What was Elizabeth Taylor's full birth name and her date and place of birth?

Elizabeth Taylor's birth name was Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor. She was born on February 27, 1932, at her family's home in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, England.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's dual citizenship status at birth, and why did she hold it?

Elizabeth Taylor held dual British and American citizenship at birth because her parents, Francis Lenn Taylor and Sara Sothern, were both U.S. citizens, although they were living in London at the time of her birth. Her father was an art dealer, and her mother was a stage actress.

When and why did Elizabeth Taylor's family move from London to Los Angeles?

Elizabeth Taylor's family moved from London to Los Angeles in early 1939 due to fears of an impending war in Europe. Her mother and siblings traveled first, with her father joining them later that year after closing their art gallery in London.

How did Elizabeth Taylor begin her acting career as a child?

Elizabeth Taylor began her acting career with a minor role in the Universal Pictures film *There's One Born Every Minute* (1942). However, Universal terminated her contract after only a year, leading her to sign with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

What was Elizabeth Taylor's first major film role that led to her teenage stardom?

Elizabeth Taylor's first starring role was in *National Velvet* (1944), where she played a girl who aspires to compete in the Grand National horse race. This film marked her transition into a popular teen star.

How did MGM attempt to shape Elizabeth Taylor's image during her teenage years?

During her teenage years, MGM worked to cultivate a more mature public image for Elizabeth Taylor. This involved organizing photo shoots and interviews that portrayed her as a typical teenager enjoying parties and dates, and film magazines began comparing her to established stars like Ava Gardner and Lana Turner.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's first film role that marked a transition to more mature themes?

The film *A Place in the Sun* (1951) marked a departure for Elizabeth Taylor, as it was the first time she felt she was truly asked to act rather than just portray herself. Her performance in this drama earned her critical acclaim.

What was the significance of Elizabeth Taylor's role in *BUtterfield 8*?

Although Elizabeth Taylor disliked her role as a call girl in *BUtterfield 8* (1960), her final film for MGM, her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film was also a commercial success, partly due to her public image at the time.

What major scandal surrounded Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of *Cleopatra*?

During the production of *Cleopatra* in 1961, Elizabeth Taylor and her co-star Richard Burton began an extramarital affair. This relationship, which occurred while both were married to other people, caused a significant public scandal.

How many times was Elizabeth Taylor married, and to whom did she have the most notable relationships?

Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times to seven different men. Her most notable and widely publicized relationships were with Richard Burton, whom she married twice, and Eddie Fisher, whose affair with her caused a major scandal.

What was the financial impact of *Cleopatra* (1963) on 20th Century-Fox, and how did Taylor's salary contribute?

*Cleopatra* (1963) was the most expensive film made up to that point, costing $62 million. While it was a box-office success in the US, its high production costs drove 20th Century-Fox near bankruptcy. Elizabeth Taylor was the first movie star paid $1 million for a role, plus 10% of the film's gross profits.

Which film earned Elizabeth Taylor her second Academy Award?

Elizabeth Taylor won her second Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1966 film *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?*, where she starred alongside Richard Burton.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's first stage role, and in what play did she perform it?

Elizabeth Taylor's first substantial stage role was as Helen of Troy in a week-long production of *Doctor Faustus* in Oxford in 1966. This role required no speaking lines.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's acting career change in the late 1960s and 1970s?

Elizabeth Taylor's acting career began to decline in the late 1960s. While she continued to star in films until the mid-1970s, she later focused on supporting her sixth husband, John Warner, a U.S. Senator, and took on fewer roles overall.

What significant stage production did Elizabeth Taylor undertake in the 1980s?

In the 1980s, Elizabeth Taylor took on her first substantial stage role, playing Regina Giddens in a Broadway production of Lillian Hellman's *The Little Foxes*. She later performed this role in London's West End.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's last theatrically released film?

Elizabeth Taylor's last theatrically released film was *The Flintstones* (1994), in which she played Pearl Slaghoople in a supporting role. The film was critically panned but commercially successful.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's final public performance, and for what cause was it?

Elizabeth Taylor's last public performance was in 2007 when she performed the play *Love Letters* at an AIDS benefit event alongside James Earl Jones.

What role did Elizabeth Taylor play in HIV/AIDS activism?

Elizabeth Taylor was a pioneering celebrity activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 and later established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991, dedicating significant time and resources to raising awareness and funds.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's personal life, particularly her marriages, impact her public image?

Elizabeth Taylor's personal life, especially her eight marriages to seven men, garnered immense media attention and public scrutiny. Biographers note that her marital history became a significant part of the myth surrounding her, influencing her public image from a young age.

When and why did Elizabeth Taylor convert to Judaism?

Elizabeth Taylor converted to Judaism in 1959. She stated that this decision was a personal one, made after a long consideration, and not solely due to her marriages to Jewish men like Mike Todd and Eddie Fisher. She found comfort and hope in the ancient religion.

What impact did Elizabeth Taylor's support for Israel have on her career in some regions?

Elizabeth Taylor's purchase of Israeli bonds in 1959 led to her films being banned in several Arab countries across the Middle East and Africa. She was also initially barred from entering Egypt to film *Cleopatra*.

What are some of Elizabeth Taylor's most famous pieces of jewelry, and who gifted them to her?

Elizabeth Taylor was renowned for her extensive jewelry collection. Notable pieces gifted to her by Richard Burton included the Krupp Diamond (33.19 carats), the Taylor-Burton Diamond (69.42 carats), and the La Peregrina Pearl.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's style influence fashion trends?

Elizabeth Taylor was considered a fashion icon, influencing trends through both her film costumes and personal style. Her look in *Cleopatra* (1963), particularly the 'cat-eye' makeup created with black eyeliner, became a notable trend.

What health issues did Elizabeth Taylor face throughout her life?

Elizabeth Taylor dealt with numerous health issues, including scoliosis from birth, a broken back sustained during filming, chronic back problems, pneumonia requiring a tracheotomy, an emergency hysterectomy, addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol, skin cancer, and congestive heart failure.

What was the significance of Elizabeth Taylor's admission to the Betty Ford Center?

Elizabeth Taylor was treated at the Betty Ford Center for addiction to alcohol and prescription painkillers in late 1983 and early 1984. She was the first celebrity to openly admit herself to the clinic, which helped destigmatize addiction treatment.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's public image evolve from a classical Hollywood star to a modern celebrity?

Initially, as a classical Hollywood star, Elizabeth Taylor's image was carefully controlled by MGM. As the studio system declined and paparazzi culture emerged, she became a defining figure of modern celebrity, where her personal life and public persona became intertwined and a focus of media interest.

What is Elizabeth Taylor's ranking on the American Film Institute's list of greatest female screen legends?

The American Film Institute ranked Elizabeth Taylor seventh on its list of the greatest female screen legends in 1999.

How did critics generally perceive Elizabeth Taylor's acting abilities throughout her career?

While Elizabeth Taylor received critical acclaim for certain roles and won two Academy Awards, many critics found it challenging to separate her persona from her performances. Some scholars noted that her public image often overshadowed her acting, though others recognized her surprisingly wide range and intuitive talent.

What contributions did Elizabeth Taylor make to the understanding and treatment of HIV/AIDS?

Elizabeth Taylor significantly contributed to HIV/AIDS activism by raising awareness, co-founding amfAR and ETAF, and advocating for government funding and research. She was one of the first celebrities to publicly engage with the cause, helping to combat the stigma associated with the disease.

What was the financial success of Elizabeth Taylor's fragrance brands?

Elizabeth Taylor's fragrance collection, launched in collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, Inc., was highly successful. Brands like 'Passion' (1987) and 'White Diamonds' (1991) became best-sellers, and it's estimated she earned more from fragrances than her acting career.

What is the significance of the film *Giant* (1956) in Elizabeth Taylor's career and its themes?

*Giant* (1956) was a critically and commercially successful epic drama that starred Elizabeth Taylor alongside Rock Hudson and James Dean. Her role in the film, which explored themes of wealth, race, and social change in Texas, has been noted by some critics for dismantling stereotypes about women and minorities.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's conversion to Judaism influence her public activities?

Following her conversion to Judaism, Elizabeth Taylor became an active supporter of Jewish and Zionist causes. This included purchasing Israeli bonds, which led to her films being banned in some Middle Eastern and African countries, and advocating for the rights of Soviet Jews.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's role in advocating for the Ryan White CARE Act?

Elizabeth Taylor testified before Congress multiple times in support of the Ryan White CARE Act in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She also persuaded President Ronald Reagan to acknowledge the HIV/AIDS crisis publicly.

Which of Elizabeth Taylor's films are preserved in the National Film Registry?

Five films starring Elizabeth Taylor have been preserved in the National Film Registry: *Lassie Come Home* (1943), *National Velvet* (1944), *A Place in the Sun* (1951), *Giant* (1956), and *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* (1966).

What was the nature of Elizabeth Taylor's relationship with her godfather, Victor Cazalet?

Victor Cazalet, a politician and friend of the Taylor family, served as Elizabeth Taylor's unofficial godfather and was an important influence in her early life. He was also a proponent of Christian Science, the religion her mother practiced.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's personal life, particularly her marriages, contribute to her public persona?

Elizabeth Taylor's numerous marriages, especially her highly publicized relationships with figures like Richard Burton, became a central element of her public persona and media narrative. Her marriages were often seen as reflecting her personal life's drama and glamour, contributing to her status as a 'supercouple' with Burton.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's contribution to the development of celebrity fragrances?

Elizabeth Taylor's creation of a successful line of fragrances, starting with 'Passion' in 1987 and 'White Diamonds' in 1991, is credited with establishing the trend of celebrity-branded perfumes in the modern market.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's final residence at 700 Nimes Road become notable?

Elizabeth Taylor lived at 700 Nimes Road in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles from 1982 until her death in 2011. The house itself was later the subject of an eponymous photographic study by artist Catherine Opie in 2011.

What legacy did Elizabeth Taylor leave as a cultural figure?

Elizabeth Taylor left a legacy as one of the last stars of classical Hollywood cinema and a pioneer of modern celebrity culture, where her personal life was as famous as her acting. She is also remembered as a significant humanitarian for her work in HIV/AIDS activism and as a gay icon.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's first film after her MGM contract ended?

After her contract with MGM concluded, Elizabeth Taylor's first film was 20th Century-Fox's *Cleopatra* (1963), for which she received a record-breaking salary.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's public image change after her affair with Richard Burton became public?

The affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, which began during the filming of *Cleopatra*, caused a public scandal. The media branded her a 'homewrecker,' a label MGM capitalized on in promotional materials for *BUtterfield 8*.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's role in the film *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* and what recognition did it bring?

In *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* (1966), Elizabeth Taylor played Martha, a middle-aged woman undergoing a marital crisis. This role earned her the best reviews of her career, her second Academy Award for Best Actress, and several other prestigious awards.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's first experience with stage acting?

Elizabeth Taylor's first stage role was as Helen of Troy in a production of *Doctor Faustus* in Oxford in 1966, a part that did not require her to speak.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's personal health struggles influence her public statements or actions?

Elizabeth Taylor's lifelong health problems, including addiction issues, led her to seek treatment and speak openly about her experiences. Her publication of a diet book, *Elizabeth Takes Off* (1988), and her candidness about her struggles with substance abuse contributed to destigmatizing these issues.

What was the significance of Elizabeth Taylor's relationship with Michael Jackson?

Elizabeth Taylor maintained a close friendship with Michael Jackson, and her seventh and final wedding to Larry Fortensky in 1991 took place at Jackson's Neverland Ranch. She used the money from selling her wedding photos to *People* magazine to start her AIDS foundation.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's advocacy for Soviet Jews manifest?

Elizabeth Taylor advocated for Soviet Jews by signing a letter protesting UN General Assembly Resolution 3379, which equated Zionism with racism. She also canceled a visit to the USSR due to its condemnation of Israel following the Six-Day War.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's final public appearance related to her career?

Elizabeth Taylor's final public performance was in 2007 when she participated in an AIDS benefit by performing the play *Love Letters* with James Earl Jones.

What is the meaning of the term 'Liz and Dick' in relation to Elizabeth Taylor?

The media dubbed Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton 'Liz and Dick' due to their highly publicized and tumultuous relationship and marriages. They starred together in 11 films, and their lives were a constant subject of media attention.

How did Elizabeth Taylor's early life in London shape her identity?

Born in London to American parents, Elizabeth Taylor's early life was influenced by her parents' art dealings and her mother's acting career. She was enrolled in a Montessori school and raised according to Christian Science teachings, experiencing London's social circles before moving to the U.S. due to war fears.

What was Elizabeth Taylor's stance on feminism, according to M.G. Lord?

According to cultural critic M.G. Lord, Elizabeth Taylor was an 'accidental feminist.' Although Taylor did not identify as a feminist herself, Lord argues that many of her film roles conveyed feminist themes and introduced these ideas to a broad audience.

What specific genetic trait contributed to Elizabeth Taylor's distinctive eye appearance?

Elizabeth Taylor's eyes, which were blue and appeared violet, were rimmed by dark, double eyelashes. This unique feature was due to a genetic mutation known as distichiasis.

Elizabeth Taylor Wiki: Elizabeth Taylor: An Icon's Enduring Radiance

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Early Life and Beginnings

London Origins

Born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, England. Her parents, Francis Lenn Taylor and Sara Sothern, were American citizens from Arkansas City, Kansas. Taylor held dual British-American citizenship from birth.

Transatlantic Roots

The family relocated to Los Angeles, California, in 1939, fleeing the growing threat of war in Europe. Taylor, then seven years old, was enrolled in Hawthorne School, and the family eventually settled in Beverly Hills.

Distinctive Features

Taylor's striking violet-blue eyes, framed by unusually dark, double eyelashes due to a genetic mutation, were a notable feature from a young age. Her unique appearance set her apart from typical child stars of the era.

The Arc of a Cinematic Career

Child Stardom

Taylor's acting debut occurred in 1942 with a minor role for Universal Pictures. After her contract was terminated, she signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Her first significant role came in National Velvet (1944), establishing her as a popular teen star.

Transition to Maturity

The 1950s marked Taylor's transition to adult roles. Films like Father of the Bride (1950) and the critically acclaimed drama A Place in the Sun (1951) showcased her evolving talent. Despite her success, she often expressed dissatisfaction with MGM's control over her career.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Taylor achieved significant critical recognition in the latter half of the 1950s and 1960s. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for BUtterfield 8 (1960) and her second for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), solidifying her status as a formidable dramatic actress.

The "Liz and Dick" Era

Her highly publicized affair and subsequent marriages to Richard Burton, beginning during the filming of Cleopatra (1963), led to a series of joint film projects. While often mirroring their public persona, these collaborations, including The Taming of the Shrew (1967), cemented their status as a global supercouple.

Shifting Landscape

By the late 1960s and 1970s, Taylor's film career saw a decline amidst changing Hollywood trends. She increasingly took on supporting roles and television projects, shifting focus towards her personal life and supporting her husband John Warner's political career.

Stage and Television

The 1980s saw Taylor return to prominence with significant stage roles, notably in The Little Foxes, and television appearances. She continued acting sporadically into the early 2000s, but increasingly dedicated her energy to other pursuits.

Beyond the Screen: Ventures and Advocacy

HIV/AIDS Activism

Taylor became a pioneering advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising. Frustrated by the lack of action, she leveraged her fame to raise millions, co-founding amfAR and establishing the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) to provide direct support and raise awareness.

Fragrance and Jewelry Empire

Taylor successfully translated her star power into business ventures, launching highly successful fragrance lines like "Passion" and "White Diamonds." These ventures generated substantial revenue, significantly contributing to her estate and funding her philanthropic work.

Championing Jewish Causes

Following her conversion to Judaism in 1959, Taylor became a staunch supporter of Jewish and Zionist causes. She actively participated in fundraising and advocacy, including purchasing Israeli bonds and supporting organizations like the Jewish National Fund.

A Life of Passion and Public Scrutiny

Eight Marriages

Taylor's personal life, particularly her eight marriages to seven men, was a constant subject of media fascination and public commentary. Her relationships, including her tumultuous marriages to Richard Burton, often mirrored the dramatic narratives of her films.

Taylor's marriages included:

Conrad Hilton Jr. (1950–1951)
Michael Wilding (1952–1957), with whom she had two sons: Michael Howard and Christopher Edward.
Mike Todd (1957–1958), with whom she had one daughter: Elizabeth Frances "Liza".
Eddie Fisher (1959–1964)
Richard Burton (1964–1974 and 1975–1976)
John Warner (1976–1982)
Larry Fortensky (1991–1996)

She had four children in total, and Burton adopted her two sons from her marriage to Wilding, and her daughter from her marriage to Todd.

Conversion to Judaism

Taylor converted to Judaism in 1959, stating it was a personal choice that brought her comfort and hope. This decision reflected a deep connection to the faith and influenced her lifelong commitment to Jewish and Zionist causes.

Legendary Jewelry Collection

Renowned for her exquisite taste, Taylor amassed one of the world's most significant private collections of jewelry. These pieces, often gifts from her husbands and acquired through her own success, became synonymous with her glamorous image.

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References

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 56â57, 65â74.

Capua 2002, p. 72; Moss 2004, p. 166.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 11â12, 39, 45â46, 56.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 142, 151â152.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 242â243, 246.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 341â349, 357â358.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 388â389, 403.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 376, 391â394.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 384â385, 406.

20/20, February 14, 1997.

Kashner & Schoenberger 2010, pp. 237â238, 258â259, 275â276.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Elizabeth Taylor Wikipedia page

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Elizabeth Taylor

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Beginnings 👶

🇬🇧 London Origins

🇺🇸 Transatlantic Roots

🌟 Distinctive Features

The Arc of a Cinematic Career 🎬

👧 Child Stardom

🎭 Transition to Maturity

🏆 Critical Acclaim and Awards

💔 The "Liz and Dick" Era

📉 Shifting Landscape

🎤 Stage and Television

Beyond the Screen: Ventures and Advocacy 💡

❤️ HIV/AIDS Activism

💎 Fragrance and Jewelry Empire

✡️ Championing Jewish Causes

A Life of Passion and Public Scrutiny ❤️

💍 Eight Marriages

⚖️ Conversion to Judaism

💎 Legendary Jewelry Collection

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Beginnings

London Origins

Transatlantic Roots

Distinctive Features

The Arc of a Cinematic Career

Child Stardom

Transition to Maturity

Critical Acclaim and Awards

The "Liz and Dick" Era

Shifting Landscape

Stage and Television

Beyond the Screen: Ventures and Advocacy

HIV/AIDS Activism

Fragrance and Jewelry Empire

Championing Jewish Causes

A Life of Passion and Public Scrutiny

Eight Marriages

Conversion to Judaism

Legendary Jewelry Collection

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

AI-Generated Content Disclaimer