Early Life & Education
Richard Burton was born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydyfen, Wales. He was the 12th of 13 children in a working-class Welsh family. After his mother died when he was two years old, he was raised by his older sister.
A gifted student, Burton was mentored by his teacher, Philip Burton, who became a father figure and helped him refine his English-speaking skills. He later adopted “Burton” as his professional surname. He won a scholarship to Oxford University, where he studied acting.
Acting Career
1940s – Early Stage Career
Burton made his stage debut in 1943 and quickly gained recognition for his deep, commanding voice. After serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, he returned to acting and made his London stage breakthrough in The Lady’s Not for Burning (1949).
1950s – Hollywood Breakthrough
Burton transitioned to film in the 1950s, with early roles in:
- My Cousin Rachel (1952) – His Hollywood breakthrough, earning his first Oscar nomination
- The Robe (1953) – The first film in CinemaScope, making him a major star
- Alexander the Great (1956)
- Look Back in Anger (1959) – A defining British drama
1960s – Iconic Roles & Elizabeth Taylor
The 1960s saw Burton become one of the highest-paid and most famous actors in the world. His performances included:
- Cleopatra (1963) – Starring opposite Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he began a famous love affair
- Becket (1964) – Nominated for an Academy Award
- The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965) – A celebrated Cold War thriller
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) – His most acclaimed role, earning another Oscar nomination
- The Taming of the Shrew (1967) – A Shakespearean film with Taylor
Burton’s on-screen chemistry with Elizabeth Taylor captivated audiences. They married in 1964, divorced in 1974, then remarried briefly in 1975, before splitting for good in 1976. Their tempestuous relationship was as famous as his acting career.
1970s – Decline & Comeback
Although still a respected actor, Burton’s career declined in the 1970s, partly due to his heavy drinking. However, he still delivered strong performances in:
- Equus (1977) – One of his best late-career roles, earning another Oscar nomination
- The Wild Geese (1978) – A cult action film
1980s – Final Years
Burton continued working but struggled with declining health due to years of alcohol abuse. His last major film was 1984 (1984), an adaptation of George Orwell’s novel.
Personal Life
Burton was known for his booming voice, charisma, and turbulent love life. He married five times, including twice to Elizabeth Taylor. He also struggled with alcoholism, which affected his health and career.
Death
Richard Burton passed away on August 5, 1984, at the age of 58, due to a cerebral hemorrhage.
Legacy
Burton was nominated for seven Academy Awards but never won, making him one of the most nominated actors without a win. He is remembered for his powerful voice, Shakespearean performances, and legendary romance with Elizabeth Taylor.
