Richard Burton

Born in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, Richard Burton studied acting under Philip Burton, a schoolteacher who became his mentor, helping him obtain a scholarship to the University of Oxford. In gratitude he assumed the professional name of Burton for his first stage appearance in 1943. Service as a Royal Air Force navigator delayed his career until 1948, when he returned to the stage. The following year he made his film debut in The Last Days of Dolwyn (a.k.a. Women of Dolwyn) and in 1952 appeared in his first American film, My Cousin Rachel.