Who Was Yul Brynner?
Yul Brynner was a celebrated actor best known for his iconic portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam in The King and I, which he first performed on Broadway in 1951. His performance spanned over three years and 1,246 shows, earning him widespread acclaim. In 1956, Brynner reprised the role in the film adaptation, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor. After this success, he returned to the stage for an additional 3,379 performances of The King and I. Beyond this signature role, Brynner starred in cinematic classics such as The Ten Commandments and The Magnificent Seven, solidifying his status as a Hollywood legend.
Early Life and Career
Yul Brynner was born Yuliy Borisovich Bryner on July 11, 1920, in Vladivostok, Russia. His father, Boris Bryner, was a Swiss-Mongolian engineer, and his mother, Marousia Blagavidova, was Russian. After his father left the family, Brynner’s mother moved him and his sister to China and eventually to Paris. During his early years in Paris, Brynner explored music, performing gypsy songs in nightclubs while playing guitar.
Before transitioning to acting, Brynner briefly pursued a career as a trapeze artist in France. In 1941, he moved to the United States and began acting with a touring company, eventually making his Broadway debut in Lute Song in 1946.
‘The King and I’
Brynner’s most famous role came in 1951 when he was cast as King Mongkut in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. Recommended by actress Mary Martin, his performance on Broadway won critical and commercial praise. His commanding stage presence and portrayal of the king became iconic, defining his career.
After three years on Broadway, Brynner starred in the 1956 film adaptation of The King and I, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. He returned to the stage for an additional 3,379 performances of the role, making it one of the longest-running character portrayals in theater history.
Movies: ‘The Ten Commandments’ and ‘The Magnificent Seven’
Although The King and I was his hallmark role, Brynner’s career included many other prominent films. In 1956, he appeared in The Ten Commandments and Anastasia. He also played a lead role in The Magnificent Seven (1960), cementing his place in Hollywood. Over the years, he became known not only for his bald head and deep voice but also for his magnetic on-screen presence.
For his contributions to film and theater, Brynner was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6162 Hollywood Boulevard.
Beyond Acting: Photography and Writing
Brynner was a man of many talents. Aside from his acting career, he was a skilled photographer and author. He published two books: Bring Forth the Children: A Journey to the Forgotten People of Europe and the Middle East and The Yul Brynner Cookbook: Food Fit for the King and You.
Personal Life and Legacy
Brynner’s personal life was as colorful as his professional one. He was married four times: to actress Virginia Gilmore, Chilean model Doris Kleiner, Jacqueline Thion de la Chaume, and ballerina Kathy Lee. He also had well-known romances with stars like Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, and Ingrid Bergman. Brynner fathered five children, including son Yul “Rock” Brynner II and daughters Lark, Victoria, Mia, and Melody (the latter two being adopted from Vietnam).
Yul Brynner passed away from lung cancer on October 10, 1985, in New York City. He is buried at St. Robert Churchyard in La Touraine, France.
Brynner’s legacy endures as a multifaceted talent and charismatic figure who captivated audiences both on stage and screen. His unique looks, linguistic versatility, and charm made him an enduring icon in the entertainment industry.