Yul's portrayal of the king definitely is his definitive role. He was perfect in that part.

I saw Brynner also perform the role on stage, at the Ford Theater (the place where Lincoln was assassinated) in Washington, DC in 1983. It was a couple years before he died from cancer. His final wife played Tuptim in that stage production.

By the way, back during my school years, I played Sir Edward Ramsay (the suitor of Anna) in my school's stage production of The King and I. I had to waltz onstage with Anna (no one else was on stage beyond the two of us), which was terrifying and embarrassing at that age (16), as I knew hundreds of people - including my parents and friends - were in the audience watching (I dreaded potentially making a misstep and tripping the both of us in front of everyone!). I liked wearing a tuxedo with tails and getting to wear a fake moustache and having faux long sideburns, plus my hair slicked-back with greying added to it - all which I thought was cool. lol

(Incidentally, for more discussion about Yul, plus his stage production of The King and I, see also this thread.)

I used to work in a large theatre that hosted touring Broadway revivals and road tours years ago. A production of The King and I came through with Yul. I remember a couple of things happened that just let me say made you know that you don't mess with Yul Brynner.

Yul Brynner Anti Smoking Commercial aired after his death from lung cancer in 1985

I'm intrigued!

@genplant29 said:

Yul's portrayal of the king definitely is his definitive role. He was perfect in that part.

I saw Brynner also perform the role on stage, at the Ford Theater (the place where Lincoln was assassinated) in Washington, DC in 1983. It was a couple years before he died from cancer. His final wife played Tuptim in that stage production.

How I envy you. :)