Elizabeth Taylor (1931–2011) – Fascinating Facts, Rare Gallery, Mailing Address History & Worldwide Film Poster Releases

Biography / Gallery

Elizabeth Taylor signed memorabilia @ eBay UK (direct link)

Early Life & Origins

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on 27 February 1932 in Hampstead, London, UK, to American parents temporarily residing in England. Known to the world as Liz, she spent her early childhood in London before moving back to the United States as World War II escalated. Richard Burton described her as “the most self-contained, remote, removed, inaccessible woman I have ever seen.”

Breakthrough & Early Hollywood

Taylor began her screen career as a child actor, showing poise and clarity beyond her years. Her first on-screen kiss was with actor Marshall Thompson. Among her early collaborators was Don Taylor, who played her groom in Father of the Bride and Father’s Little Dividend. Taylor remained friends with co-stars like Roddy McDowall from the early 1940s until his death in 1999.

Relationships, Marriages & Private Life

Taylor’s personal life was intensely public. She married Conrad Hilton Jr. (1950–1951), Michael Wilding (1952–1957, two children), Mike Todd (1957–1958, his death, one child), Eddie Fisher (1959–1964), and Richard Burton twice (1964–1974, 1975–1976, one child). Later marriages included John W. Warner (1976–1982) and Larry Fortensky (1991–1996). Burton famously called her “Miss T***s” and spoke openly about his attraction to her during filming of Cleopatra.

Diamonds, Legend & Iconography

Elizabeth Taylor amassed one of the most impressive private jewelry collections in the world, including:

The 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond ($305,000)
La Peregrina Pearl ($37,000) set in a pearl, diamond, and ruby necklace
The 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond ($1.1 million, later sold)

Princess Margaret once remarked upon seeing one of her diamonds: “It’s so large. How very vulgar … Would you mind if I tried it on?” Taylor also chronicled her love of jewelry in her book My Love Affair With Jewellery.

Work with Hollywood’s Greats

Taylor’s collaborations included James Dean (*Giant*, 1955), Montgomery Clift (*Raintree County*, 1956), and many others. She was known for maintaining personal and professional bonds over decades.

The Cleopatra Era & the Burton Myth

The filming of Cleopatra (1960–1963) was historic. Originally cast opposite Stephen Boyd, the role went to Richard Burton after delays. The budget increased from $10 million to $14 million with only minutes of usable footage. Burton’s first shot was filmed on 2 January 1962, marking the start of one of Hollywood’s most famous romances.

Later Work & Stage Legacy

Taylor’s later career included stage roles such as Mrs Robinson in The Graduate (2003). She remained active in theater and film, demonstrating a sustained commitment to performance beyond her celebrity persona.

Final Years & Passing

Elizabeth Taylor died on 22 March 2011 in Los Angeles at age 79 from congestive heart failure. Her son Michael Wilding commented: “We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it.”