Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, born on February 27, 1932, in London, England, was not just an actress but a symbol of old Hollywood’s glamour and grandeur. Known for her captivating violet eyes and exceptional beauty, Taylor was one of the last great stars to emerge from the Hollywood studio system. Her career spanned over six decades, and her life was a tapestry of extraordinary success, personal tragedy, and relentless passion for both her craft and her causes. At the time of her death on March 23, 2011, Taylor’s estimated net worth was around $600 million, a testament to her successful career, business ventures, and enduring legacy. Throughout her life, Taylor was married eight times to seven different men and had four children: Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.
Early Life and Hollywood Beginnings
Elizabeth Taylor was born into a family of American expatriates in London, England. Her parents, Sara and Francis Taylor, were originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and had moved to London to establish an art gallery. Her mother, a former stage actress, had given up her career to focus on her family. However, as World War II loomed, the Taylor family returned to the United States, settling in Los Angeles.
It wasn’t long before young Elizabeth’s striking beauty caught the attention of Hollywood. A family friend suggested she take a screen test, which led to her first role in the 1942 film There’s One Born Every Minute at just ten years old. Although Universal Pictures dropped her contract after that film, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) quickly signed her, marking the beginning of her legendary career.
Rise to Stardom
Elizabeth Taylor’s breakthrough came in 1944 with the film National Velvet, where she played Velvet Brown, a young girl who trains a horse for the Grand National. The film was a massive success, grossing over $4 million and establishing Taylor as one of MGM’s top child stars. Her talent and on-screen presence were undeniable, and she quickly became a household name.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Taylor transitioned from child star to leading lady, starring in a series of successful films. In 1951, she appeared in A Place in the Sun alongside Montgomery Clift, which further solidified her status as a serious actress. Her beauty and talent were on full display, captivating audiences and critics alike.
By the mid-1950s, Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. She starred in Giant (1956) with James Dean, Raintree County (1957) with Montgomery Clift, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) with Paul Newman. Despite several Oscar nominations, it wasn’t until 1960 that Taylor won her first Academy Award for her role in BUtterfield 8 (1960).
The Cleopatra Era and Personal Life
In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor starred in Cleopatra, one of the most expensive films ever made at the time. Her portrayal of the Egyptian queen was iconic, and the film’s production was as dramatic as the story itself. It was during the making of Cleopatra that Taylor met Richard Burton, with whom she would have one of Hollywood’s most famous and tumultuous love affairs. The two married in 1964, divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again in 1976.
Taylor’s personal life was as headline-grabbing as her film career. She was married eight times to seven different men, including Conrad Hilton, Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton, U.S. Senator John Warner, and Larry Fortensky. Her marriages, particularly to Burton, were the subject of intense media scrutiny, making her one of the most talked-about celebrities of her time.
Later Career and Humanitarian Work
Although her later films in the 1960s and 1970s were not as successful as her earlier work, Elizabeth Taylor remained a significant figure in Hollywood. She won her second Academy Award for her role as Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), a performance widely regarded as one of her best.
In the 1980s, Taylor shifted her focus to humanitarian work, particularly in the fight against AIDS. After the death of her friend, actor Rock Hudson, from AIDS in 1985, Taylor became a passionate advocate for AIDS research and awareness. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and later established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, raising millions of dollars for the cause.
In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Taylor ventured into the fragrance industry, launching successful perfumes like “White Diamonds” and “Passion,” which contributed significantly to her wealth in her later years.
Legacy and Final Years
Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy extends far beyond her filmography. She was a pioneer for both Hollywood and humanitarian causes, using her fame and fortune to make a difference in the world. Her beauty, talent, and resilience made her a timeless icon, admired by generations of fans.
In her final years, Taylor faced several health challenges, including a brain tumor and congestive heart failure. She passed away on March 23, 2011, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance and compassion. She was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, where her memory continues to be celebrated by those who loved and admired her.
Elizabeth Taylor remains one of the most enduring symbols of Hollywood’s golden age, a star who shone brightly both on and off the screen. Her life story is a testament to the power of beauty, talent, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.