Jack Burns, also known as John Francis Burns, is an American actor and writer. Before starting his film career, he worked in the radio station KXOL, in Texas, with his comedian partner George Carlin. He first appeared in the movie Ripe Cherry Cheerleaders. Burns married Violet Torre in 1965. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Series for the TV series Muppet Show, in the year 1977.