Richard Burton

Richard Burton
20th Century Fox · Public domain · source
Name	Richard Burton
Birth date	November 10, 1925
Birth place	Pontrhydyfen, Wales
Death date	August 5, 1984
Death place	Geneva, Switzerland
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1944-1984
Spouse	Sybil Christopher, Elizabeth Taylor, Sally Hay, Susan Hunt

Richard Burton was a renowned Welsh actor who gained international recognition for his distinctive voice and powerful performances on stage and screen, often alongside notable actors such as Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, and Peter O'Toole. He was born in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, and began his acting career at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Burton's early life was marked by his association with the Welsh Rugby Union and his education at Port Talbot, where he was influenced by his teacher, Philip Burton. His talent was soon recognized, and he became a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in plays such as Hamlet and Macbeth at the Aldwych Theatre in London.

● Early Life

Burton was born to a family of coal miners in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, and was the twelfth of thirteen children. His early life was influenced by his love for rugby union, and he played for the Port Talbot team. He was educated at Eastern Primary School and later at Port Talbot Secondary School, where he was encouraged by his teacher, Philip Burton, to pursue a career in acting. Burton's association with the Welsh Rugby Union and his education at Port Talbot played a significant role in shaping his early life. He was also influenced by the works of William Shakespeare, particularly Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, which he performed at the Old Vic in London.

● Career

Burton's acting career spanned over four decades, during which he performed in numerous stage productions, including Hamlet and Macbeth, at the Aldwych Theatre in London. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and worked alongside notable actors such as Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and John Gielgud. Burton's film career was equally impressive, with notable roles in Cleopatra alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Rex Harrison, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? alongside Elizabeth Taylor and George Segal, and The Taming of the Shrew alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Michael York. He also appeared in films such as The Robe alongside Victor Mature and Jean Simmons, The Desert Rats alongside James Mason and Robert Newton, and The Longest Day alongside John Wayne and Robert Mitchum.

● Personal Life

Burton's personal life was marked by his tumultuous relationships, particularly his marriages to Sybil Christopher, Elizabeth Taylor, Sally Hay, and Susan Hunt. His relationship with Elizabeth Taylor was highly publicized, and the couple married twice, first in 1964 and again in 1975. Burton was also known for his love of literature and was an avid reader of the works of William Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, and George Orwell. He was a close friend of Peter O'Toole, Oliver Reed, and Richard Harris, and the group was known for their Hellfire Club antics. Burton's personal life was also influenced by his association with the University of Oxford, where he was a member of the Oxford University Dramatic Society.

● Filmography

Burton's filmography includes a wide range of roles, from drama to comedy. Some of his notable films include Cleopatra alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Rex Harrison, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? alongside Elizabeth Taylor and George Segal, and The Taming of the Shrew alongside Elizabeth Taylor and Michael York. He also appeared in films such as The Robe alongside Victor Mature and Jean Simmons, The Desert Rats alongside James Mason and Robert Newton, and The Longest Day alongside John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Burton's performances were often recognized with awards and nominations, including Academy Award nominations for his roles in The Robe and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

● Legacy

Burton's legacy as an actor is still celebrated today, with many regarding him as one of the greatest actors of all time. He was known for his powerful performances on stage and screen, and his distinctive voice is still widely recognized. Burton's influence can be seen in the work of actors such as Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellen, and Judi Dench, who have all cited him as an inspiration. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was awarded a Grammy Award for his narration of The Little Prince. Burton's legacy extends beyond his acting career, with his love of literature and poetry inspiring a new generation of writers and actors.

● Death

Burton died on August 5, 1984, in Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 58. His death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage, and he was buried in Celigny, Switzerland. Burton's death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the acting community, with actors such as Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and John Gielgud paying their respects. His legacy continues to be celebrated, with his performances remaining some of the most iconic in the history of cinema. Burton's association with the Royal Shakespeare Company and his performances at the Aldwych Theatre in London are still remembered today, and his influence can be seen in the work of actors such as Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson. Category:Welsh actors