Elizabeth Taylor remains one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. Known for her striking violet eyes, exceptional acting talent, and captivating personal life, Taylor’s story is as dramatic as any of her films. Here are 50 fascinating Elizabeth Taylor facts that showcase her extraordinary life and career.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor.
- Birth Date: She was born on February 27, 1932.
- Birthplace: Hampstead, London, England.
- American Parents: Both her parents were Americans living in London at the time.
- Move to the U.S.: The Taylor family moved back to the U.S. in 1939 due to World War II.
- Dual Citizenship: She held both British and American citizenship.
- Child Star Beginnings: Her film career began at age 9 in There’s One Born Every Minute (1942).
- Breakout Role: She became a household name after National Velvet (1944).
Career Highlights
- Academy Awards: Elizabeth Taylor won two Oscars — for BUtterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).
- Golden Globe Winner: She received multiple Golden Globe nominations and wins.
- Highest-Paid Actress: In 1963, she became the first actress to earn $1 million for a role — for Cleopatra.
- Cleopatra’s Record: The film Cleopatra was the most expensive movie made at the time.
- Television Work: She appeared in TV shows and specials, including guest appearances on General Hospital.
- Business Ventures: Taylor launched her own perfume line, including the best-selling White Diamonds.
- Over 50 Films: She appeared in more than 50 movies during her career.
- Final Film Role: Her last theatrical film was The Flintstones (1994), where she played Wilma’s mother.
Personal Life and Relationships
- Eight Marriages: She was married eight times to seven men.
- Richard Burton Twice: She married Richard Burton twice — in 1964 and 1975.
- Childhood Friendships: She was close friends with Roddy McDowall since her teenage years.
- Close with Michael Jackson: Her friendship with Michael Jackson lasted decades.
- Children: She had four children — Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.
- Grandchildren: She had ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
- Engaged Multiple Times: She was engaged several times beyond her official marriages.
Health and Resilience
- Serious Illnesses: Taylor survived pneumonia, a brain tumor, and several back injuries.
- Multiple Surgeries: She underwent more than 30 surgeries in her lifetime.
- Broken Back: She broke her back during filming of National Velvet.
- Addiction Battle: She sought treatment for alcohol and prescription drug dependency in the 1980s.
- Near-Death Experience: She was pronounced dead for five minutes during a 1961 surgery.
Fashion and Beauty
- Violet Eyes: Her unique violet-colored eyes became her signature feature.
- Diamond Lover: She was famous for her love of jewelry, especially diamonds.
- The Taylor-Burton Diamond: Richard Burton gifted her a 69.42-carat diamond.
- Fashion Icon: She influenced trends in the 1950s and 1960s with her glamorous style.
- Perfume Empire: Her fragrances earned over $1 billion in sales.
Philanthropy and Activism
- AIDS Activism: She was one of the first celebrities to publicly fight for AIDS awareness.
- AMFAR Co-Founder: She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research in 1985.
- Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation: She launched her own foundation in 1991.
- Fundraising: Her efforts raised hundreds of millions for AIDS research.
- Public Advocacy: She used her celebrity to break the stigma around HIV/AIDS.
Interesting and Fun Facts
- Nicknames: Known as “Liz” but preferred “Elizabeth.”
- Animal Lover: Owned many pets, including dogs and horses.
- Oscar Presenter at 16: She presented an Academy Award at just 16 years old.
- Multiple Nationalities: Held British, American, and dual passports at different points.
- Book Author: Wrote books including Elizabeth Takes Off and My Love Affair with Jewelry.
- First Celebrity Perfume: Passion (1987) was one of the first major celebrity fragrances.
- Charity Auctions: Donated jewelry for charity auctions multiple times.
- Historic Auction: Her jewelry collection auction in 2011 set records, earning over $156 million.
- Queenly Honors: Named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2000.
- Fearless Public Image: She embraced media attention rather than avoiding it.
- Never Retired: Continued acting and appearing publicly well into her later years.
- Passing: Elizabeth Taylor died on March 23, 2011, at age 79, leaving behind a legendary legacy.
Final Thoughts
Elizabeth Taylor’s life was filled with glamour, passion, and purpose. These 50 facts reveal not just a Hollywood star, but a humanitarian, a survivor, and a woman who lived life entirely on her own terms. Whether through her award-winning performances, her breathtaking beauty, or her trailblazing philanthropy, Elizabeth Taylor’s influence continues to shine brightly.
