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When Ifor died
in 1972 Richard’s will buckled and he began to drink heavily with little
regard for his health or for the effect it was to have on his relationship with
Elizabeth. Ifor’s death had a profound affect on Richard. He questioned everything
and became unimpressed with his achievements. When the Taylor-Burton relationship
began to falter, they separated in 1973. |
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With the separation
and then divorce in 1974, he entered a period of calm. Elizabeth, however, never
ruled herself out of his life and in 1975 they were re-married in Botswana, Africa.
She, with passion and energy, behaved as if they were marrying for the first time.
Richard was more cautious. |
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During theatre
rehearsals for Equus he found support in a woman other than Elizabeth.
Susan Hunt had separated from her racing-driver husband James Hunt, and Richard
was besotted with her. In 1976, Richard divorced Elizabeth for the second time
and married Susan. However, the marriage did not last and they were divorced in
1982. Although Susan was credited with keeping him dry from drink, Richard had
never really kicked his addiction to alcohol. |
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In 1982 he
took the title role in the film epic Wagner. On the set he met Sally Hay
who was working as a freelance production assistant. Sally was a successful, independent,
career woman and Richard was impressed. ‘She can do everything…there’s
nothing she can’t do…she looks after me so well. Thank God I’ve
found her,’ he said proudly to his close friend Brook Williams. |
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In 1983 he
began rehearsals for Private Lives, a play by Noël
Coward. His co-star was Elizabeth Taylor and with the New York Times announcing
‘Together again!’ the box office was soon busy with ticket pre-sales.
During the seven-month tour, Richard and Sally got married in Las Vegas. At the
time, Richard talked to Sally about returning to the London stage. |
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In 1984 Richard
and Sally went to Haiti for a well-earned rest for four or five months. In spring,
they returned to Céligny in good shape – Richard was fitter and happier.
In July, he completed the film adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984
and an American mini-series Ellis Island. He also began preparing for Wild
Geese II. |
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On 5 August
1984 Richard died of a cerebral haemorrhage in Geneva, Switzerland. He was 58.
At his funeral four days later in Céligny, he was buried with a copy of
the Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas. |
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