Yul Brynner, born Yuliy Borisovich Bryner, was a Russian-born, naturalized American actor whose career is inextricably linked to the role of King Mongkut of Siam in the musical *The King and I*. He first portrayed the character on Broadway in 1951, winning a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actor. The subsequent 1956 film adaptation earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, establishing him as an international star. His completely shaved head became an unmistakable trademark. In addition to his most celebrated role, which he reprised on stage for over 4,600 performances, his filmography includes memorable performances such as Pharaoh Ramses II in *The Ten Commandments* (1956), the gunslinger Chris Adams in *The Magnificent Seven* (1960), General Bounine in *Anastasia* (1956), and the android gunslinger in the science fiction film *Westworld* (1973), demonstrating his considerable artistic versatility.