Richard Burton | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 14, 2025

Who is Richard Burton?

Richard Burton was an acclaimed Welsh actor known for his powerful voice and dramatic presence on stage and screen. Born Richard Walter Jenkins on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydfen, South Wales, he grew up in a poor coal-mining family. Overcoming early tragedies, including the loss of his mother at a young age, Burton was taken under the wing of Philip Burton, a teacher who would significantly influence his life and career. Adopting the surname Burton, he made his acting debut in 1943 and gained recognition for his roles in both British theater and Hollywood films, earning seven Academy Award nominations throughout his illustrious career.

His personal life was equally as captivating as his professional one, particularly his tumultuous relationship with actress Elizabeth Taylor. The pair met while filming the epic Cleopatra in 1962, instantly sparking a passionate romance that led to two marriages and two divorces over the years. Burton and Taylor became the subjects of relentless media scrutiny, not only due to their on-screen chemistry but also their extravagant lifestyle that included lavish gifts, heavy drinking, and public altercations. Despite their ups and downs, they shared an enduring bond that persisted until Burton's untimely death due to a cerebral hemorrhage in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on film and theater.

Early Life and Education

Richard Burton was born Richard Walter Jenkins on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydfen, a small village in South Wales. He was the twelfth child of an impoverished coal miner, growing up in a home marked by hardship. Losing his mother at the tender age of two left a void in his early life, which was later filled by Philip Burton, a schoolteacher who became both his guardian and mentor. Under Philip's influence, Jenkins developed a passion for acting and the performing arts, laying the groundwork for his future career.

Following his early education, Burton earned a scholarship to Oxford University, where he further honed his talents. Shortly after, he served in the Royal Air Force during World War II before returning to acting in 1947. His debut in the theater marked the beginning of a promising career, as he showcased his incredible voice and oration skills, quickly becoming known on stage. Notably, Burton made his London debut in "The Druid's Rest", firmly establishing himself as a rising star in the theatrical world. His exceptional early experiences would soon lead him to become one of the most celebrated actors in film and theater.

Meeting Elizabeth Taylor: The Start of a Tumultuous Relationship

Richard Burton, a celebrated actor known for his deep voice and commanding stage presence, first crossed paths with Elizabeth Taylor in the early 1960s while filming the ambitious epic, "Cleopatra". At the time, both were married to other people, and Taylor was initially wary of Burton's reputation as a notorious womanizer. However, their on-set chemistry soon transformed their professional relationship into an undeniable romantic connection. The pivotal moment came when Burton, recovering from a hangover, struggled to steady his hands while drinking coffee, prompting Taylor to assist him, solidifying their bond in a moment charged with intimacy.

As they continued filming, the sparks between Burton and Taylor ignited into a passionate affair, capturing the media’s relentless attention. Their romance quickly became the object of public fascination, often overshadowing world events, such as John Glenn's historic orbit of the Earth. Their love was a whirlwind of glamorous outings, intense arguments, and extravagant gifts, with Burton famously showering Taylor with jewels worth millions. As both actors navigated the challenges of their personal lives and burgeoning careers, they found solace and chaos in each other, setting the stage for one of Hollywood’s most storied love affairs.

Their Volatile Relationship: Fame and Turmoil

Richard Burton was an acclaimed actor known for his powerful presence on stage and screen, boasting a career that spanned over four decades. Born Richard Walter Jenkins on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydfen, South Wales, he overcame a challenging upbringing as the son of a coal miner. His talent was nurtured by his guardian, Philip Burton, who introduced him to theatre. With a distinctive voice and dynamic performances, Burton rose to prominence through films like The Robe, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Becket, earning a total of seven Academy Award nominations throughout his illustrious career.

Burton's volatile relationship with fellow actress Elizabeth Taylor became a subject of public fascination during the 1960s and beyond. Their romance began in 1962 on the set of Cleopatra, where undeniable chemistry ignited between them, leading to an affair that captivated the media. Known for their fiery disagreements and lavish lifestyle, their marriage was both passionate and tumultuous. After a series of extraordinary gifts, including the famed Taylor-Burton diamond, they married on March 15, 1964, but struggled with substance abuse and jealousy, resulting in their first divorce in 1974. Despite their separation, they rekindled their romance, marrying again in 1975, only to divorce once more less than a year later, demonstrating the enduring complexities of their bond.

Divorce, Remarriage and Later Work

Richard Burton's personal life was famously tumultuous, particularly his relationships with Elizabeth Taylor, which included a series of dramatic splits and reconciliations. After first marrying in 1964, their union was marked by intense passion and frequent conflict, leading to their divorce in 1974. Their separation did not last long, as they remarried in 1975 in Botswana, only for that marriage to dissolve less than a year later. Despite their marital woes, both remained committed to one another as friends, recognizing the deep connection they shared, which lasted long after their romantic entanglements ended.

Throughout the 1970s, Burton maintained his prestigious acting career, starring in films like "Villain" and "Exorcist II: The Heretic," attracting critical acclaim and further Oscar nominations. He made significant contributions to stage and screen, including his compelling role in "Equus" in 1977, for which he received his final Oscar nomination. Burton also made a notable return to the theater in 1983 with "Private Lives," where he virtually reignited the spark of his professional partnership with Taylor, reflecting the enduring allure of their public and personal relationship.

Despite the chaos of his personal life, Burton's talent never faded; he continued to deliver powerful performances until his untimely death from a brain hemorrhage in 1984. His legacy includes not just his impressive filmography, which features over 40 films and several award nominations, but also the lasting impact of his passionate, if volatile, love story with Taylor. Today, Burton is remembered as a complex figure in Hollywood, whose life echoed the highs and lows of Shakespearean drama both on and off the screen.

Personal Life: Married Life, Children, and Ex-Wife

Richard Burton's personal life was as dramatic and captivating as his acting career. He first married actress Sybil Williams in 1949, with whom he had two daughters, Kate and Jessica. The couple's marriage was marked by Burton's increasing fame and his struggles with infidelity and alcohol, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1963. Shortly after, Burton's affair with Elizabeth Taylor emerged, which would later become a whirlwind romance that fascinated the public. Their first marriage, celebrated on March 15, 1964, was a blend of passion and turmoil, characterized by intense love, lavish gifts, and volatile arguments.

Burton and Taylor's marriage was one of the most talked-about unions in Hollywood. Despite their deep emotional connection, they faced numerous challenges that strained their relationship. They divorced in 1974, only to rekindle their romance and remarry in 1975, but this second marriage lasted less than a year. After their final separation, Burton married Sally Hay in 1976. He also played a significant fatherly role in Taylor's life, adopting her daughter Liza Todd and raising another daughter, Maria, with Taylor, exemplifying the complexities of relationships within both his personal and professional life.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Wealth

Richard Burton, the acclaimed actor known for his memorable performances across both stage and screen, had a net worth reflective of his significant talent and popularity. At the height of his career, Burton's estimated wealth was around $100 million, a figure beleaguered by hefty spending habits and personal challenges. Over his prolific career, he earned substantial salaries, especially when starring in box-office hits like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "The Robe." His annual earnings peaked in the early 1970s when he was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, commanding fees that exceeded $1 million per film.

In addition to his earnings from lucrative film contracts, Burton amassed wealth through various endorsements, stage performances, and a series of successful collaborations with other stars, particularly his tumultuous yet captivating relationship with Elizabeth Taylor. Their combined star power consistently drew audiences, thereby boosting box office sales and ultimately benefiting both actors financially. Despite their extravagant lifestyle, including purchases of luxury homes and extravagant gifts, Burton's talent and charisma rendered him a financial success throughout his remarkable acting career.