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Yul Brynner

Early Life and Background

Yul Brynner, born Yuliy Borisovich Briner on July 11, 1920, in Vladivostok, then part of the Far Eastern Republic (now Russia), was a celebrated Russian-born film and stage actor. He later emigrated to the United States and became a naturalized American citizen.

Related Biography: Bobby Fischer

Breakthrough Role in The King and I

Yul Brynner is best known for his iconic portrayal of King Mongkut of Siam in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The King and I. His commanding performance earned him significant acclaim both on stage and in film. Brynner played the role of the King over 4,625 times on stage across four decades, a feat that earned him a special Tony Award recognizing his extraordinary dedication to the role. He also won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical in 1952 and received the Academy Award for Best Actor for the 1956 film adaptation of the musical.

Film Career Highlights

In addition to The King and I, Brynner starred in several successful films during the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a major Hollywood figure. One of his most notable roles was as Ramses II opposite Charlton Heston’s Moses in Cecil B. DeMille’s epic 1956 film The Ten Commandments. His other major film credits include The Magnificent Seven (1960), Anastasia (1956), and Westworld (1973), which further solidified his reputation as a leading man known for his intense and authoritative presence.


Quick Facts
Birth Date: 11 Jul, 1920
Age: 99 yrs
Citizenship: Switzerland
United States of America
Birth Place: Vladivostok
Education: YMCA
Gender: Male
Description: American actor (1920-1985)
Spouse: Virginia Gilmore[1944-1960]
Net Worth 2021: 10 million
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Last Modified: May 20 2025
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