Longtime Elizabeth Taylor Friend Reveals Which of the Star’s Husbands Actually ‘Taught Her How to Be Loved’ (Exclusive)

Elizabeth Taylor Learns About Love from Mike Todd

Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic actress of her time, found one of her most valuable lessons about love through her relationship with Mike Todd, the producer of “Around the World in 80 Days” and her third husband. Their marriage, although cut short by Todd’s tragic death in 1958, left a lasting impact on Taylor’s understanding of love, according to insights from her longtime friend and executive assistant, Tim Mendelson.

Mendelson reflects on how Todd taught Taylor not only how to love but also how to receive love. He highlights Todd’s unique ability to court Taylor in a way that made her feel truly cherished and valued beyond measure. As a larger-than-life figure, Todd showered Taylor with grand gestures of affection, from treating her like royalty to gifting her extravagant pieces of jewellery, like a diamond tiara, that she adored wearing.

While many may see Todd as a showman, Mendelson reveals the depth of Todd’s feelings for Taylor, emphasizing how Todd never missed an opportunity to express his love for her. After winning the Academy Award for Best Picture for his film, Todd proudly proclaimed that Taylor was the most significant prize he had received, showcasing his unwavering devotion to her.

Among the many gifts Todd showered Taylor with, one stood out as a symbol of their love – a small round diamond in a heart-shaped pendant. Mendelson shares the significance of this piece of jewellery, mentioning how Taylor wore it affectionately in various moments of her life, even during her marriage to Eddie Fisher, a testament to the enduring connection she felt towards Todd.

Even in moments of peril, such as Taylor’s severe illness during the filming of “Cleopatra,” it was Todd’s spirit that she saw when hovering near death. Mendelson recalls Taylor’s vivid account of seeing Todd urging her to return to life, a moment that profoundly influenced her perspective on existence and gave her a renewed appreciation for living.

Taylor’s resilience and ability to find beauty in life’s challenges were traits that Mendelson admired in her. Despite the trials she faced, Taylor remained forgiving and compassionate, underscoring her multifaceted personality that combined strength with tenderness.

Through Taylor and Todd’s love story, Mendelson paints a picture of a relationship that transcended time and space, leaving an indelible mark on Taylor’s heart and shaping her outlook on love and life. The enduring legacy of Todd’s love for Taylor continues to inspire those who hear their tale, reminding us all of the transformative power of true love.

As we look back on Elizabeth Taylor’s life and loves, it is clear that her bond with Mike Todd was a defining chapter in her story, one that taught her invaluable lessons about love, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.