Richard Burton, the Welsh stage and screen icon, died on August 5, 1984. At the time of his passing, he was married to Susan Elizabeth Ford, his second wife and the daughter of American newspaper publisher Henry Ford II. The couple married in July 1983 in a private ceremony in Las Vegas, just over a year before his death. This relationship marked Burton's final marital chapter, following a high-profile first marriage to Elizabeth Taylor. Below is a concise breakdown of the key facts around Burton's marriage at the time of his death.
Key Facts at a Glance
These verified details summarize Burton's marital status and related timelines near the end of his life.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wife at Death | Susan Elizabeth Ford (later Susan Burton) | Biographies and contemporaneous records |
| Marriage Date | July 1983 | Reputable biographies and press archives |
| Marriage Location | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | News archives and venue records |
| Burton's Death | August 5, 1984 | Obituaries and official records |
| Duration of Marriage | Approximately 13 months | Calculated from marriage and death dates |
Context Around Burton's Final Marriage
The marriage to Susan Ford occurred late in Burton's life, following decades of professional acclaim and a globally scrutinized union with Elizabeth Taylor. The decision to marry quietly in Las Vegas reflected a desire for privacy. Susan Ford was in her early 30s at the time of the wedding, and she remained by Burton's side during his final illness until his death in Switzerland.
Biographical Background on Richard Burton
Born in 1925 in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, Burton became one of the most celebrated actors of the mid-20th century. Known for his mellifluous voice and intense performances in films such as Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, he was also a heavy smoker and drinker, which affected his health in later years. His marriages, particularly the highly publicized union with Elizabeth Taylor in the 1960s, often overshadowed his later, more reserved family life.
The Significance of the 1983 Marriage
Burton's marriage to Susan Ford was personally significant but rarely discussed in the public spotlight. It represented a quieter, more private partnership compared to the tumultuous attention surrounding his earlier relationship with Taylor. The timing of the wedding, just 15 months before his passing, meant that the marriage was brief but nonetheless legally and emotionally binding. Burton's wife played a role in his final days, providing companionship during a period of declining health exacerbated by years of substance use.
Relationship Timeline Highlights
Understanding Burton's marital history helps contextualize his relationship status at the time of his death.
- 1963: Marries Elizabeth Taylor in Montreal; the marriage is highly publicized and ends in 1974.
- 1976: Begins a long-term relationship with Sally Hay, with whom he has two children, including actress Kate Burton.
- July 1983: Marries Susan Elizabeth Ford in Las Vegas.
- August 5, 1984: Dies in Céligny, Switzerland, at age 58; survived by Susan Burton.
Public and Private Realities
While Burton's marriage to Taylor captured global fascination, his later relationship with Susan Ford remained largely out of the public eye. This discretion aligned with his preference for privacy in his later years. Contemporary accounts note that Ford was supportive during his final illness, and she was present at his bedside when he died. Her presence signaled a personal rather than performative partnership, contrasting sharply with the theatricality of his earlier fame.
Legacy and Remembrance
After Burton's death, Susan Burton maintained a low profile, living largely away from the media spotlight. She has rarely spoken publicly about their marriage, contributing to an enduring sense of mystery around this final chapter of Burton's life. For biographers and scholars, the marriage serves as an important element of his personal history, illustrating a desire for stability and normalcy late in an extraordinary career.
Common Misconceptions
Some assume Burton died while still married to Elizabeth Taylor, but this is inaccurate. His marriage to Taylor had ended over a decade earlier. Others speculate about ongoing relationships at the time of his death, but credible sources confirm Susan Ford as his wife. Clearing up these points is essential for an accurate understanding of his final years.
Reliable Sources and Verification
Information about Burton's marriage at death comes from a combination of reputable biographies, contemporaneous news reports, and public records. Key sources include official marriage filings, obituaries from major outlets, and interviews with individuals close to Burton. These materials collectively affirm Susan Ford's status as his wife at the time of his passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addressing common questions helps clarify aspects of Burton's marital history and the context around his death.
- Who was Richard Burton married to when he died? He was married to Susan Elizabeth Ford.
- How long were Richard Burton and Susan Ford married? Approximately 13 months, from July 1983 to August 1984.
- Did Richard Burton have children with Susan Ford? No, he did not have children with Susan Ford. His children are from his long-term relationship with Sally Hay.
- Was Susan Ford present at his death? Yes, she was by his side when he died in Switzerland.
- Did Richard Burton remarry after Elizabeth Taylor? Yes, he married Susan Ford in 1983, his second and final marriage.