Richard Burton: The man for all seasons

In his long career, he has proved a versatile artiste. Among his notable recordings for radio are readings of Dylan Thomas' works for the BBC. Under the Milk Wood is possibly the most famous radio play ever written. This work has been given a new lease of life in the first new production for BBC Radio since 1963. The unmatched performance of Burton as First Voice has been digitally remastered and mixed with new performances of all the other parts to create a memorable, fresh visit to the fictional village of Llangerrub.

Born on November 10, 1925, Burton was the 12th of 13 children. His father was a miner and his mother died when Burton was just a child of two. One of his teachers, Phillip Burton, took a keen interest in him and helped him to develop the skills that later would help him in his acting career. Due to this teacher, at the age of 16 he won a scholarship to Oxford. However, he soon gave up his studies to concentrate on his acting career. After a break from the stage life, at the age of 18, he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force, where he became a navigator.

His big break in Hollywood came in 1952 with the film My cousin Rachel. However, it was the magnum opus Cleopatra that won him ovation in his lead role as Mark Anthony. This role starred him opposite Elizabeth Taylor as the tempestuous Egyptian queen.

The duo were to go in and out of marriage. Burton divorced his first wife and married Taylor, but subsequently the famous couple would in turn file for divorce. However, they would then re-marry and divorce again.

Burton's life was cut short in August 1984 in Geneva. He had recently completed the film re-make of 1984 and was shortly due to begin shooting of Wild Geese II.

Compiled by Cultural Correspondent