“The ups and downs, the problems and stress, along with all
the happiness, have given me optimism and hope because I am living proof of survival”
Elizabeth Taylor was born in London in 1932. When the family moved to America many insisted that the beautiful Elizabeth, with her dark hair and unusual violet eyes, should be in films. Her first role came in 1942 but it was the 1944 film, National Velvet that cemented her star status. She transitioned easily to adult roles in the 1950s starring in films including, A Place in the Sun, Giant, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Suddenly Last Summer. The beginning of the new decade proved controversial for Elizabeth, in 1959 she married her lover, singer Eddie Fisher. Fisher had left his wife Debbie Reynolds for Elizabeth and many turned against Liz, calling her a 'home wrecker'. Still she won an Academy Award for her role in the film BUtterfield 8. That same year, 1960, she began filming the historical epic, Cleopatra. During filming she began an affair with co-star Richard Burton and their actions garnered much press attention, they were even condemned by the Vatican. In 1961 Liz suffered near fatal pneumonia and underwent an emergency tracheotomy. Her illness won her back some support from the general public who were becoming increasingly fascinated with her romance with Burton. Released in 1963 Cleopatra was a box office success. She and Burton were married and the starred together in The V.I.Ps, The Sandpiper and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? which was to become the most acclaimed performance of her career. However towards the end of the 60s Elizabeth's career was in decline. In the 1970s she and Burton divorced and then remarried, only to divorce again. She continued to star in films but battled addiction, ill health and marital difficulties. In her later life she devoted her time to her philanthropic work where she worked tirelessly to raise money for AIDS/HIV causes. She passed away in 2011.
Elizabeth was a controversial star from an early age. Married eight times to seven men she had four children, but it was her relationship with Richard Burton that gained the most media attention. For her actions she was labelled a 'bad mother' and faced increasing hostility from the general public, but she cared little for others opinions and carried out her life on her terms. Her 'Cleopatra' hairstyle and makeup even started a fashion trend, with all things Egyptian becoming very popular during the 60s.
Her roles during this period were also challenging. For her role as the alcoholic housewife, Martha, in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? she gained weight and wore a wig, some not able to recognise the usually glamorous star. She took on roles reflective of her own tumultuous life with Burton and starred in a variety of genres. Though the 1960s are generally not regard as her best period, film wise, it is for the iconic role of Cleopatra that she is best known today.
Elizabeth Taylor was a passionate, vivacious woman. She was dedicated to her profession, beliefs and friends. Sadly today she is most remembered for her 8 marriages but she was a wonderful actress and should be remembered for her onscreen roles and philanthropy.
“Nothing will raise you self-esteem as much as helping
others. It will make you like yourself more and make you more likable”
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