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Richard BurtonEnglish theater and film actor, one of the husbands of Hollywood film star Elizabeth Taylor
Date of Birth: 10.11.1925
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Richard Burton
Richard Burton, born Richard Walter Jenkins, was an English stage and film actor. He was best known for his on-screen and off-screen relationship with the Hollywood film star Elizabeth Taylor, which began during the filming of the epic movie "Cleopatra" in 1963 and continued with periods of separation and reconciliation until 1976. Burton was constantly in the press spotlight due to the extravagance of the American film star and his own tempestuous nature as a Welshman who enjoyed a drink.
Early Life and Career
Richard Walter Jenkins was born in Pontrhydyfen, Wales. He was the twelfth of thirteen children born to a miner. Richard showed his talents in school plays at a young age and made his professional stage debut in 1943. After serving in the Royal Air Force, he attended a six-month course at Oxford University, designed for servicemen. After being demobilized in 1947, Burton secured a contract in London. In 1948, he made his film debut in the adaptation of Welsh playwright Emlyn Williams' play, "The Last Days of Dolwyn".
Burton's masculine appearance, explosive temperament, and deep, soft, and incredibly powerful voice attracted attention. He had a successful career reading on the radio and began playing leading roles at the Memorial Shakespeare Theatre in 1951. His Hollywood breakthrough came with the film "My Cousin Rachel" in 1952, which earned him an Academy Award nomination (he received a total of seven nominations throughout his career, but never won the award).
Successes in Film
Burton achieved his greatest acting achievements, usually as part of an ensemble with other outstanding performers. He starred alongside Peter O'Toole in "Becket" (1964) and with Elizabeth Taylor in the film adaptation of Edward Albee's play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966). His on-screen and off-screen relationship with Taylor, which began during the filming of "Cleopatra" in 1963, remained in the media spotlight due to the extravagant behavior of the American film star and Burton's fiery nature. Some of their most famous films together include "The Taming of the Shrew" (1967), "The Comedians" (1967), and "Boom!" (1968).
Late Career
Despite playing his later film roles with skill, Burton's late career did not add much to his reputation as a talented actor who had promised so much but may not have fully delivered. His last role was the mysterious and brutal O'Brien in the film adaptation of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" (1984).
Overall, Richard Burton was known for his dynamic presence on both the stage and screen. His talent and charisma left a lasting impact on the world of acting.
