Bill's Interview with
Yul Brynner
Behind the Scenes: "It was a special day indeed when Yul Brynner strode manfully into the vast television studio at channel five. He seemed to fill it. He demonstrated what the military call, 'command posture,' which is defined as—in a room full of officers, the single office who exerts the most authority just by his physical presence. Yul Brynner generated energy and while doing it took the time to focus on each member of the crew and also to lock the studio audience in his powerful gaze. This interview is noteworthy for a few reasons—it was conducted during Yul's last appearance on Broadway in the role which he'd created so many years before--the king in 'The King and I.' One of the interesting answers to look for here is his response to how his interpretation of the king, how he 'played it' changed and evolved over the years. the other is my attempt--and this was meant as humor since I knew he would not answer the question—to find out his mysterious origins and family lineage. Sadly, Yul Brynner died of lung cancer and he was suffering from it at the time of this interview. If you look closely you will see that he is not breathing effortlessly—but you really have to look for it. I was proud to have him on my show and to have known him. Here is a true titan of Hollywood and stage royalty." —Bill Boggs