Danny Burstein

Burstein in 2014, photo by Prphotos

Birth Name: Daniel Melcher (likely)

Place of Birth: Mt. Kisco, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: June 16, 1964

Ethnicity:
*mother – Costa Rican [Spanish]

Danny Burstein is an American actor and singer.

Danny’s mother, Virginia (Vega), who is Catholic, is from Costa Rica (with Spanish ancestry). Danny’s mother and biological father, Michael Melcher, separated when he was two months old. When Danny was six, his mother married Harvey Burstein. Harvey, who became Danny’s stepfather, helped raise him. Harvey is from a Jewish family.

It is not (publicly) clear what Danny’s biological father’s ancestry is. Danny’s first language is Spanish. Danny has also said that his mother has some degree of Sephardi Jewish ancestry, although his mother and her family were Catholic by religion.

Danny was married to actress, singer, and recording artist Rebecca Luker, until her death. He has two children.

Danny’s maternal grandfather was Francisco Alvarado Vega Aronis (the son of Jeami Vega and Maria Alvarado Aronis). Francisco was born in Tres Rios, Cartago, Costa Rica.

Danny’s maternal grandmother was Alicia Adela Valverde Vargas (the daughter of Juan Miguel Maria Valverde Rojas and Elodia Vargas Fonseca). Alicia was born in San Jose, Costa Rica. Juan was the son of Jose Valverde and Barbara Balvina Mora Cordero.

Sources: Genealogy of Danny Burstein (focusing on his mother’s side) – https://gw.geneanet.org

Obituary of Danny’s maternal grandfather, Francisco Alvarado Vega Aronis – http://www.findagrave.com

Marriage record of Danny’s maternal great-grandparents, Juan Maria Valverde Rojas and Elodia Vargas Fonseca – https://www.familysearch.org