CelebList
Ken Burns

Is Ken Burns A-List?

YesA

YesKen Burns is an A-list celebrity, a household name with massive fame and influence.

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Reached A-list in 1990

'The Civil War' Premieres

Ranking Timeline

1981C$0.1M

Early Historical Documentaries

Burns starts career focusing on historical subjects. Gaining experience.

1990A▲▲$1M+$0.9M

'The Civil War' Premieres

Groundbreaking series revolutionizes documentary genre. Massive success and recognition.

1994A$3M+$2M

'Baseball' Series Released

Another acclaimed documentary series, solidifies Burns' reputation. Increasing his reputation and wealth.

2001A$6M+$3M

'Jazz' Documentary Series

Explores jazz music, further cementing his influence. Another successful documentary.

2007A$10M+$4M

'The War' Premieres

Award winning look into WWII. Further critical acclaim and increasing his profile.

2016A$13M+$3M

'Defying the Nazis' Released

Continuing making more historical documentaries. Remains at the top of his career.

2026A$16M+$3M

Influential Documentary Filmmaker

Continues to produce acclaimed documentaries, still influential in the documentary world.

Last updated: February 21, 2026