Remembering Hollywood’s Queen, Elizabeth Taylor, in Photos

Elizabeth Taylor: A Glorious Life of Stardom and Philanthropy

Elizabeth Taylor, an iconic actress renowned for her beauty and talent, left an indelible mark on Hollywood before her passing from congestive heart failure at the age of 79 on March 23, 2011. The actress’s life was as vibrant and eventful as the characters she portrayed on screen, embodying a life of glamour, tumult, and philanthropy that continues to inspire many.

Born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor in Hampstead, London, on 27 February 1932, she was the child of art dealer Francis and Sara, a former stage actress. Taylor’s striking violet eyes and extraordinary beauty prompted her mother to introduce her to the world of showbiz at a young age. By just three years old, she had started ballet lessons, describing in her memoir, “Elizabeth Takes Off,” how her childhood was “overscheduled and overdisciplined.”

Her debut film came early on when she starred in “There’s One Born Every Minute” at the tender age of nine. Recognised for her unique talents, MGM quickly signed her on, leading to her breakthrough performance in the 1944 classic “National Velvet,” where she captivated audiences as the determined young horse rider, Velvet Brown.

Taylor’s first marriage at just 18 was to Conrad “Nicky” Hilton Jr., the hotel heir, in a ceremony funded by MGM to promote her film “Father of the Bride.” However, the union quickly soured, with Hilton’s abusive behaviour leading to their divorce within a year. This event would be merely the first chapter of Taylor’s complex romantic life, which would encompass eight marriages in total.

Among her most significant relationships was her partnership with fellow actor Montgomery Clift in the 1951 film “A Place in the Sun.” Their camaraderie would shape Taylor’s future friendships in Hollywood allowing her to forge a network of alliances that contributed to her later philanthropic efforts, particularly in response to the AIDS crisis. Following the death of friend Rock Hudson, Taylor founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to activism.

Taylor’s next chapter came when she married movie producer Mike Todd in 1957. Despite their substantial age difference, she referred to Todd as one of her two great loves. Todd’s tragic death in a plane crash in 1958 devastated Taylor, who later expressed feelings of hopelessness in the aftermath.

Continuing her career, Taylor starred in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” which showcased her incredible acting prowess and earned her an Academy Award nomination. Despite her pain from Todd’s untimely passing, she found solace in her work, using her art as a means of coping.

Raising a large family, Taylor became a mother to four children and a grandmother, often referring to her kids as her “best friends.” Over the years, she balanced motherhood with her cinematic career and tumultuous love life, which included marriages to Eddie Fisher and Welsh actor Richard Burton. Their passionate romance, often referred to as the “Burton affair,” attracted relentless scrutiny from the media, particularly as the couple married and divorced twice.

Taylor’s landmark performance in “Cleopatra” was characterised by its chaotic nature, both in its production and her personal life. The film marked her as the first actor to receive a $1 million salary, which later spiralled due to costly production delays and her tumultuous relationship with Burton.

Her marriage to Senator John Warner in 1976 marked a new phase in her life, during which Taylor battled addiction. The cocktail of alcohol and prescription pills led her to attend the Betty Ford Centre for rehabilitation, a move she attributed partly to the insistence of her family.

Recognition would continue to follow Taylor throughout her life, including an Oscar win for “Butterfield 8” and a second for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” in 1966. Additionally, she was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1992 for her contributions to AIDS activism and received accolades for her work in film and the business world, including successful ventures in fragrance and jewellery.

Despite ongoing health issues that plagued her later years, including multiple surgeries and a confirmed diagnosis of congestive heart failure, Taylor remained a vibrant figure. She continued to make public appearances, including a touching visit to the West End cast of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” shortly before her death.

On March 23, 2011, Taylor passed away surrounded by her children, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations. Her life story continues to resonate, influencing modern icons and artists, including Taylor Swift, who referenced her in song.

Elizabeth Taylor remains a symbol of enduring celebrity, beauty, and empowerment in Hollywood, continuing to inspire future generations both in film and in philanthropy. Her memory, often celebrated in popular culture, serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on both the arts and humanitarian efforts.