A Star for Burton, and Scholarships for the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama

10th February 2011

A major fundraising campaign has been launched to lay an iconic star to honour Richard Burton, one of Wales’ most famous actors, on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.

The Western Mail, in partnership with The Welsh Rugby Union and Principality Building Society, launched A Star for Burton, a £40,000 fundraising drive, at Wales’ Millennium Stadium during the Wales v England Six Nations match last week. Half of the money raised will go towards Burton’s star and the other half will support scholarships at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where a new theatre has been named in his honour.

Despite being nominated for seven Oscars, Burton has never been recognised on the legendary Boulevard. The campaign has already received backing from major Welsh stars, including Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys and Burton’s actor daughter, Kate, who said: “I am delighted to support this campaign to recognise my father’s place in Hollywood history. I’m particularly excited that the fundraising will also support scholarships at the Royal Welsh College, particularly as much of that training will centre around the new theatre that will bear his name.”

The Hollywood Walk of Fame committee is currently seeking nominations for new stars for the Boulevard. However each nomination costs around £18,000 ($30,000), to fund installation and maintenance costs.

Hilary Boulding, principal of the Cardiff-based conservatoire, said: “The College is delighted to be a part of this campaign. It seems only fitting that one of Wales’ most famous sons should also have a star on Hollywood Boulevard, while at the same time creating student scholarships in his name for future students at the college.”

Find out more about how to donate to the Star for Burton campaign here.

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