Biography
Montré Burton, originally from Norfolk, Virginia, is of African-American and Cuban heritage. He was raised by his grandparents, mother, and aunt alongside his five brothers and two sisters. He grew up attending Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church, where he performed every Sunday. Early on, he joined The Hurrah Players Youth & Family Theatre Company, starring in productions such as Pinocchio, Once Upon A Mattress, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. In middle school, Montré played the violin and ranked as the third best player in Virginia's Hampton Roads area. He attended the Virginia Governor's School for the Arts in high school, graduating with honors and focusing on theatre, featuring in shows like The Misanthrope, Anything Goes, Museum, and 42nd Street. Montré earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Old Dominion University, performing in Angels in America, The Hairy Ape, and Juxtapose. He furthered his studies at Florida State University/British American Drama Academy in London, training with renowned classical artist Norman Ayerton, former head of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and Juilliard School faculty. In Los Angeles, he trained at Playhouse West and the Gloria Gifford Conservatory for the Performing Arts and continues to mentor young artists.
In 1998, Montré was diagnosed with benign central neurocytomas, a rare central nervous system tumor. At that time, few people had this condition, and he was told he had only two weeks to live if the tumor was not immediately detected and removed. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Montré turned this challenge into strength and continued to pursue his dreams in entertainment.
Montré gained significant recognition in the summer series Disney's High School Musical: Get in the Picture, where he served as a "Faculty" member, mentoring and encouraging contestants. He has also guest-starred on HBO's Entourage, My TV Network's Wicked Wicked Games, and FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. His stage credits include Dormant at the Los Angeles Jewish Theatre and Sleepwalk at the historic Ford Theatre in Los Angeles, directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera. Montré has appeared in national commercials for Domino's, Chrysler, Snapple, Burger King, McDonald's, ABC, and E! Entertainment Television.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, Montré enjoys traveling and recently launched his own production company, Oakmont North Productions, named after his childhood neighborhood.
