Richard Walter Jenkins Jr., known professionally as Richard Burton, was born on November 10, 1925, in Pontrhydyfen, Wales. He was the twelfth of thirteen children in a Welsh-speaking family. His mother passed away when he was just two years old, and his father, a coal miner, was often absent.

He was raised by his older sister, Cecilia. He developed a love for literature and drama early on, which led him to pursue acting. He attended Exeter College, Oxford, on a scholarship, where he honed his acting skills.

His career began on the stage, where he quickly gained recognition for his powerful performances. He made his film debut in the British movie Woman of Dolwyn in 1949. His breakthrough role came in 1952 with My Cousin Rachel, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination.

His deep, resonant voice and intense screen presence made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood. He starred in notable films such as The Robe (1953), Alexander the Great (1956), and Look Back in Anger (1959). His portrayal of Hamlet in 1964 is considered one of the finest in the history of the role.

His personal life was as dramatic as his career. He was famously married twice to actress Elizabeth Taylor. Their tumultuous relationship was the subject of much media attention. They first married in 1964, divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again in 1976.

Richard Burton had four other marriages: to Sybil Williams, Suzy Miller, and Sally Hay. He had three children, including actress Kate Burton. Despite his professional success, he struggled with alcoholism, which affected both his personal and professional life.

Throughout his career, Richard Burton received numerous accolades. He was nominated for seven Academy Awards but never won. His nominations included performances in Becket (1964), The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), and Equus (1977).

He won a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award. He also received a Tony Award for his role in the musical Camelot (1960). His collaboration with Elizabeth Taylor in films like Cleopatra (1963), The Taming of the Shrew (1967), and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) remains iconic.

His lifestyle was marked by his love for literature, his dedication to his craft, and his struggles with addiction. He was known for his generosity and his ability to captivate audiences with his performances.

Richard Burton passed away on August 5, 1984, in Céligny, Switzerland, from a cerebral hemorrhage.