Yul Brynner, renowned for his role in “The King and I,” rose to fame in the 1950s and maintained his captivating presence for decades. Despite his professional success, his personal life was fraught with challenges. His tragic end and that of his wives remain poignant topics for fans.
Brynner’s life was marked by movement and change. Born in Vladivostok in 1920, his family fled Bolshevik Russia, settling in Paris. Yul’s early years were turbulent, involving a brief stint as a trapeze artist and a passion for Gypsy culture, before his career in acting took off.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBHwgzbLL1s
Brynner’s career soared with his portrayal of King Mongkut, earning him two Tony Awards and an Academy Award. He continued acting despite a terminal lung cancer diagnosis in 1983, which he openly spoke against smoking to prevent.
Brynner’s wives also faced tragic ends. His first wife, Virginia Gilmore, died in 1986 from COPD. His third wife, Jacqueline de Croisset, passed away in 1992 at age 90. Each life story adds depth to the legacy of Brynner’s personal and professional struggles.