Known as the bald cowboy in The Magnificent Seven and the sexy, charismatic male lead in The King and I, Yul Brynner was aHollywood paragon of masculinity. Beyond his distinctive appearanceand distinguished acting career was a life of intrigue and concoctedtales surrounding his youth. Born Youl Bryner in Russia, he playedgypsy guitar and worked as a trapeze clown until a severe injurymotivated him to pursue his interest in theatre. This biography takesreaders through Brynner's formative years in Russia, France and Chinaand describes his journey from sweeping stages in Parisian theatres toa versatile career in theatre, television and film, reaching a stardom thatbegan and ended with the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musicalThe King and I