Richard Burton

A reputation as a hellraiser, true but his performances were fantastic, they still are...

Most often, when the term 'legend' is associated with film stars it's just flattery but Richard Burton (he changed his name from Jenkins to Burton, his teachers name.) was someone very special. His secret passion was writing, had it not been for his lack of self confidence (he was his own worst critic) we might know him today as a bard, including his name along side Dylan Thomas but it was not to be. Hollywood beckoned and so a movie career followed. High profile? - He set new standards!

Burton's performances stunned theatre audiences in his early years, playing various Shakespearean roles to wide acclaim. This carried over into his film career with movies like :Cleopatra and The Robe - still brilliant entertainment today.

Renown for his 'roller-coaster' relationship with Elizabeth Taylor although he was married with children when they met. This relationship took the focus of media attention, his theatrical efforts became a virtual side show to his real life drama however, since his death it's all too apparent how well he was loved and respected.

connection: born in Pontrhydyfen (Near Port Talbot), South Wales.

Cleopatra -- Three-Disc Special Edition The Taylor Burton romance played out on the big screen. Burton plays Roman Governer Anthony to Taylor's Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. This historic tragedy is hard to imagine being played by any other two personalities. Click HERE for more information.

comment by:EdWelsh Major world class actor of stage and screen. Quite a writer too! comment by:nicholas Did anyone you know that Richard Burton was a haemophilic. It's true if when he was making the movie Becket, at the very end he is kneeling in the church and from behind someone is going to kill him with a sword, well before he could kill Burton he had to stand up when he did I believe he tripped and had a haemorrhage so they had to wait till he got better to finish the last scene. link by:robertjmorgan Richard burton website This is not run by fans but it is suppose to be the offical richard burton site. link by:robertjmorgan Richard burton fan group This is a group for all richard burton fans. Join in and share memories, ask for information and celebrate the life and works of wales's greatest actor. Cofiwch richard remember richard!

The Robe The Robe is a classic, star studded Hollywood blockbuster. Burton plays a Roman officer struggling with the emerging new religion, Christianity. Click HERE for more information.

Medusa Disturbing tale of supernatural powers. Burton plays a man struggling to cope with a 'gift'. Click HERE for more information.