Burgess Meredith the Penguin's father in the 1992 Tim Burton film "Batman Returns", but illness prevented him from appearing and the role was taken by Paul Reubens. Meredith was married four times. His first wife, Helen Derby Merrien Burgess, was the daughter of Harry L. Derby, president of the American Cyanamid and Chemical Corporation; she took her life after their divorce. His next two wives were actresses, Margaret Perry and Paulette Goddard. Goddard had a miscarriage in 1944. His last marriage, to Kaja Sundsten, lasted 46 years and produced two children—Jonathon (a musician) and Tala (a painter). Meredith was a lifelong Democrat
Burgess Meredith 95-year-old father in "Grumpy Old Men" (1993) and its sequel, "Grumpier Old Men" (1995). Meredith directed the movie "The Man on the Eiffel Tower" (1949) starring Charles Laughton, which was produced by Irving Allen. Meredith also was billed in a supporting role in this film. In 1970, he directed (as well as co-wrote and played a supporting role in) "The Yin and the Yang of Mr. Go", an espionage caper starring James Mason and Jeff Bridges. Meredith appeared in four different starring roles in the anthology TV series "The Twilight Zone", tying him with Jack Klugman for the most appearances