Burton, Richard (1925-1984)

Welsh stage and screen actor. He was best known for his rich, dramatic voice, commanding stage presence, and collaborations with the actor Elizabeth Taylor, to whom he was married twice. He starred in 11 films with Taylor, including Cleopatra (1963) and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). Among his later films are Equus (1977) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984).

Despite his popularity, his career was dogged by personal problems and an often poor choice of roles. Other films include Beckett (1964), The Night of the Iguana, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1956), The Comedians (1967), and Anne of the Thousand Days (1969). His rendition of Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood for radio was a particular highlight. He also won acclaim for his stage performances in both Shakespearean and contemporary dramas throughout his film career.