The Shocking Truth Behind Yul Brynner's Baldness

Before Yul Brynner came around the old saying 'bald is beautiful' never even existed. It's said that even Michael Jordan might have borrowed his signature 'chrome dome' look from Brynner. But even if that's true, Yul was the first brave traveler to trek on down the lonely road of the follicularly challenged. And he did so with his chest out and his shoulders held high. 

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Surprisingly, Brynner isn't a part of that special club of men who reach middle-age and start losing their luscious manes because of natural hair loss. Nope, he could actually grow a full head of hair if he wanted to but after he first shaved his hair for his iconic role in The King and I and ended up liking the way he looked so much that he decided the keep it going. What was only ever intended to be a temporary grooming choice for a film role became an aesthetic that he would rock for the rest of his life.

While repping the cue-ball look, Brynner won two Tony Awards and eventually an Academy Award for the film adaptation of The King and I.

The Shocking Truth Behind Yul Brynner's Baldness

[marthalainez]

He also played Ramses in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS with Charleston Heston which I have. He was great.

[susanwhite]

once when I was a young girl (around 6 years old) there was a Yul Brynner movie on the television. I saw the actor for the first time and I said "Wow Mom, that man is so beautiful!" My Mom smiled and said "Yes, I know."

[jeffreykicia]

I met Yul Brynner in 1969 when we, as a class, from New Jersey visited NYC and saw, "The King and I". I was in Junior High and some of our class members were allowed to go back stage and meet the cast when I was in eight grade. This was one of the biggest moments I ever experienced in my short life back than. I recall him being short in statue and boy did he exhibit a huge amount of star power and confidence. He was so astounding to speak with and look @ because he had a definite aura that was undeniable. He was like a "Spiritual Human Being".

[robertbarnum]

My favorite role of his is Ramsay in the ten commandments.

[janeking]

Even as a child watching The King and I on TV, it was clear Yule Brynner was was a force like no one else. Fascinating to find out a little of his life and broad accomplishments. Thank you.

[joannemcmillan]

Yul rocked the bald head when it wasn’t cool. And he was sexy doing it too!!

[carolharris]

I loved him in “The Magnificent Seven” and “The Ten Commandments.” He was intensely handsome, and as sexy as heck!

[KytkaHilmarJezek]

My mother used to say he walked like a tiger preparing to pounce. In the book “Yul” written by his son Rock, he explains that a trapeze accident was responsible for that walk as he broke his back. He was in incredible pain doing the waltzing in the King and I this 4, 000+ times. A man of great talent and strength.

[susie]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone who could rock that look so well.

[kyleking]

My most fond memory of Yul Brynner was in The Ten Commandments!! Seeing it as a kid I hated his character as Ramses, but watching it when I got older, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS GUY!! He was as smooth and debonair as an actor could be! Working with such an ensemble cast of actors! He absolutely ROCKED that bald sexy look!! RIP Yul Brynner a great icon gone too soon❤

[TrulyTom]

To my way of thinking Yul Brynner was one of a kind. He was a multitalented renaissance kind of a man. He was more concerned about the life in his years instead of the years in his life. He walked to his own drummer. It would behoove many of us to learn from his example and dare to live as courageously as he did.

[stephaniehillman]

I saw Yul Brynner live from the King and I and I thought
What a Handsome man he was. There could never be another actor that could play the King of Siam than
Yul Brynner. He was
Marvelous and a very fine
Actor as well.❤❤

[stephaniehillman]

The commercial Yul made for the American Cancer
Society is one that I will never forget. He looked so sick and in pain! So so sad.😢😢😢😢. I remember watching it and I burst into tears!! 😭😭

[thomasseery]

Always remembered for “ The Magnificent Seven “ as the noble Chris.

[MFGC-EmilyRose]

He died the same date director, radio show host and actor Orson Welles died. R.I.P the greatest actors we ever had.

[BX]

I was fortunate to see him in 'The King and I' on stage in Milwaukee, a little bit before he died. He got a 10 minute standing ovation just by coming out onto the stage.

[karolleekochparrish]

My favorite movie as a child, and still is, is the movie " Taras Bulba". He was tremendously masculine yet sensitive and loving in this role. I fell in love with him when I was 4 and 60 years later, I have not changed my mind. He will always be my favorite actor.

[pagandeva]

So it shall be written, so it shall be done… The 10 Commandments! He was a HOT RAMSEES!

[ameliawarfield]

I'm glad he spread the word about not smoking 🚭.

[annbell]

My favorite movie with him was westworld....he scared me half to death, but it was entertaining scary!