Role

:

Performer

Birth

:

July 11, 1920 in Sakhalin, Russia

Death

:

October 10, 1985 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Yul Brynner was a Russian-born American actor and singer who is best known for his portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam in the Broadway musical "The King and I" and the subsequent film adaptation. He was born on July 11, 1920, in Vladivostok, Russia, to Boris Bryner, a Swiss-Mongolian engineer, and Marousia Blagovidova, a Russian actress. Brynner's parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother in China and France. Brynner's interest in music began at an early age, and he learned to play the guitar and the mandolin. He also studied dance and performed in various productions in Paris, including the Folies Bergère. In 1941, Brynner moved to the United States and began performing in nightclubs and cabarets in New York City. He also appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Lute Song" and "The Moon Vine." Brynner's breakthrough role came in 1951 when he was cast as King Mongkut in the Broadway production of "The King and I." The musical, which was based on the novel "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret Landon, was a huge success and ran for over 1,200 performances. Brynner's performance as the imperious king earned him critical acclaim and a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Brynner reprised his role as King Mongkut in the 1956 film adaptation of "The King and I," which also starred Deborah Kerr as Anna Leonowens. The film was a box office success and earned Brynner an Academy Award for Best Actor. He went on to star in several other films, including "Anastasia" (1956), "The Ten Commandments" (1956), and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). Despite his success as an actor, Brynner continued to pursue his passion for music. He released several albums, including "Yul Brynner: The Gypsy and I" (1956) and "The Sound of Yul Brynner" (1960). He also performed in several concerts and television specials, including "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Dinah Shore Chevy Show." In addition to his work in music and film, Brynner was also a dedicated advocate for the arts. He served as the president of the American National Theater and Academy and was a member of the board of directors of the New York City Ballet. He also established the Yul Brynner Foundation, which provides funding for the arts and education. Brynner's career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He starred in several successful films, including "Westworld" (1973) and "The Ultimate Warrior" (1975). He also returned to the stage, starring in productions of "The King and I" and "The Odyssey." Brynner was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1983 and underwent treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Despite his illness, he continued to work, appearing in the film "The King and I" (1984) and the television series "Crossings" (1986). He also recorded a public service announcement urging people to quit smoking. Brynner passed away on October 10, 1985, at the age of 65. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996. His legacy as an actor and musician continues to inspire generations of performers.

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