Tell me a bio of Richard Burton.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Richard Burton (1925-1984) was a Welsh actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. He was known for his powerful voice, commanding stage presence, and versatility in playing a wide range of roles.

**Early Life**

Richard Burton was born on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydyfen, a small village in Wales. He was the youngest of 13 children born to William and Edith Burton. His father was a coal miner, and the family lived in a small house with no electricity or running water. Despite the poverty and hardships, Burton's parents encouraged his love of reading and the arts.

**Education and Early Career**

Burton attended the local primary school and later won a scholarship to the local grammar school. He developed a passion for acting and began performing in school plays and local theater productions. After completing his education, Burton joined the local repertory theater company, where he began to hone his craft.

**Rise to Fame**

Burton's breakthrough role came in 1953 when he played the title role in the BBC production of "Hamlet." His performance was widely praised, and he soon became a sought-after actor in the UK. He made his West End debut in 1953 and later transferred to Broadway, where he won a Tony Award for his performance in "The Taming of the Shrew" in 1964.

**Film Career**

Burton's film career spanned over three decades, during which he appeared in over 40 films. Some of his notable films include:

* "Cleopatra" (1963) - Burton played the role of Mark Antony opposite Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he had a tumultuous romance.
* "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" (1965) - Burton played the role of Alec Leamas, a British agent who goes undercover in East Germany.
* "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966) - Burton played the role of George, a middle-aged professor who engages in a bitter game of cat and mouse with his wife (played by Elizabeth Taylor).
* "Equus" (1977) - Burton played the role of Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist who tries to understand a young man who has blinded six horses.

**Achievements and Impact**

Burton's achievements and impact on the film industry are numerous:

* He was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won two BAFTA Awards.
* He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1969 and later a Knight Bachelor in 1970.
* He was known for his powerful voice and was often cast in roles that showcased his vocal talents.
* He was a pioneer of the "Method Acting" technique, which involves immersing oneself in the character and emotions of a role.
* He was a vocal advocate for the rights of actors and was involved in several labor disputes throughout his career.

**Personal Life**

Burton's personal life was marked by several high-profile romances and marriages. He was married five times, including to:

* Sybil Williams (married 1949-1963)
* Elizabeth Taylor (married 1964-1974 and 1975-1976)
* Susan Hunt (married 1976-1982)
* Sally Hay (married 1983-1984)

Burton died on August 5, 1984, at the age of 58, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. He is remembered as one of the greatest actors of all time, known for his incredible talent, charisma, and impact on the film industry.
Richard Burton (1925-1984) was a renowned Welsh actor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. Here's a brief biography and key facts about his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Richard Burton was born Richard Walter Jenkins on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, to a coal mining family. He was the youngest of 13 children. His early life was marked by poverty and hardship, but his mother encouraged his love of literature and drama. Burton attended the local school and later won a scholarship to the local grammar school. He eventually joined the BBC Drama Repertory Company in 1948.

**Career**

Burton's acting career spanned over four decades, during which he appeared in numerous stage and film productions. He began his stage career at the Welsh Shakespeare Company and later joined the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. He made his film debut in 1951 with the movie "The Last Moment." However, it was not until the 1950s that he gained international recognition for his roles in films like "My Cousin Rachel" (1952) and "The Robe" (1953).

Burton's breakthrough role came when he played the lead in the 1953 film "My Foolish Heart," which was followed by his iconic portrayal of King Arthur in the Broadway production of "Camelot" in 1960. His performances in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966) and "Equus" (1977) earned him critical acclaim and numerous awards.

**Achievements and Awards**

Throughout his career, Burton received numerous awards and accolades for his performances. Some of his notable awards include:

* Two Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966) and "Equus" (1977)
* Three Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold" (1965), "The Robbers" (1967), and "Equus" (1977)
* A BAFTA Award for Best British Actor for "Equus" (1977)
* A Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play for "Camelot" (1960)

**Impact and Legacy**

Richard Burton's impact on the world of theatre and film is immeasurable. He was known for his powerful and nuanced performances, which earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and audiences alike. His performances in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and "Equus" are still studied by actors and students of drama around the world.

Burton's legacy extends beyond his performances. He was a passionate advocate for social justice and was involved in various charitable causes throughout his life. He also married twice to actress Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he had a tumultuous and highly publicized relationship.

**Personal Life and Later Years**

Richard Burton married twice: first to actress Sybil Williams in 1949, with whom he had two children; and then to actress Elizabeth Taylor in 1964, with whom he had a son. His marriage to Taylor was marked by tumultuous media coverage and ultimately ended in divorce in 1974.

Burton continued to act throughout the 1970s and 1980s, although his performances became less frequent. He passed away on August 5, 1984, at the age of 58, due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Despite his untimely death, Richard Burton's legacy as one of the greatest actors of all time remains unchallenged.