50 Facts About Elizabeth Taylor

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Elizabeth Taylor, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour, had a life filled with fascinating moments. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about her early years and career beginnings.

1. 01Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on February 27, 1932, in London, England.
2. 02Her parents were American art dealers residing in England when she was born.
3. 03Taylor's family moved back to the United States in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II.
4. 04She made her film debut at the age of 10 in the movie "There's One Born Every Minute" (1942).
5. 05Her breakthrough role came in 1944 with "National Velvet," where she played a young girl who trains a horse to win the Grand National.
6. 06Taylor was signed by Universal Pictures at the age of nine but was dropped after just one film.
7. 07MGM quickly picked her up, recognizing her potential as a child star.
8. 08She was one of the few child actors to successfully transition to adult roles.

Hollywood Stardom

Elizabeth Taylor's rise to stardom was meteoric. Her talent and beauty captivated audiences worldwide.

9. 09Taylor starred in "Father of the Bride" (1950) alongside Spencer Tracy, which was a major box office hit.
10. 10She received her first Academy Award nomination for "Raintree County" (1957).
11. 11Elizabeth won her first Oscar for Best Actress for her role in "BUtterfield 8" (1960).
12. 12Her second Oscar came for her performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966).
13. 13Taylor became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood during the 1960s.
14. 14She was the first actress to be paid $1 million for a single film, "Cleopatra" (1963).
15. 15"Cleopatra" was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox.
16. 16Her on-screen chemistry with Richard Burton in "Cleopatra" led to a highly publicized romance.

Personal Life and Marriages

Elizabeth Taylor's personal life was as dramatic as her film roles. Her relationships and marriages were often the subject of media frenzy.

17. 17Taylor was married eight times to seven different men.
18. 18Her first marriage was to hotel heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr. in 1950.
19. 19She married British actor Michael Wilding in 1952, with whom she had two sons.
20. 20Her third husband was producer Mike Todd, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1958.
21. 21Taylor married singer Eddie Fisher in 1959, causing a scandal as he left his wife, Debbie Reynolds, for her.
22. 22Her most famous marriage was to actor Richard Burton, whom she married twice.
23. 23Taylor and Burton starred in 11 films together.
24. 24Her final marriage was to construction worker Larry Fortensky, whom she met in rehab.

Philanthropy and Activism

Beyond her acting career, Elizabeth Taylor was a dedicated philanthropist and activist, particularly in the fight against AIDS.

25. 25Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985.
26. 26She established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991.
27. 27Taylor raised millions of dollars for AIDS research and awareness.
28. 28She was one of the first celebrities to publicly support AIDS activism.
29. 29Taylor received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993 for her charitable work.
30. 30She was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Bill Clinton in 2001.

Later Years and Legacy

Elizabeth Taylor continued to make an impact in her later years, both in film and through her charitable efforts.

31. 31Taylor appeared in several television movies and series in the 1980s and 1990s.
32. 32She made her last theatrical film appearance in "The Flintstones" (1994).
33. 33Taylor was a successful businesswoman, launching a line of perfumes that generated significant revenue.
34. 34Her fragrance "White Diamonds" remains one of the best-selling celebrity perfumes.
35. 35Taylor was a close friend of pop icon Michael Jackson and supported him during his legal troubles.
36. 36She was known for her extensive jewelry collection, including the famous 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond.
37. 37Taylor's health declined in her later years, and she underwent several surgeries.
38. 38She passed away on March 23, 2011, at the age of 79.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Elizabeth Taylor's life was filled with unique and lesser-known facts that add to her legendary status.

39. 39Taylor had a genetic mutation that gave her double rows of eyelashes, enhancing her striking eyes.
40. 40She was an avid art collector, amassing a significant collection of paintings and sculptures.
41. 41Taylor was a skilled equestrian, a talent she showcased in "National Velvet."
42. 42She was a godmother to two of Michael Jackson's children, Paris and Prince Michael.
43. 43Taylor was a staunch supporter of Jewish causes and converted to Judaism in 1959.
44. 44She was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1987 for her contributions to the arts.
45. 45Taylor was known for her sense of humor and practical jokes on film sets.
46. 46She had a passion for cooking and often hosted elaborate dinner parties.
47. 47Taylor was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and supported various related causes.
48. 48She was a pioneer in celebrity endorsements, lending her name to various products.
49. 49Taylor's iconic violet eyes were often highlighted by her choice of clothing and makeup.
50. 50Despite her fame, Taylor remained down-to-earth and was known for her kindness and generosity.

Elizabeth Taylor's Legacy

Elizabeth Taylor's life was a whirlwind of glamour, talent, and controversy. Known for her violet eyes and eight marriages, she captivated audiences on and off the screen. Her roles in classics like "Cleopatra" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" showcased her acting prowess. Beyond Hollywood, Taylor's humanitarian efforts, especially in AIDS activism, left a lasting impact. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and raised millions for the cause. Her jewelry collection was legendary, featuring some of the world's most famous gems. Despite personal struggles, Taylor's resilience and charisma made her an enduring icon. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations, reminding us of the power of passion and dedication. Elizabeth Taylor wasn't just a star; she was a force of nature who changed the world in more ways than one.