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The King and I, by Rodgers and Hammerstein, was first produced on Broadway in 1951 with Yul Brynner and Gertrude Lawrence. The producers originally wanted Rex Harrison for the part of the King, as he had played the King in a movie, which was a drama, but Rex Harrison did not want to accept a “supporting role.” So the part went to a relatively unknown actor, Yul Brynner.
The musical and both Gertrude and Yul received Tony Awards. Yul was perfect as the King of Siam.
Several years later, in 1956, the movie came out with Yul as the King and Deborah Kerr as the lovely Anna. Yul Brynner received an Academy Award, as the King. In the years that followed, Yul would play the King many times on stage.
I was lucky enough to see Yul perform several times. Other actors have played this role, and with all due respect to these wonderful actors, there will only be one King of Siam to me, and that is Yul Brynner…etc! etc! etc!
