Richard Burton

The Story of Drinking with Richard Burton

During the filming of 'Circle of Two', I had the unique opportunity to become Richard Burton's drinking buddy. Although I wasn't on set for the movie, the company I worked for, UDO Productions, owned the film and I worked closely on it. During this time, I developed a close bond with Richard, centered around our shared love of baseball and a friendly drinking tradition.

A Bond Formed Over Baseball and Drinks

Every evening, after a long day of shooting, Richard's valet, Bob Harris, would come over and hand me a brand new twenty-dollar bill, my winnings from that day's baseball bet. Richard and I had a standing bet on the World Series, with him supporting the Phillies and me rooting for Kansas City. The series went on for seven games, with Kansas City ultimately clinching the win.
When I won a bet, I would buy Richard a drink to celebrate. Conversely, when Richard emerged victorious, he would generously buy me a drink, even though he technically limited his alcohol intake to beer and wine. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Richard's love for baseball and his down-to-earth nature shone through during our nightly conversations and drinking sessions.

Behind the Legend: A Glimpse into Richard's Life

As we shared drinks and stories, Richard opened up about his life, including his finances and his complicated relationships. He spoke candidly about his marriage to Elizabeth Taylor, admitting, "We were just no good for each other." Even in his moments of vulnerability, Richard's charm and magnetism were undeniable. I was enthralled by his dramatic storytelling and the way he captivated me with each tale he spun.
Despite his outward appearance of strength and charisma, Richard confided in me about his health concerns. He mentioned a nagging neck injury that he planned to address once filming wrapped up. It was during one of our quieter nights that he made a solemn declaration about his mortality, sharing his fear of not living past 60 due to his excessive drinking habits.

The Final Bet and a Bittersweet Memory

On the night of our final bet, Richard came in to collect his drink, accompanied by his makeup artist, Ron Berkeley. He spun a wild tale about a high-stakes bet he had supposedly made with another actor, claiming he had won ten thousand dollars on the previous game. As he finished his drink and left, leaving me bewildered by the extravagant story, Ron muttered under his breath, "Damn pills," before following Richard out the door.
Little did I know that it would be the last time I would see Richard alive. His untimely death at the age of 58 served as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of excess. Despite his flaws and imperfections, Richard Burton left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and on those lucky enough to have shared a drink with him.
In conclusion, the story of drinking with Richard Burton is a testament to the complexities and contradictions of a legendary actor. Through late-night conversations, friendly bets, and shared drinks, I gained a glimpse into the soul of a man who, beneath the facade of stardom, was just one of the lads at the pub, yearning to share his tales with a willing listener. Cheers to you, Richard, wherever you may be.
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