How Many Siblings Did Richard Burton Have

Let’s be honest: when you hear the name Richard Burton, you probably think of two things. First, that voice—a voice so deep and velvety it could probably narrate a tax return and make it sound like Shakespeare. Second, Elizabeth Taylor, the love of his life, whom he married twice, because once clearly wasn’t enough drama for two lifetimes.

But here’s a question that doesn’t get asked nearly enough: how many siblings did Richard Burton have? Spoiler alert: the answer is a lot. And I mean a lot in the way a Welsh rugby team has a lot—crowded, loud, and full of people who probably stole your sandwiches.

The Short Answer: It’s Complicated

Richard Burton—born Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. in 1925—was the twelfth of thirteen children. Yes, you read that right. Thirteen. That’s more siblings than a Kardashian reunion, and with far less hair product.

Technically, he had twelve siblings, but let’s not split hairs. His mother, Edith Maude Thomas, had a baby every year for what felt like a century. His father, Richard Sr., worked as a coal miner and must have been exhausted—and not just from the coal.

The Big, Welsh, Coal-Dusted Family

Growing up in Pontrhydyfen, a tiny Welsh village that sounds like a sneeze, Richard didn’t just have siblings—he had a small army. His brothers included names like Thomas, Ifor, Will, and David. His sisters were named Catherine, Cecilia, Edith, and others I won’t list because you’d need a spreadsheet.

Fun fact: Richard was the baby of the family for a while, but then his mother died when he was just two years old. That tragic event scattered the kids like bowling pins. He ended up raised by his older sister, Cis (Cecilia), who was basically his third parent.

But Wait—There’s More!

If you think thirteen kids is nuts, consider this: Richard had ten brothers and two sisters. That’s a ratio so skewed, his house must have smelled like socks, coal dust, and desperation. Playground fights? Those were just Monday.

Unseen archive footage of Richard Burton's family uncovered

One of his brothers, Vernon, actually lived into his 90s and gave interviews about how Richard was “a bit posh” after becoming famous. Imagine having a brother who hangs out with Elizabeth Taylor while you’re still fixing your own roof. That’s some serious sibling rivalry fuel.

Surprising Fact: The Name Game

Here’s where it gets weird. Richard wasn’t actually named Richard at birth. His given name was Richard Walter Jenkins Jr., but he later took the surname “Burton” from a schoolmaster. So technically, his siblings had a brother named Jenkins who became a Burton. Identity crisis? Maybe. Movie star? Definitely.

To add to the confusion, one of his actual brothers was also named Richard. Yes, you heard me. Two brothers named Richard. Because Welsh parents apparently found naming children as boring as arithmetic.

How Did He Survive All Those Siblings?

Growing up with twelve siblings meant Richard learned to fight, argue, and charm his way through life. Those skills came in handy when he had to romance Elizabeth Taylor or win a Best Actor nomination. He once said his childhood was “poor but happy,” which is polite for “we were broke but didn’t know it because everyone else was broke too.”

Imagine trying to get a moment of peace in a house with twelve kids. The bathroom? A combat zone. The dinner table? A buffet of elbows and grunts. No wonder Richard ended up on the big screen—it was quieter there.

October 1977 News Photo - Getty Images

The One Who Got Away (To Hollywood)

Of all the siblings, only Richard achieved global fame. The rest mostly lived normal lives as miners, teachers, and shopkeepers. But here’s the kicker: none of his siblings ever complained about his success. In fact, they were famously proud of him, even when he blew his fortune on diamonds and divorces.

One story goes that Richard bought his brother Ifor a house. Another time, he paid for his sister’s medical bills. That’s what happens when you’re a movie star with twelve siblings—you become a walking, talking charity for your entire extended family.

So, What’s the Final Count?

Let’s wrap this up before you lose count: Richard Burton had 12 siblings. That’s 13 children in total, a number that would make a modern parent cry into their organic kale smoothie.

But here’s the real lesson: Burton’s massive family shaped him. It gave him his thick skin, his storytelling instincts, and probably his epic thirst for attention. He went from being one of thirteen in a cramped Welsh house to being one of the biggest stars in the world. And honestly? That’s the kind of sibling rivalry we can all get behind.

Next time you complain about your brother stealing your fries, just remember: Richard Burton once had to share a bed with seven brothers. You’ve got nothing on him.