Remembering the legendary actor Yul Brynner, the King of Hollywood and Broadway
Brynner’s career began in the 1940s after he moved to the United States, and his portrayal of the King of Siam in the 1956 film adaptation of “The King and I” earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, a role that he performed in the original Broadway production in 1951 and in subsequent revivals, over 4,600 times throughout his career
Remembering the legendary actor Yul Brynner, the King of Hollywood and Broadway
Yul Brynner was born Yuliy Borisovich Briner on July 11, 1920, in Vladivostok, Russia. His early life was marked by upheaval; after his father abandoned the family, Brynner’s mother took him and his sister to China and later to Paris. Brynner’s diverse upbringing in Europe exposed him to a mix of cultures and languages, which influenced his versatile acting style.
Brynner’s career began in the 1940s after he moved to the United States. He initially worked as a trapeze artist and a radio announcer before venturing into acting. He made his Broadway debut in 1941 in a small role in the play “Twelfth Night.” His big break came in 1949 when he was cast in the role of King Mongkut in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “The King and I.” Brynner’s powerful performance, distinguished by his shaved head and commanding presence, became iconic. He starred in the original Broadway production in 1951 and in subsequent revivals, performing the role over 4,600 times throughout his career.
Brynner transitioned to film in the 1950s, achieving significant success. His portrayal of the King of Siam in the 1956 film adaptation of “The King and I” earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His striking looks and exotic appeal made him a popular choice for diverse roles. He starred in numerous films, including “The Ten Commandments” (1956), where he played the Pharaoh Ramses II, and “Anastasia” (1956), opposite Ingrid Bergman.
In 1960, Brynner starred in the western “The Magnificent Seven” as Chris Adams, cementing his status as a Hollywood star. His filmography also includes notable titles such as “Taras Bulba” (1962), “Kings of the Sun” (1963), and the dystopian sci-fi film “Westworld” (1973), where he played a menacing android gunslinger.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Brynner continued to return to the stage. He reprised his role as the King of Siam multiple times, including a major Broadway revival in the 1970s. His dedication to theater underscored his versatility and passion for acting. In addition to acting, Brynner was a skilled photographer and published a book of his photographs, “Bring Forth the Children: A Journey to the Forgotten People of Europe and the Middle East,” in 1960.
Brynner was married four times and had five children. His wives included actress Virginia Gilmore, and his fourth marriage was to Kathy Lee, a ballerina 30 years his junior. He was also known for his flamboyant lifestyle and his love of travel and adventure.
Yul Brynner passed away on October 10, 1985, at the age of 65 in New York City. He died of lung cancer, a result of his heavy smoking habit. Shortly before his death, Brynner filmed a public service announcement warning about the dangers of smoking, which was aired posthumously.
Today, Yul Brynner is remembered by his distinctive style and his ability to captivate audiences both on stage and on screen. His portrayal of the King of Siam remains one of the most memorable performances in musical theater history. Brynner’s diverse roles and his dedication to his craft have left an enduring impact on both Broadway and Hollywood. His contributions to film and theater ensured him a place as a legendary figure in the entertainment industry.
Look back at Yul Brynner performing his iconic role of the King of Siam alongside Deborah Kerr in the 1956 memorable film “The Kind and I”
Watch a documentary about the life and career of Yul Brynner
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