Richard Burton Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Welsh Voice Echoing Through Generations

Richard Burton — born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. on November 10, 1925 in Pontrhydyfen, Wales — remains one of the most magnetic and tragic figures of 20th-century stage and screen.

Raised as the twelfth of thirteen children in a coal-mining family, Burton lost his mother early and was brought up by an older sister. His early life in the Afan Valley sharpened not only his resilience, but also kindled the voice and emotional depth that would make him famous. Under the mentorship of a teacher who recognized his raw talent, he adopted the surname “Burton” in homage — a name that would soon become legendary.

The Rise of a Stage Titan — Then Hollywood Royalty

Burton’s first stage appearance came in 1943, yet his career was interrupted by wartime service. After the war he returned to the theatre, eventually transitioning to film — where his commanding presence and mellifluous voice set him apart.

He quickly rose to international fame with marquee roles in films such as The Robe (1953), Alexander the Great (1956), and Cleopatra (1963). In parallel, he maintained his theatre roots — many remember him for his Shakespearean gravitas, including a celebrated performance as Hamlet in 1964.

This dual mastery — of both stage and screen — made Burton one of the highest-paid and most sought-after actors of his generation.

The Wealth He Left Behind

At the time of his death in 1984, Burton’s estate was variously estimated. Popular retrospective sources sometimes quote a figure around US$20 million (which, accounting for inflation, might translate to roughly US$60 million today), though contemporary reports — notably from the 1984 audit of his will — indicated he left approximately US$4.58 million in cash, property, investments, and art.

This discrepancy largely reflects the difference between his “net worth at peak earning” and the value of his estate at death — after spending, gifts, and other financial commitments. His final bequests reportedly included cash in Bermudan bank accounts, real estate, art collections, and residual film royalties dispersed across several countries.

In short: Burton died neither penniless nor fabulously wealthy by present-day celebrity standards — but with a legacy of earnings and assets that supported his family and preserved his name.

Love, Turmoil, and Public Fascination — Burton’s Relationships

The arc of Burton’s personal life often mirrored the drama of his characters. Over his lifetime, he married five times — twice to the same woman, and always under public scrutiny.

• His first marriage was to Sybil Williams (1949–1963), with whom he had two daughters.

• But his most famous relationship was with Elizabeth Taylor — a romance born on the set of Cleopatra, leading to two marriages (1964–1974 and 1975–1976). Their love — intense, turbulent, passionate — became tabloid legend and Hollywood lore.

• Later came a brief marriage to actress Suzy Hunt, before finally marrying Sally Hay Burton in 1983 — the woman who would outlive him and inherit the bulk of his estate.

Though critics sometimes lamented that Burton allowed his personal life and penchant for excess to overshadow parts of his talent, few would deny that his relationships — especially with Taylor — shaped public perception and added dramatic tension to the story of his life.

A Voice That Haunted the Silver Screen — Burton’s Enduring Influence

Burton’s legacy persists not just in the films and plays he starred in, but in the profound influence he exerted on generations of actors who followed. His commanding stage presence, gravel-rich voice, and ability to convey tortured intelligence made him a benchmark for dramatic actors.

Moreover, his life story — from a coal-mining village in Wales to the heights of international stardom, peppered with fame, fortune, excess, heartbreak, and reinvention — continues to captivate biographers, filmmakers, and fans.

The Final Curtain — End of Life and Posthumous Reflections

On August 5, 1984, Burton died in Céligny, Switzerland. His passing marked the end of a turbulent, glamorous, brilliant — and tragic — chapter of cinema history.

Yet, decades later, his story remains instructive. The contrasting estimates of his net worth reflect the complex interplay between talent, lifestyle, and financial planning. His relationships — tempestuous and public — illustrate the personal cost of fame. And his artistry retains a timeless pull, reminding modern audiences why Burton was more than just a star: he was a force.