Richard Burton was one of the most charismatic and adventurous actors of the twentieth century, and his romantic life naturally invites curiosity. Many people wonder how many wives did Richard Burton have, given his high-profile marriages and larger-than-life persona.
Unlike some stars who drifted through brief relationships, Burton formed deep, complicated unions that shaped his public image and private years. The question of his marital history is best answered by looking at specific partnerships rather than a simple number.
| Name | Years Married | Marriage Status | Children Together |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sybil Williams | 1949–1963 | Divorced | Two |
| Elizabeth Taylor | 1964–1974 | Divorced | Two |
| Susan Boyager | 1976–1982 | Divorced | None |
| Sally Hay | 1985–1998Died together | None |
Early Career and Reputation for Risk
Burton’s sensational rise in film and theater made him a magnet for controversy. His daring roles and magnetic screen presence created a public perception that he lived on the edge, which extended into his personal relationships.
Because he was often in the spotlight, each new romance was scrutinized and debated. This environment encouraged a pattern of intense, sometimes volatile partnerships that fueled ongoing speculation about his marital history.
Marriage to Sybil Williams
A Union Formed in College
Burton’s first marriage was to Sybil Williams, whom he met at Oxford University. Their bond began as a close friendship before evolving into romance and eventually marriage in 1949.
Divorce and the Price of Fame
The union lasted fourteen years and produced two children, but infidelity and the demands of Burton’s career created irreparable strain. Their divorce in 1963 marked the end of a significant personal chapter.
Marriage to Elizabeth Taylor
Hollywood’s Power Couple
Burton’s marriage to Elizabeth Taylor in 1964 was one of the most watched unions in entertainment history. Their affair while married to others added scandal to an already dramatic narrative.
Passion, Turmoil, and Later Reconciliation
They married twice—first in 1964, divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again in 1976. The emotional intensity of their relationship defined much of Burton’s public persona during that era.
Later Partnerships and Personal Growth
Susan Boyager and the Final Marriage
After Elizabeth Taylor, Burton married Susan Boyager in 1976, though this relationship did not produce children and ended in divorce in 1982.
Sally Hay and Lasting Companionship
In 1985, Burton married Sally Hay, and they remained together until his death in 1990. This final marriage offered a more tranquil period in a life otherwise defined by turbulence.
FAQ
Was Richard Burton married more than twice?
Yes, Richard Burton was married four times, to Sybil Williams, Elizabeth Taylor, Susan Boyager, and Sally Hay.
Did he have children with each wife?
He had two children with Sybil Williams and two children with Elizabeth Taylor, but no children with his later wives.
Which marriage lasted the longest?
His marriage to Sybil Williams lasted fourteen years, making it the longest of his four marriages.
Was he still legally married when he died?
No, he was married to Sally Hay at the time of his death, and they remained together until he passed away.
Key Takeaways
- Richard Burton had four wives across his lifetime.
- His marriage to Elizabeth Taylor remains his most culturally famous partnership.
- He fathered two children, both with his first wife, Sybil Williams.
- His final marriage to Sally Hay provided relative stability before his death.
