Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor
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Name	Elizabeth Taylor
Birth date	February 27, 1932
Birth place	Hampstead, London, England
Death date	March 23, 2011
Death place	Los Angeles, California, United States
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1942-2001
Spouse	Conrad Hilton Jr., Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton, John Warner, Larry Fortensky
Children	Michael Howard Wilding, Christopher Edward Wilding, Liza Todd Burton, Maria Burton Carson

Elizabeth Taylor was a renowned British-American actress, born to Francis Lenn Taylor and Sara Sothern, who began her acting career at a young age, making her screen debut in the 1942 film There's One Born Every Minute, alongside Carl Switzer and Kathryn Grayson. She gained widespread recognition for her role in National Velvet, starring alongside Mickey Rooney and Anne Revere. Taylor's early life was marked by her family's close ties to the Hollywood film industry, with her mother being a former Broadway actress and her father being an art dealer with connections to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and 20th Century Fox. Her family's social circle included notable figures such as Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Cary Grant.

Early Life

Taylor spent her early years in England and California, attending schools such as Westminster School and University High School (Los Angeles). Her family's frequent moves and her mother's emphasis on her acting career led to Taylor's enrollment in Westlake School for Girls and later, St. Mary's Town and Country School. Taylor's early life was also influenced by her relationships with her siblings, Howard Taylor and Mary Taylor, as well as her family's friendships with notable figures like Alfred Hitchcock, David O. Selznick, and George Cukor. Taylor's experiences during World War II, including her family's involvement in the American Red Cross and her own participation in USO tours, also shaped her early life and career.

Career

Taylor's acting career spanned over five decades, with notable roles in films such as A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Cleopatra, which starred Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, and Roddy McDowall. She worked with prominent directors like George Stevens, William Wyler, and Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and appeared alongside actors such as Rock Hudson, James Dean, and Vivien Leigh. Taylor's performances earned her numerous awards and nominations, including Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and BAFTA Awards. Her filmography also includes notable movies like Butterfield 8, The Sandpiper, and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which co-starred Sandy Dennis and George Segal. Taylor's career was also marked by her work in television, including appearances on The Andy Williams Show and General Hospital, as well as her own variety show, The Elizabeth Taylor Show.

Personal Life

Taylor's personal life was highly publicized, with eight marriages to Conrad Hilton Jr., Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton, John Warner, and Larry Fortensky. Her relationships with these men, as well as her friendships with Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando, and Frank Sinatra, were often subject to media scrutiny. Taylor's children, Michael Howard Wilding, Christopher Edward Wilding, Liza Todd Burton, and Maria Burton Carson, were also frequently featured in the press. Taylor's personal style, which included her love of jewelry and fashion, was influenced by designers like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Versace. Her personal life was also marked by her struggles with health issues, including back problems and addiction, as well as her experiences with divorce and remarriage.

Philanthropy

Taylor was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the American Foundation for AIDS Research, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. She was also involved with UNICEF, The Red Cross, and the March of Dimes. Taylor's charitable work was recognized with numerous awards, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal. Her philanthropic efforts were often focused on HIV/AIDS research and awareness, as well as children's health and education initiatives. Taylor's friendships with other philanthropists, such as Princess Diana and Nelson Mandela, also influenced her charitable work.

Legacy

Taylor's legacy as a actress, philanthropist, and fashion icon continues to be celebrated today. Her influence can be seen in the work of actresses like Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, and Angelina Jolie, who have all cited Taylor as an inspiration. Taylor's filmography remains popular, with many of her movies, such as Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, continuing to be studied and admired by film scholars and enthusiasts. Her personal style and fashion sense have also been emulated by designers and celebrities, including Versace and Lady Gaga. Taylor's philanthropic work has also had a lasting impact, with organizations like The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation continuing to support HIV/AIDS research and awareness initiatives. Category:Actresses