What Was Yul Brynner's Net Worth?
Yul Brynner, a Russian-born actor, director, and producer, had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 1985. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to around $30 million today. Brynner is renowned for his iconic role as The King of Siam in the 1951 Broadway musical and the 1956 film "The King and I," earning him two Tony Awards and an Academy Award. Remarkably, he performed this role over 4,600 times on stage.
Yul's extensive career included more than 40 acting credits such as "The Ten Commandments" (1956), "Anastasia" (1956), "The Brothers Karamazov" (1958), "The Sound and the Fury" (1959), "The Magnificent Seven" (1960), "The Madwoman of Chaillot" (1969), and "Westworld" (1973). He also appeared in the CBS sitcom "Anna and the King" (1972). Brynner directed and produced various projects and starred in notable Broadway productions. He passed away from lung cancer on October 10, 1985, at the age of 65.
Early Life
Yuliy Borisovich Briner was born on July 11, 1920, in Vladivostok, Russia. His family faced major financial losses when the Red Army occupied their city in 1922. His father, Boris, was a mining engineer and inventor, while his mother, Marousia, pursued a career in singing and acting. Yul's parents divorced in 1924, and his father remarried Katerina Ivanovna Kornakova, with whom he lived in Harbin, China. Yul's mother moved the family to Paris in 1933, where he began performing music and eventually joined a circus.
Brynner’s drug addiction and eventual recovery led him to a career in acting. Following his mother's cancer diagnosis in the late 1930s, Yul took her to the U.S. for treatment. In New York, Brynner studied acting with Michael Chekhov and worked with the US Office of War Information during World War II.
Career
Yul Brynner debuted on Broadway in the 1941 production of "Twelfth Night," and made his film debut in 1949’s "Port of New York." His breakthrough came with the role of The King of Siam in "The King and I" in 1951. He earned an Academy Award for the 1956 film adaptation and continued his success in roles such as Ramesses II in "The Ten Commandments." Throughout the '60s and '70s, Brynner starred in numerous films, including the iconic Western "The Magnificent Seven" and the sci-fi hit "Westworld." His final film was "Death Rage" in 1976.
Personal Life
Yul married four times and had numerous children. His marriages include actress Virginia Gilmore, model Doris Kleiner, socialite Jacqueline Simone Thion de la Chaume, and ballerina Kathy Lee. Brynner became a U.S. citizen in 1943 but renounced it in 1965. Diagnosed with lung cancer in 1983, he underwent treatment but succumbed two years later. A photography enthusiast, Brynner published several books showcasing his work.
Death
Yul Brynner died of lung cancer on October 10, 1985. He was cremated and his ashes were buried in France. Posthumously, he featured in an anti-smoking public service announcement for the American Cancer Society, urging people not to smoke.
Estate
In his will, Yul left various assets to his family, including money and properties. His widow, Kathy, received significant portions of his estate, and he ensured his children were taken care of through trusts and direct bequests.
Awards and Nominations
Yul Brynner won an Academy Award for "The King and I" and received multiple other accolades, including Tony Awards and National Board of Review awards. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to film and theater.
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