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Who Was Elizabeth Taylor?
Elizabeth Taylor was a legendary actress who began her career in the early 1940s, with her debut film One Born Every Minute (1942). She rose to stardom through National Velvet (1944) and went on to win two Academy Awards for her performances in Butterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1965). In addition to her acting career, Taylor became equally well-known for her multiple marriages, her collection of exquisite jewelry, and her iconic violet eyes.
Early Life
Born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor on February 27, 1932, in London, England, she became one of the most renowned actresses of her time, with a career spanning over six decades. Her parents, American art dealers residing in London, moved back to the U.S. shortly after World War II began, settling in Los Angeles. Taylor’s mother had been an actress herself before marriage, and it wasn’t long before young Elizabeth began following in her footsteps.
By the age of 3, Taylor was already taking dance lessons, and even performed in a recital for British princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Encouraged by a family friend, she took a screen test in Hollywood after relocating to California, setting the stage for her remarkable career.
Child Star
Taylor’s entrance into Hollywood came at the tender age of 10 when she signed with Universal Studios and made her debut in There’s One Born Every Minute (1942). She gained attention with roles in Lassie Come Home (1943) and The White Cliffs of Dover (1944), but it was her role in National Velvet (1944) that solidified her star status. At just 12 years old, Taylor’s dedication to securing the part was evident, and the film’s success—grossing over $4 million—propelled her to fame.
As a child actress, Taylor navigated the challenges of Hollywood with grace. Remarkably, she managed to transition smoothly into adult roles, a feat that few child stars have accomplished so successfully.
Mainstream Success and Marriages
Elizabeth Taylor’s stunning looks undoubtedly contributed to her early success, but it was her acting talent that secured her place in Hollywood. At the age of 18, she starred alongside Spencer Tracy in Father of the Bride (1950), marking the beginning of her rise to stardom. By 1954, Taylor had proven her versatility with roles in The Last Time I Saw Paris, Rhapsody, and Elephant Walk, where she portrayed a plantation owner’s wife entangled in a complicated love affair.
Her personal life often intersected with her professional success. At just 17, Taylor entered her first marriage to hotel heir Nicky Hilton, though the marriage was short-lived. In 1952, she married actor Michael Wilding, the second of her eight marriages, including two to actor Richard Burton. Each marriage, often sensationalized by the media, kept Taylor in the public eye and arguably boosted her career.
Despite the headlines, Taylor’s acting remained at the forefront. She delivered a compelling performance in A Place in the Sun and starred in Giant (1956) alongside James Dean. Two years later, she captivated audiences in the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), followed by another standout role in Suddenly, Last Summer (1959). In 1960, she won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of a call girl in Butterfield 8.
Personal Life in the Spotlight
While Taylor’s career flourished, her personal life was marked by tragedy. In 1958, she became a widow when her third husband, film producer Mike Todd, died in a plane crash. Shortly after, she became involved in a highly publicized affair with Todd’s close friend, Eddie Fisher, which led to his divorce from Debbie Reynolds. Taylor and Fisher married in 1959 but divorced five years later when Taylor left him for Richard Burton.
The public’s fascination with Taylor’s love life reached new heights when she married Burton in 1964. The couple, who had fallen in love on the set of Cleopatra (1963), became one of Hollywood’s most famous and tumultuous pairings. Their relationship was intense, both on and off the screen. Despite starring in the critically panned The V.I.P.s (1963), they later found success together in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), for which Taylor won her second Academy Award for Best Actress.
Taylor’s later years were marked by personal challenges, including more marriages and divorces, health issues, and a declining film career. However, her legacy as a screen legend remained intact.
Later Years and Legacy
In the later stages of her life, Taylor shifted her focus toward philanthropy, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. After the death of her close friend Rock Hudson from AIDS in 1985, Taylor became a vocal advocate for AIDS research and treatment. In 1991, she founded the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation, raising millions for the cause.
Though largely retired from acting, Taylor continued to receive accolades for her contributions to cinema. She was honored with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 1993 and made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2000.
Throughout her life, Taylor faced numerous health challenges, including diabetes, hip replacements, and a brain tumor. She underwent heart surgery in 2009 but continued to experience heart issues. In early 2011, she was hospitalized for congestive heart failure, and on March 23, 2011, she passed away from the condition.
Following her death, her son Michael Wilding expressed the profound impact she had on the world, stating, “My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love … We will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.” Taylor’s legacy as both a Hollywood icon and a humanitarian endures, remembered for her timeless talent and her compassion for others.