To mark the centenary of the birth of Welsh icon Richard Burton, the BBC has produced a new documentary titled Richard Burton - Wild Genius. The film offers a fresh perspective on the miner's son from Wales who defied the odds to become one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Tracing his extraordinary journey from poverty and loss to acclaim, fame and fortune, the documentary delves into his tumultuous personal life, including his affair with co-star Elizabeth Taylor and their two-time marriage, as well as his chronic addiction to alcohol.
With exclusive access to the Burton family, including interviews with widow Sally Burton and daughter Kate Burton, the production has been granted the use of private home movie recordings, photographs and letters, some of which are being broadcast for the very first time. The documentary also has exclusive rights to Richard Burton's personal diaries, which will be read by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys.
Insights from Michael Sheen, Iwan Rheon, and former co-stars Dame Siân Phillips, Gabriel Byrne and Claire Bloom are also featured in the programme.
