Richard Burton – Biography, Cause of Death, Children, and Films

Richard Burton was one of the 20th century’s most celebrated Welsh actors, whose name remains inseparable from his legendary romance with Elizabeth Taylor. His career spanned stage and screen, earning seven Academy Award nominations and a reputation for a voice that could command any room. But behind the fame lay a life marked by extravagant wealth, turbulent marriages, and a sudden death that cut short a remarkable journey.

Who Was Richard Burton?

Quick Overview

Key Insights into Richard Burton’s Life

• His legendary voice and stage presence made him one of the 20th century’s greatest actors.
• The relationship with Elizabeth Taylor dominated tabloids and produced two marriages.
• Despite seven Oscar nominations, he never won a competitive Academy Award.
• Burton’s cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage, exacerbated by years of heavy drinking.
• He was originally named Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. and adopted the surname Burton from his mentor.

Snapshot Facts: Richard Burton at a Glance

What Was Richard Burton’s Relationship with Elizabeth Taylor?

How Many Times Did Burton and Taylor Marry?

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor married twice. Their first marriage lasted from 1964 to 1974. After a brief separation, they remarried in 1975, only to divorce again in 1976. Despite both marriages ending, the pair never truly left each other’s lives, as People magazine noted in a comprehensive overview of his spouses.

Did Richard Burton Have Children with Elizabeth Taylor?

Burton and Taylor did not have biological children together. However, Burton adopted Taylor’s adopted daughter Maria McKeown, who had been adopted by Taylor before their marriage. Burton also had two biological daughters—Kate and Jessica—with his first wife, Sybil Williams.

What Are Richard Burton’s Most Famous Movies?

Which Richard Burton Movie Won an Oscar?

Burton never won a competitive Oscar, though he received his first nomination for My Cousin Rachel (1952) in the Best Supporting Actor category. That role, along with his earlier stage work, helped transform him from a Shakespearean stage actor into an international film star, according to Museum Wales exhibition on his screen life.

Films with Elizabeth Taylor

Burton and Taylor starred in 11 to 12 films together, earning a combined $88 million over the course of a decade, as reported by People. Their most celebrated collaboration was Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), which showcased their on-screen chemistry as a bitterly combative couple. Other notable joint projects included Cleopatra (1963), The V.I.P.s (1963), and The Taming of the Shrew (1967).

How Did Richard Burton Die?

What Was the Official Cause of Richard Burton’s Death?

Richard Burton died from an intracerebral hemorrhage, also described as a cerebral hemorrhage, on August 5, 1984. The exact cause was reported by multiple outlets, including AndMeetings and People. While some sources note that heavy drinking likely contributed to the hemorrhage, the primary cause remains the brain bleed itself.

When Did Richard Burton Pass Away?

Burton was 58 years old when he died in Geneva, Switzerland. He had married Sally Hay in 1983, and their relationship lasted only about two years before his sudden death, as People reported.

How Did Richard Burton’s Life Unfold Over Time?

1. 1925 – Born in Pontrhydyfen, Glamorgan, Wales, the twelfth of thirteen children.
2. 1943 – First stage role; joined the RAF.
3. 1949 – Married Sybil Williams; screen-tested successfully for The Last Days of Dolwyn.
4. 1952 – Earned first Oscar nomination for My Cousin Rachel.
5. 1963 – Met Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Cleopatra.
6. 1964 – Married Elizabeth Taylor for the first time.
7. 1966 – Starred in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, their most acclaimed joint film.
8. 1974 – Divorced Elizabeth Taylor.
9. 1975 – Remarried Elizabeth Taylor.
10. 1976 – Divorced Elizabeth Taylor for the second time.
11. 1984 – Died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Switzerland.

What Is Known for Certain and What Remains Unclear?

What Was Richard Burton’s Lasting Impact?

Burton elevated Welsh acting on the global stage and remains one of the country’s most famous cultural exports. His relationship with Taylor influenced modern Hollywood celebrity culture, turning their every move into front-page news. Although he never won a competitive Oscar, he is widely regarded as one of the great Shakespearean actors of his generation. His voice is frequently cited as one of the most recognizable and powerful in cinema history, as noted by Wales.com.

What Did Others Say About Richard Burton?

“Richard Burton had a voice that could shatter glass.”

– Critic Kenneth Tynan

“He was the greatest actor of his generation – and he knew it.”

– Elizabeth Taylor

Burton himself once joked about the economic impact of his fame, stating, “They say we generate more business activity than one of the smaller African nations,” according to Wikipedia.

What Is Richard Burton’s Legacy Today?

Richard Burton remains a defining figure in Hollywood history. His Welsh roots, his turbulent romance with Elizabeth Taylor, and his extraordinary success as a stage and film actor continue to fascinate audiences. Interest in his life endures through documentaries, re-releases of his films, and the ever-present curiosity about the couple known as “Liz and Dick.” If you want to learn more about his most famous partner, read our Elizabeth Taylor biography. And for context on his place in cinema history, explore our article on the Best actors of the 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Burton