Synopsis. Born in Russia in 1920, actor Yul Brynner began playing his most famous role, King Mongkut of Siam in The King and I, on Broadway in 1951. After more than three years and 1,246 performances, he starred in the film version in 1956, winning an Academy Award for best actor.ul Brynner-The King and I (TV-14; 1:13) Watch a short video about actor Yul Brynner and discover how he got his most famous role.