Fun Trivia : Burton, Richard

Structure Sub-topic of: Celebrities A-B Quizzes Interesting Questions, Facts and Information There are a total of 10 general entries.

Interesting Questions, Facts, and Information

Burton, Richard

Richard was born, the 12th of 13 children, on 19th November 1925 in South Wales. He only later changed his name to 'Burton'. What was it originally?

Richard Burton


Jenkins. Whilst at school in Port Talbot, Richard was taken under the wing of one of his teachers, Philip Burton, who, recognising the young man's talents, spent many an extra-curricular hour coaching him on acting and voice projection. The young Richard later took this teacher's name.



At school with Richard in Port Talbot at that time was another young man who was also to become a famous actor. Who was he?

Richard Burton


Anthony Hopkins. This small area of Wales has spawned two other Hollywood stars, besides Burton and Hopkins. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ray Milland were both born within the same ten mile stretch of South Wales. It must be something in the water!



To which British University was Richard awarded a scholarship?

Richard Burton


Oxford. Thanks to Philip Burton's extra tuition Richard was awarded a scholarship to Oxford at the young age of 16. Unfortunately his studies only lasted six months. He then left academia to pursue an acting career, having made his first stage appearance in an Oxford production as an extra, scrubbing steps!



Although his greatest love was always the stage, in 1948 Richard began filming on the first of his many screen roles. In what movie did he make his screen debut?

Richard Burton


The Last Days of Dolwyn. In this Welsh film, written and directed by Emlyn Hughes, Richard co-starred with Sybil Williams who was to become his first wife in February 1949. By 1951 he had completed four more movies, including 'Green Grow the Rushes' with Honor Blackman and 'The Woman With No Name' with Phyllis Calvert. According to his official website "His second British film, 'Now Barabbas Was a Robber' had critics comparing him to Olivier."



As everyone knows, in 1963 Richard met and fell in love with Elizabeth Taylor on the set of 'Cleopatra'. At this time they were both married to other partners. Who were their then spouses?

Richard Burton


Sybil Williams and Eddie Fisher. Although 'Cleopatra' was the most expensive movie ever made at that time, the film itself was eclipsed by the off-screen romance of its two stars, who, having divorced their respective partners, married for the first time on the 15th March 1964.



Which famous actress, referring to his womanising, remarked to Burton, 'Richard, I do believe you would (do it with) a snake.'?

Richard Burton


Joan Collins. To which Richard replied 'It would have to be wearing a skirt, darling, and it would have to be a female snake'.



Although he was nominated seven times for an Oscar, Richard never actually won. He did, however, win two Golden Globes. The first, very early on his career for 'My Cousin Rachel', and the second, twenty five years later. He was awarded this second accolade in 1978 for which drama?

Richard Burton


Equus. Together with Peter O'Toole, Richard Burton has the dubious distinction of being the most nominated actor (seven times), never to have won an Oscar. At least he managed to win two of his six Gold Globe nominations.



Which famous actor helped the young Richard Burton on his way and, twenty years after having acted together on the London stage, directed him in 'Hamlet' on Broadway?

Richard Burton


John Gielgud. Richard was 24 years old when he starred opposite John Gielgud in 'The Lady's Not For Burning' on the London Stage in 1949. In 1964 Sir John directed Richard in the stage version of 'Hamlet', which ran for seventeen weeks on Broadway.



In August 1984 Richard died unexpectedly at the age of 58. What caused his premature death?

Richard Burton


Brain haemorrhage. Richard died in Geneva, Switzerland and was buried there, dressed in a red suit and with the complete works of Dylan Thomas for company!