She passed early on March 23, 2011, in Los Angeles

As the anniversary of her death nears, many have been asking, “Who is Elizabeth Taylor?” ‘Elizabeth Taylor eyes’ and ‘Elizabeth Taylor movies’ are still chart-topping Google search terms.

Elizabeth Taylor was an iconic actress whose career spanned decades. She starred in some of the most notable films of her era, including ‘National Velvet,’ ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,’ ‘Giant’ and ‘Cleopatra.’

She was also known for her numerous marriages, having been married eight times during her lifetime. Taylor was also renowned for her extensive collection of jewelry, including her famous 33-carat diamond engagement ring from Richard Burton.

Studio publicity still, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Taylor was widely known for her striking beauty, with her unique violet-colored eyes being one of her most memorable characteristics. Taylor’s eyes were often described as being luminous and captivating, and her eyelashes were famously long and dark.

She was renowned for her distinctive look, which included black tresses, a curvaceous figure, lush lips, and striking facial features. Taylor was considered a timeless beauty, with her, look transcending time and trends.

What year was Elizabeth Taylor born?

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on February 24, 1932, in London, England, under the sign of Pisces. She was the only child of American parents Francis Lenn Taylor and Sara Sothern but had two older half-brothers, Howard Taylor, and Michael Wilding, from her father’s previous marriage.

Her parents raised her in a creative and intellectual environment, and from a young age, she developed her talent for acting, making her film debut at nine years old in There’s One Born Every Minute.

Elizabeth Taylor and Peter Lawford in ‘Little Women,’ 1949, Photographer not credited, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

She and Richard Burton first met on the set of Cleopatra, and their chemistry was undeniable. They soon developed an intense relationship, although both were still married to other people. This affair became highly publicized and caused much controversy, with the Vatican and the House of Representatives condemning the relationship.

Despite this, they divorced their respective partners and married each other twice. However, their relationship eventually ended in divorce, and they split for good after their second marriage.

CINELANDIA magazine, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Were there other Elizabeth Taylor husbands?

Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actress, and beauty, was famously married eight times to seven men.In 1950, she tied the knot with Conrad “Nicky” Hilton, who was a famous scion of a large hotel corporation.

Taylor’s next husband was Michael Wilding, a British actor whom she married in 1952. Her third husband was Mike Todd, an American film producer whom she married in 1957.

Her fourth husband was Eddie Fisher, a singer, and actor whom she married in 1959. Taylor’s fifth husband was Richard Burton, a Welsh actor whom she married in 1964. After parting ways in 1974, the couple reconciled and became husband and wife again the following year.. Her sixth husband was John Warner, a Virginia politician whom she married in 1976.

Taylor’s seventh husband was Larry Fortensky, whom she married in 1991. Both Taylor and Fortensky were recovering from addictions; their union ended in 1996.

Taylor was often drawn to people who needed help and support, and her involvement extended beyond her romantic relationships. She famously assisted Montgomery Clift after he was involved in a car accident in 1956.

After the death of Rock Hudson to AIDS in 1985, she worked to raise over $50 million to fight the disease, founding the American Federation for Aids Research. She also defended Michael Jackson when he was accused of child abuse.

Rock Hudson & Elizabeth Taylor, Film Star Vintage, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation

Taylor created the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991 to offer direct medical assistance, compassion, and emotional support to those with HIV/AIDS.

In addition, she provided financial support to organizations and individuals affected by the disease. She expanded her foundation’s scope to include educational initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts to fight the stigma around HIV/AIDS.

Throughout her life, she stood as a powerful advocate for those living with the disease and worked tirelessly to draw attention to their plight.

Her commitment to the cause was seen and appreciated by people worldwide, and she was recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2001.

Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Taylor Movies

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most iconic stars of the 1950s and 1960s, and she reached the pinnacle of her career during this time. She earned four Academy Award nominations from 1958-1961 for her performances in Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Suddenly, Last Summer.

However, she was ultimately unsuccessful in winning any of the awards. Despite this, Taylor was widely praised for her talent, and her performances in these films ensured her place as one of the most beloved stars of the period.

After three unsuccessful attempts at making a name for herself in Hollywood, Taylor finally succeeded with her fourth movie, Butterfield 8.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and Taylor was honored with her first Academy Award for her performance, cementing her place among the ranks of Hollywood’s elite.

Her second Oscar was awarded in 1967 for her performance in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?‘ It was one of the 12 films she starred in alongside her husband, Richard Burton.

This film is well-known for its extravagant cost and for being the start of one of Hollywood’s most iconic and enduring romances.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton met while filming Cleopatra, and their passionate affair and eventual marriage made headlines worldwide.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? was a critical and commercial success, and Elizabeth Taylor’s Oscar-winning performance cemented her reputation as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.

Metro Goldwyn Mayer-no photographer information given, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Taylor Death

Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actress, passed away on March 23, 2011, at 79. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her four children, and her passing was due to congestive heart failure.

Despite her passing, Taylor was not alone; she was surrounded by much love and support from her family, friends, and fans, devastated by her death. Throughout her life, Taylor was an inspiration to many and was known for her incredible talent and beauty. Her legacy will live on forever.

Roland Godefroy, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

References

[i] Biography, Elizabeth Taylor (2023)

[ii] Britannica, Elizabeth Taylor (Mar. 19, 2023)

[iii] People, Remembering Hollywood’s Queen, Elizabeth Taylor (Feb. 27, 2022)

[iv] Biography, Elizabeth Taylor (2023)

[v] The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation, HomePage (2023)

[vi] Sam Kashner, Elizabeth Taylor’s Closing Act (Jun. 1, 2011)