It seems there’s nothing Yul Brynner could not do.
Trapeze acrobat. Bare-knuckle brawler. Radio commentator. Nude model. Honorary president of the International Romani Union.
As if his life weren’t fanciful enough, numerous legends were perpetuated about him by reporters, publicists, and even Brynner himself.
On his tenth birthday, his father gave him an acoustic guitar. In quintessential Yul Brynner fashion, that guitar became a challenge to be mastered. Not only did Yul study classical and contemporary music, the skills he acquired, exercising his curiosity, creativity, and imagination, left their lasting stamp on every aspect of his professional life.
Brynner continued to study music with his sister, Vera, a professional opera singer. Vera, who spelled her name “Bryner” (Yul added a second “n”), sang roles at New York City Opera, “Carmen” on NBC television, and the soprano lead in Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul” on Broadway. “The Consul” earned Menotti the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Beginning at 14, Yul played and sang Gypsy songs in Parisian nightclubs. He teamed with Aliosha Dimitrievitch, with whom, in 1967, he released an album, “The Gypsy and I” (Vanguard VSD 79265).
Of course, Brynner’s most celebrated role was the King of Siam in Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.” He was recognized for his magnetic performances of the part with two Tony Awards and an Oscar. In all, he played the King 4,625 times.
Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!
Happy birthday, Yul Brynner!
Yul sings Gypsy songs
On “The Ed Sullivan Show”
Vera Bryner sings
Yul also spoke 11 languages. Evidently, he was fluent in French.
“Shall We Dance?”
