Elizabeth Taylor, a symbol of glamour and talent, remains a legendary figure in film history. Over her six-decade career, she dazzled audiences with her beauty, acting skills, and a life filled with dramatic highs and lows. This article explores her journey from her early days to her lasting impact on both cinema and society.
Quick Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor |
| Known As | Elizabeth Taylor |
| Professions | Actress, Humanitarian |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | London, England |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Height | 5'2" (157 cm) |
| net worth (2025) | Estimated $600 million |
| Parents | Francis Lenn Taylor, Sara Sothern |
| Spouses | Conrad Hilton Jr., Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (twice), John Warner, Larry Fortensky |
| Children | Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd Burton, Maria Burton |
Early Life
Born in London to American parents involved in the arts, Elizabeth Taylor moved to Los Angeles during World War II, a pivotal change that set her on a path to stardom.
Childhood and Early Career
Elizabeth's first major film role was in National Velvet (1944), where she played Velvet Brown, a girl who trains a horse for the Grand National. This role made her a beloved figure in Hollywood at just twelve years old.
Career Highlights
From a captivating child actress to a sophisticated leading lady, Elizabeth Taylor's career was marked by versatility and resilience.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Her role in A Place in the Sun (1951) marked her transition to adult roles, earning her widespread acclaim. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, she starred in several hits like Giant (1956), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), and the epic Cleopatra (1963), where she started her famed romance with Richard Burton.
Critical Acclaim
Elizabeth won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her performances in Butterfield 8 (1960) and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), the latter often considered her finest work.
Personal Life
Elizabeth's life off-screen was as eventful as her on-screen performances, marked by her passionate romances and health challenges.
Relationships and Marriages
Famously married eight times to seven men, her most noted relationship was with Richard Burton, whom she married twice. Their intense, volatile love affair was a subject of fascination worldwide.
Health and Resilience
Despite numerous health issues, including a brain tumor and severe back problems, Elizabeth showed remarkable resilience, maintaining her career and charitable activities.
Major Achievements
Elizabeth was not only a film icon but also a dedicated humanitarian, particularly noted for her AIDS activism.
Awards and Recognition
Her film achievements were complemented by honors such as two Golden Globes and a BAFTA. For her humanitarian work, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000.
Pioneering Activism
A forefront advocate for HIV/AIDS research, she co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 and established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, raising substantial funds and awareness.
Financial Insights
Elizabeth's financial acumen made her one of the wealthiest actresses of her era.
Earnings and Business Ventures
Her fortune was bolstered by lucrative film contracts and successful business ventures, including her popular fragrance line, White Diamonds.
Legacy and Influence
Elizabeth Taylor remains a significant figure in Hollywood and humanitarian fields. Her groundbreaking roles and activism have left a lasting impact, continuing to inspire and influence.
FAQ
What are some of Elizabeth Taylor's most famous films?
Elizabeth Taylor is best known for National Velvet, A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cleopatra, and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
How many times did Elizabeth Taylor marry?
Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times to seven men.
What was her role in HIV/AIDS activism?
Elizabeth Taylor was a pioneering advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research, significantly contributing through amfAR and her own foundation.
What was Elizabeth Taylor's net worth?
At the time of her death in 2011, her net worth was estimated at $600 million.
Did Elizabeth Taylor have children?
Yes, she had four children: Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd Burton, and Maria Burton.
Elizabeth Taylor's remarkable life of cinematic triumphs and personal challenges, coupled with her enduring influence, cements her status as a timeless icon whose legacy continues to inspire.
