Although he started out as an actor, in 1944 Yul Brynner became a director for the then new, CBS, appearing in some shows. In 1950 at the urging of actress, Mary Martin, he auditioned for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s new musical in New York. He recalled that, as he was finding success as a director on television, he was reluctant to go back on the stage. Once he read the script, however, he was fascinated by the character of the King and was eager to perform in the project. His role as King Mongkut