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. Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on February 27, 1932, in London, England.
2. Her parents were American art dealers residing in England when she was born.
3. Taylor's family moved back to the United States in 1939 due to the outbreak of World War II.
4. She made her film debut at the age of 10 in the movie "There's One Born Every Minute" (1942).
5. Her breakthrough role came in 1944 with "National Velvet," where she played a young girl who trains a horse to win the Grand National.
6. Taylor was signed by Universal Pictures at the age of nine but was dropped after just one film.
7. MGM quickly picked her up, recognizing her potential as a child star.
8. She 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. Taylor starred in "Father of the Bride" (1950) alongside Spencer Tracy, which was a major box office hit.
10. She received her first Academy Award nomination for "Raintree County" (1957).
11. Elizabeth won her first Oscar for Best Actress for her role in "BUtterfield 8" (1960).
12. Her second Oscar came for her performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966).
13. Taylor became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood during the 1960s.
14. She was the first actress to be paid $1 million for a single film, "Cleopatra" (1963).
15. "Cleopatra" was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox.
16. Her 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. Taylor was married eight times to seven different men.
18. Her first marriage was to hotel heir Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr. in 1950.
19. She married British actor Michael Wilding in 1952, with whom she had two sons.
20. Her third husband was producer Mike Todd, who tragically died in a plane crash in 1958.
21. Taylor married singer Eddie Fisher in 1959, causing a scandal as he left his wife, Debbie Reynolds, for her.
22. Her most famous marriage was to actor Richard Burton, whom she married twice.
23. Taylor and Burton starred in 11 films together.
24. Her 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. Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985.
26. She established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991.
27. Taylor raised millions of dollars for AIDS research and awareness.
28. She was one of the first celebrities to publicly support AIDS activism.
29. Taylor received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1993 for her charitable work.
30. She 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. Taylor appeared in several television movies and series in the 1980s and 1990s.
32. She made her last theatrical film appearance in "The Flintstones" (1994).
33. Taylor was a successful businesswoman, launching a line of perfumes that generated significant revenue.
34. Her fragrance "White Diamonds" remains one of the best-selling celebrity perfumes.
35. Taylor was a close friend of pop icon Michael Jackson and supported him during his legal troubles.
36. She was known for her extensive jewelry collection, including the famous 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond.
37. Taylor's health declined in her later years, and she underwent several surgeries.
38. She 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. Taylor had a genetic mutation that gave her double rows of eyelashes, enhancing her striking eyes.
40. She was an avid art collector, amassing a significant collection of paintings and sculptures.
41. Taylor was a skilled equestrian, a talent she showcased in "National Velvet."
42. She was a godmother to two of Michael Jackson's children, Paris and Prince Michael.
43. Taylor was a staunch supporter of Jewish causes and converted to Judaism in 1959.
44. She was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 1987 for her contributions to the arts.
45. Taylor was known for her sense of humor and practical jokes on film sets.
46. She had a passion for cooking and often hosted elaborate dinner parties.
47. Taylor was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and supported various related causes.
48. She was a pioneer in celebrity endorsements, lending her name to various products.
49. Taylor's iconic violet eyes were often highlighted by her choice of clothing and makeup.
50. Despite 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.