Burnet attended Holland Park School where his interest in drama first developed, taking an A level in the subject.[1]
Before becoming an actor, Burnet aspired to become a professional footballer.[2] He attended Queens Park Rangers Football School. He subsequently undertook trials and played in various locations throughout Europe before returning to London to complete his A levels.[3][4]
He still plays football, taking part in a football match on 1 June 2007 at the new Wembley Stadium prior to England's first match at the stadium. In September 2007, he played for England in an England v Russia charity match in support of the Give Life Foundation.[5][6]
Acting career
Television
Burnet joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2002 as a main character and series regular, Craig Dean, following his second ever audition. On 3 August 2007, producer Bryan Kirkwood confirmed on Digital Spy that Burnet was quitting Hollyoaks. He said, "I am genuinely gutted that Guy is leaving the show, but after five years he feels the time is right. He's an amazing actor and has really come into his own through his work on the Craig and John Paul storyline - and has helped turn it into one of Hollyoaks' biggest ever storylines. We've left the door open for him to return and I wish him the very best of luck for whatever he does next."[7]
In 2009, Burnet played "Pinklady" in Moving On for the BBC.[8] After years on the New York stage, Burnet moved on to cable TV work and film. He appeared on the Showtime series Ray Donovan.[9][10]
In 2016, Burnet joined the third series of Showtime's The Affair in the recurring role of Mike Cornwell. In 2017, he joined the second season of Hand of God starring Ron Perlman.[11] Also in 2017, Burnet was shooting Counterpart opposite J.K. Simmons.[12]
During 2012, Burnet was the lead in a production of Murder in the First, which played off-Broadway.[17]
Personal life
As well as playing football, Burnet is involved in amateur boxing. His interest in boxing led him to direct a documentary on WBU featherweight title holder Derry Mathews.[18]
