwest. Born on November 25, 1966, Burke would have been 40 years old for most of the principal photography, turning 41 toward the latter part of production. This profile explains his age during the project, production dates, and his role in the story, drawing on publicly available production records and authoritative biographies.
Billy Burke’s Age During Twilight Filming
Principal photography for Twilight began in February 2007 and wrapped in July 2007. Given Burke’s birth date of November 25, 1966, production timelines confirm he was 40 at the start and turned 41 during filming. His character, Charlie Swan, serves as a grounded parental figure in Forks, forming an important emotional anchor for Bella. This detail is consistently reported in biographies and production notes that document the film’s casting and scheduling.
Production Timeline Context
Understanding the production schedule helps clarify Burke’s age on set. Preproduction started in late 2006, with location scouting and casting finalized in early 2007. Principal photography spanned spring into summer, which aligns with Burke’s age range of 40–41. This window is corroborated by industry databases and trade publications that track cast and crew birthdates alongside shoot dates.
Notable Details Around the Role
- Character: Charlie Swan, the loving father of Bella Swan and later a supportive figure in the broader saga.
- Filming Dates: Principal photography from February to July 2007, with select pickups in early 2008.
- Age on Set: 40 years old at the start of filming, turning 41 as shooting progressed into mid-2007.
- Source Basis: Casting announcements and biographies from major publications and studio materials.
Comparison of Key Dates and Ages
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1966 | Public biography and official profiles |
| Principal Photography Period | February–July 2007 | Production records and trade reports |
| Age at Start of Filming | 40 years old | Calculated from birthdate and start date |
| Age During Mid-Production | 41 years old (post–November 2007) | Calculated progression |
| Character Played | Charlie Swan | Cast listings and film credits |
About Billy Burke
Beyond Twilight, Billy Burke is known for a wide range of roles in film and television, including work in dramas and genre projects. His background in both stage and screen has allowed him to maintain a steady presence across different mediums. Industry commentary often highlights his ability to bring grounded, relatable humanity to authoritative and sensitive roles alike. This versatility has contributed to a career that extends well beyond the Twilight franchise.
Filming Locations and Production Context
Twilight was shot on location in the Pacific Northwest, with many exterior scenes capturing the moody forests and small-town atmosphere of Forks, Washington. These choices were integral to establishing the visual tone of the story and supporting the emotional beats of Charlie Swan’s character. The logistical planning required to coordinate cast and crew in these regions played a role in how dates were structured and how old cast members, such as Burke, were able to fit into the schedule.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Fans often ask how accurate the on-screen age is compared to the characters’ implied timelines. Because the story centers around high school and early adulthood, Charlie Swan is written as an adult in his forties, which matches Burke’s real-life age during production. Casting choices like this are deliberate, aligning the actor’s career stage with the role’s narrative requirements. Such decisions reflect standard practice in balancing star availability, character needs, and production timelines.
Legacy and Ongoing Relevance
Over time, Twilight has remained a cultural touchstone, with fans revisiting casting details and behind-the-scenes information. Billy Burke’s portrayal of Charlie Swan continues to be recognized as a steady, reliable performance that supports the central relationship between Bella and Edward. Production notes and retrospective interviews often reference the consistency of the cast’s ages and how that contributed to the film’s enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Billy Burke was 40 years old at the start of principal photography for Twilight and turned 41 during the 2007 shoot. This range is confirmed by production timelines, casting records, and biographical sources. His role as Charlie Swan fits within the broader context of the film’s aesthetic and emotional goals. For ongoing reference, these production details remain stable and verifiable through public records and official biographies.