As Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who defies his king, Burton gave a performance of quiet, principled power.
Becket (1964) follows the friendship between Becket and Henry II, played by Peter O’Toole, as it turns into a struggle over church and state. Burton plays Becket’s transformation from worldly courtier to saintly martyr with a stillness that makes the final scenes deeply moving.
He was nominated for Best Actor, and the film won Best Adapted Screenplay. It remains one of Burton’s most revered roles.
Image credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.