Hollywood legend ‘died penniless’ before unbelievable discovery made – Celebrity News – Entertainment

Richard Burton, the Hollywood icon celebrated as one of the finest actors of his era, was widely believed to have squandered his wealth on lavish homes, exquisite art, and extravagant pastimes.

Best known for his performances in The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, among others, Burton garnered seven Oscar nominations throughout his career but never clinched the coveted award. His tumultuous relationship with Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married and divorced twice, also made headlines.

However, following his passing in August 1984 at his Swiss home due to an intracerebral hemorrhage, it emerged that the actor had actually amassed a considerable fortune.

Friends of Burton, who were under the impression that his high-profile lifestyle, multiple marriages, and expensive tastes had depleted his wealth, were stunned to learn that he had prudently accumulated a portfolio of investments, real estate, and an impressive collection of artwork. 

The Sunday Mirror reports that Burton left behind $4.58 million, equivalent to £10 million in 2025, bequeathing most of his wealth to his widow Sally Hay Burton.

While Swiss law doesn’t mandate public disclosure of will contents, the newspaper claims to have obtained this information from a source close to both Burton and his widow.

They quoted Sally as saying: “Everyone seems to be under the impression I am penniless. But that is not so.”

An insider also disclosed: “Many (friends) believed he died almost penniless. He was amazingly generous. He happily handed over $1 million to his third wife, Suzy Hunt, as a divorce settlement. But he was also highly paid. So perhaps some people will regard $4.58 million as very modest.”

Burton’s assets were reportedly distributed across three nations and comprised $2 million in a Bermuda banking institution, $1 million in property holdings, close to $100,000 in investment portfolios, roughly $380,000 in art pieces and personal effects, and $20,000 in residual royalties from his previous films – including The Taming of the Shrew, Cleopatra and 1984.

However, while his associates had anticipated he would leave behind minimal wealth, Burton’s brother Verdun expressed shock that the figure wasn’t substantially larger, calling the amount “ridiculous.”

Additionally, a priceless Picasso drawing was conspicuously absent from Burton’s assets but was ultimately discovered at the residence of his ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor, whom he notably wed on two separate occasions.

His widow, Sally, was said to be “perfectly happy” for it to stay put. Furthermore, a precious manuscript penned by Dylan Thomas also disappeared from the estate.