Elizabeth Taylor, often called the “Queen of Hollywood,” was a legendary actress, humanitarian, and cultural icon whose life and career left an indelible mark on the world. Known for her stunning beauty, violet eyes, and remarkable talent, she starred in over 50 films, won two Academy Awards, and became a symbol of glamour and resilience. If you’re searching for “Elizabeth Taylor” to uncover her extraordinary story, this SEO-friendly, reader-focused guide dives into her life, career, personal triumphs, and lasting legacy.
Early Life: From London to Hollywood Stardom
Born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London, to American parents, Francis and Sara Taylor, she moved to Los Angeles at age seven as World War II loomed. Her mother, a former stage actress, spotted her potential early. By age nine, Elizabeth was under contract with Universal Pictures, making her film debut in There’s One Born Every Minute (1942). Her breakout came at 12 with National Velvet (1944), playing a girl obsessed with horse racing—a role that showcased her natural charm and launched her to fame.
Raised in a privileged yet turbulent environment, Taylor’s striking looks—jet-black hair, porcelain skin, and those famous violet eyes—made her a standout. By her teens, she was MGM’s golden child, transitioning seamlessly from child star to leading lady.
Hollywood Golden Age: Elizabeth Taylor’s Iconic Film Roles
Taylor’s career spanned six decades, with unforgettable performances in dramas, romances, and epics. She starred in classics like:
- A Place in the Sun (1951): As Angela, she captivated audiences (and co-star Montgomery Clift) in this romantic tragedy.
- Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958): Her fiery Maggie earned her an Oscar nomination and cemented her as a dramatic powerhouse.
- Cleopatra (1963): Playing the Egyptian queen, Taylor became the first actress paid $1 million for a role. The film’s massive budget and her on-set romance with Richard Burton made headlines.
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): As Martha, she won her first Best Actress Oscar for a raw, unfiltered performance opposite Burton.
- The Taming of the Shrew (1967): Another Burton collaboration, showcasing their electric chemistry.
Her second Oscar came for Butterfield 8 (1960), playing a call girl—a role she reportedly disliked but delivered with grit. Taylor’s films grossed millions, and her ability to embody both glamour and vulnerability made her a box-office magnet.
| Film | Year | Role | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Velvet | 1944 | Velvet Brown | Launched her as a child star |
| Cat on a Hot Tin Roof | 1958 | Maggie Pollitt | Oscar nomination; iconic role |
| Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? | 1966 | Martha | Won Best Actress Oscar |
| Cleopatra | 1963 | Cleopatra | Record-breaking $1M salary |
Awards and Accolades: A Trophy Case of Triumphs
Taylor’s mantelpiece glittered with honors:
- Academy Awards: Two Best Actress wins (Butterfield 8, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) and five nominations total.
- Golden Globes: Three wins, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award (1985) for lifetime achievement.
- BAFTA: Won for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and a 1999 Fellowship.
- Humanitarian Honors: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award (1993) for her AIDS activism.
In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked her seventh among the greatest female screen legends, a testament to her enduring impact.
Personal Life: Love, Scandals, and Resilience
Taylor’s personal life was as dramatic as her films. Married eight times to seven men, her romances captivated tabloids:
- Conrad Hilton Jr. (1950–1951): A brief, turbulent marriage to the Hilton heir.
- Michael Wilding (1952–1957): Father of her two sons, Michael Jr. and Christopher.
- Mike Todd (1957–1958): Her great love, tragically killed in a plane crash; they had one daughter, Liza.
- Eddie Fisher (1959–1964): A scandalous union after Fisher left Debbie Reynolds for Taylor.
- Richard Burton (1964–1974, 1975–1976): Married twice, their passionate, volatile love story defined an era.
- John Warner (1976–1982): A U.S. senator, marking her political phase.
- Larry Fortensky (1991–1996): A construction worker she met in rehab.
Taylor had four children and faced health struggles, including a near-fatal pneumonia bout in 1961 and lifelong back issues. Her resilience shone through addiction battles and public scrutiny, endearing her to fans.
Humanitarian Legacy: Pioneering AIDS Activism
Beyond the screen, Taylor was a trailblazer for social good. In 1985, after friend Rock Hudson’s death from AIDS, she co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). In 1991, she launched the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), raising millions for research and care. Her advocacy destigmatized AIDS at a time when few spoke out, earning her global respect.
She also championed Jewish causes, supported disaster relief, and used her jewelry empire (like her White Diamonds perfume, still a bestseller) to fund her philanthropy.
Expert Opinion: Why Elizabeth Taylor Remains Timeless
Film historian Jeanine Basinger told Vanity Fair in 2023: “Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t just a star—she was a force of nature, blending raw talent with unapologetic authenticity.” Her ability to evolve from child star to dramatic heavyweight set her apart. Director Mike Nichols, who helmed Virginia Woolf, praised her as “fearless,” noting her willingness to bare her soul on screen.
In 2025, Taylor’s influence persists. Her films stream on platforms like Max and Criterion, and her ETAF continues its mission. Social media, especially X, buzzes with fans celebrating her style and activism, with posts like: “Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra look is still fashion goals!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Taylor
How many times was Elizabeth Taylor married?
Eight times to seven men, with Richard Burton marrying her twice.
What was Elizabeth Taylor’s most famous role?
Arguably Cleopatra in Cleopatra (1963), though her Oscar-winning Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) is her critical peak.
Did Elizabeth Taylor win any Oscars?
Yes, two for Best Actress: Butterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).
What was Elizabeth Taylor’s net worth?
At her death in 2011, estimates ranged from $600 million to $1 billion, thanks to films, perfumes, and jewelry ventures.
How did Elizabeth Taylor contribute to AIDS activism?
She co-founded amfAR in 1985 and started ETAF in 1991, raising millions and advocating for AIDS awareness when it was taboo.
Summary: Elizabeth Taylor’s Enduring Legacy
Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t just a star—she was a phenomenon. From National Velvet to Cleopatra, her films defined Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her turbulent love life, marked by eight marriages, kept her in the headlines, but her heart shone brightest in her AIDS activism. In 2025, her legacy lives on through her foundation, timeless films, and fans who still adore her glamour and grit. Watch her classics, support her causes, and discover why Elizabeth Taylor remains a true icon.
