Dazzling Facts About Elizabeth Taylor, The Scandalous Screen Legend

Dazzling Facts About Elizabeth Taylor, The Scandalous Screen Legend


August 12, 2025 | Byron Fast

Dazzling Facts About Elizabeth Taylor, The Scandalous Screen Legend


The Queen Of Hollywood

Elizabeth Taylor had the misfortune of having her reputation as a media phenomenon take over her rather prestigious reputation as a serious actress. But perhaps it was this exact mixture of scandal, glamor, and talent that made Taylor one of Hollywood's most unforgettable celebrities.

Portrait of Taylor, Elizabeth

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1. She Wasn’t American 

While most of us see Elizabeth Taylor as a truly American Hollywood star, she was actually born in the UK. At the time of her birth, her parents were living in Hampstead Garden Suburb near London, England. Mr and Mrs Taylor, both from Kansas, had moved to London to open an art gallery and welcomed their daughter on February 27, 1932. 

Little did they know, there was danger on the horizon. The Taylor family would soon have a very good reason to get back to America. 

17548910793541e60ec750b3dcedc1ec4d4ad5b93d2ddf3ae8.JPGStudio, Wikimedia Commons

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2. They Had To Get Out

By 1939, when Taylor was just seven years old, the threat of WWII was looming over Europe. US Ambassador Joseph P Kennedy personally reached out and suggested the family get the heck out of Europe. But instead of returning to Kansas, the family ended up in LA. This would have an enormous effect on Taylor’s future. 

Gettyimages - 515467184, Elizabeth Taylor with her Mother and Brother (Original Caption) \934-England- Elizabeth Taylor, at the age of 2 1/2 with her mother, the former Sara Sothern, well known former stage actress, and her brother, Howard. This picture was taken in England, where the children were born and spent their early childhood. In the screen capital, Elizabeth's beauty soon was noticed and she was given a role in Bettmann, Getty Images

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3. Her Eyes Drew You In

In Los Angeles, young Elizabeth Taylor certainly stood out from the crowd. People started suggesting that the Taylors put their daughter into the movie business. There was something about Taylor’s eyes that caught people’s attention. Yes, they were stunning, a blue shade that often looked violet—but there was something else too...something not quite natural. 

Gettyimages - 111364308, Elizabeth Taylor Archives UNITED STATES: Actress Elizabeth Taylor as a child in the 1940's .API, Getty Images

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4. She Had A Defect

As it turned out, Taylor’s eyes had a genetic mutation called distichia, where eyelashes appear in unusual places. This left Taylor with double eyelashes. Instead of being a drawback, it made Taylor’s beauty stand out even more. Soon, she had auditions set up with both Universal Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Her destiny lay in their hands. 

Gettyimages - 109029226, Elizabeth Taylor on the film set of 'NATIONAL VELVET' Directed by Clarence BrownAPI, Getty Images

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5. They Didn’t Like Her

While both studios wanted Taylor, her mother decided on Universal. However, Universal later had a problem with her. They said she didn’t look like a child. After one small part in There’s One Born Every Minute, the studio canceled her contract, and her career as a child actor looked pretty much over. Then her father swooped in to help. 

Screenshot from Universal Pictures, There's One Born Every Minute (1942)Universal Pictures, There's One Born Every Minute (1942)

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6. She Had An Edge

Taylor’s dad had a friend at MGM, and he managed to get Taylor an audition for a family movie about a boy and his dog. Taylor had an edge over the other girls who were auditioning, as she had the required English accent. MGM was still not so sure about Taylor and only gave her a three-month contract. 

However, they were about to change their tune about this rising star. 

Gettyimages - 1065569246, Donaldson Collection, Getty Images

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7. She Did Something Right 

Taylor must have done something right in Lassie Come Home, because following this performance, Universal offered her a seven-year contract. She again managed to use her British accent to her advantage in Jane Eyre and The White Cliffs of Dover. Sadly, these were very small parts, and Taylor didn’t even get to see her name on the screen. 

But that was about to change big time

Gettyimages - 1065578772, Donaldson Collection, Getty Images

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8. She Had A Huge Disadvantage

Taylor’s accent would continue to be her golden ticket—but this time, it would help her land a lead role. She also knew how to ride a horse, which gave her a leg up for the role of Velvet Browne opposite Mickey Rooney in National Velvet. But there was still one difficulty to overcome. 

The character was meant to be a tall, young woman heading toward maturity, and Taylor was still a short 12-year-old kid. Taylor knew she had to do something extreme.

Gettyimages - 137395342, Elizabeth Taylor And Mickey Rooney In 'National Velvet' Jackie Jenkins, Elizabeth Taylor, and Mickey Rooney riding horseback in a scene from the film 'National Velvet', 1944.Archive Photos, Getty Images

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9. She Had To Grow Up

Taylor really wanted the part in National Velvet, so she started to make herself into a woman. She ate steak every day and doubled her portions for all meals. In three months, she had grown almost eight centimeters (three inches) and had even started getting a little curvy. MGM liked what they saw and gave her the part. 

But sadly, the studio still wasn’t completely satisfied with the way Taylor looked. 

Gettyimages - 137395378, Elizabeth Taylor In 'National Velvet' Elizabeth Taylor standing outside in a scene from the film 'National Velvet', 1944.Archive Photos, Getty Images

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10. They Altered Her Looks

MGM had its own brutal way of turning Elizabeth Taylor into a full-fledged star. Not only did they insist she wear braces to perfect her smile, but they also had two of her baby teeth removed. Still, they went even further, making her change her hair color and the curve of her eyebrows. But there was one change that Taylor's parent would not stand for.

Gettyimages - 153469337, National Velvet British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) as Velvet Brown in 'National Velvet', directed by Clarence Brown, 1944.Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images

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11. She Refused To Change Her Name

MGM certainly had its way with Taylor, but when they tried to change her screen name to "Virginia," her parents stood on business. These were all early clues that being a Hollywood actress wasn't always as glamorous as it seemed. Sure, Taylor had made a splash with her performance in National Velvet, charming audiences and critics alike—but it also came at a high price.

Screenshot from MGM Studios, National Velvet (1944)MGM Studios, National Velvet (1944)

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12. Her Studio Controlled Her Every Move

Whether she liked it or not, Taylor was now under the thumb of a very controlling studio. The actress later made a heartbreaking statement about the reality of becoming a child actress, expressing that the consequence of becoming a star was losing one's childhood. 

She grew up too quickly, and with MGM pulling the strings of her life, the conditions she endured were downright heartbreaking.

Screenshot from MGM Studios, National Velvet (1944)MGM Studios, National Velvet (1944)

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13. She Didn't Have A Normal Childhood

Becoming a star was no easy feat. Taylor had to adhere to a rigorous schedule of schooling and filming throughout the day. In the evenings, there was no time to rest. Instead, she threw herself into singing and dancing lessons—not to mention the prep required for the next day of filming.

MGM really knew how to market young Taylor—but once she turned 15, they tried a new tactic.

Gettyimages - 180353101, National Velvet British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) as Velvet Brown, holding Jacob the dog, in a promotional portrait for 'National Velvet' directed by Clarence Brown, 1944.Silver Screen Collection, Getty Images

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13. She Became A Woman

As a darling 15-year-old, Elizabeth Taylor was now a young woman in the eyes of her studio—and they molded her image to reflect that of a "normal" teenager. They lined up interviews and photoshoots for her that made her seem like she was living a carefree existence of dating and attending parties. But in truth, there was nothing normal about Taylor's teenage years.

175489391467d9c0f635d4332ec9ee5630d88e0133d58935db.jpgCINELANDIA magazine, Wikimedia Commons

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14. She Had Her First Kiss

It was during this time that Elizabeth Taylor began to step into more romantic roles, like 1947's Cynthia, in which she experienced her first on-screen kiss, and 1948's A Date with Judy. However, romance and dating weren't limited to her professional roles. Behind the scenes, Taylor's own love life kicked into gear for the first time.

Screenshot from MGM Studios, Cynthia (1947)MGM Studios, Cynthia (1947)

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15. She Met A Guy 

Even when it came to Taylor's dating decisions, MGM steered the ship. Just a year after Cynthia came out, they dug their claws into her private life, selecting the football star Glenn Davis to court their budding starlet. But this first romance was doomed from the beginning. Though Davis was a promising bachelor, he was also a soldier. 

Though Taylor and Davis planned to wed after he returned from serving in Korea, their impending nuptials got completely derailed.

Gettyimages - 3240953, Liz And Guest circa 1945: EXCLUSIVE British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor (centre) turns and smiles as she sits next to football star Glenn Davis at an unidentified movie premiere.M. Garrett, Getty Images

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16. She Wanted To Get Married 

Ultimately, Taylor's first shot at love mustn't have been too serious, because nothing came of their engagement announcement. Instead, she set her sights on the next bachelor up to bat—the son of a US ambassador, William D Pawley. Again, she got engaged, and again, it was a shockingly brief affair. However, there was a tragic reason why young Taylor wanted to get married so badly.

Gettyimages - 514866456, Elizabeth Taylor and William D. Pawley, Jr. William D. Pawley, Jr. and his fiancee, 17-year-old Elizabeth Taylor, relaxing poolside in August 1949 at the Miami Beach home of Pawley's father, a former U.S. Ambassador to Peru and Brazil.Bettmann, Getty Images

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17. She Was Naive

You see, Taylor had been severely sheltered her entire life. Her understanding of love was somewhat skewed by her "puritanical upbringing." Consequently, by her own admission, she naively thought that "love was synonymous with marriage". But that wasn't the only reason she wanted to marry young. 

Most devastatingly, Taylor saw marriage as an escape from being constantly micro-managed and controlled by both her studio and parents. What she didn't realize was that marriage could be its own kind of cage.

17548948323b758bfdfba8d5d4f55b87af79010e293f8b05e3.jpgPhilippe Halsman, Wikimedia Commons

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18. She Attracted The Attention Of A Millionaire

Taylor learned the hard way that dating could be downright perilous. One of the most eyebrow-raising interludes of her young life was when the millionaire Howard Hughes took a special interest in her. The famous business magnate was a whopping 27 years older than her—and the way he tried to snag her as his bride was enough to make anyone's blood run cold.

1754895125d6366474aaef2f1b26c2978b0995b90384b0af9b.jpgDbenbenn, Wikimedia Commons

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19. He Tried To Buy Her

There's nothing more romantic than buying someone's love, right? Wrong. Howard Hughes made the despicable move of attempting to pay Taylor's parents for the right to her hand in marriage. He held up a six-figure offer, but thankfully, Taylor managed to dodge this bullet and turned him down. This was a smart move—but this didn't mean that her next choice was any better. 

Horrifyingly, Taylor's first attempt at being someone’s wife would be a complete disaster.

17548953500c2ff57cc2c0b7a08b583ae8fc6f3c46aa912a9d.JPGMetro Goldwyn Mayer-no photographer information given, Wikimedia Commons

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20. She Married Into A Wealthy Family

When Taylor finally settled on her Prince Charming in 1950, she made a terrible mistake. His name was Conrad Hilton Junior, and he hailed from a very wealthy family. After all, the Hiltons had their own hotel chain. But no amount of money could disguise Hilton's monstrous truth. 

Though their wedding was an extravagant, well-publicized occasion—only weeks after saying "I do," Taylor began to realize that her married life was actually a real-life nightmare.

Gettyimages - 514946036, Liz Taylor and Conrad Hilton Jr. (Original Caption) 5/6/1950-Beverly Hills, CA- Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Hilton Jr., pause on the steps of the Church of the Good Shepherd here after their wedding. The bride is the former Elizabeth Taylor, popular Hollywood actress, and the groom is the son of the well-known Hilton Hotel family.Bettmann, Getty Images

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21. Her First Husband Was Monstrous

To begin with, Taylor and Hilton couldn't connect at all; they had barely anything in common. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Hilton also had some deeply disturbing vices, such as drinking, gambling, and substance use. And the way he treated Taylor? Well, that was the worst part of all.

Gettyimages - 107158398, Elizabeth Taylor and her fiance in New York City NEW YORK CITY, NY - MARCH 24: Movie star Liz Taylor with her fiance Conrad N.Hilton Jr,son of the hotel tycoon Conrad Hilton on March 24, 1950 in New York City.Keystone-France, Getty Images

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22. She Suffered A Miscarriage

The physical and emotional torment that Taylor endured at the hands of her first husband was unspeakable. Perhaps the most diabolical moment was when Hilton brutally kicked Taylor in the abdomen. Tragically, she was pregnant at the time, and as a result, she miscarried the baby. 

Thankfully, she managed to secure a divorce just eight months into the marriage. But Taylor’s problems with men were just beginning.

Gettyimages - 3364099, Mrs Nick Hilton 10th June 1950: Actress Elizabeth Taylor with her first husband Nick Hilton on their honeymoon in London.Central Press, Getty Images

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23. There Was An Age Gap 

Strangely, just before marrying the two-faced Hilton, a similar thing happened to Taylor in a movie. The thriller Conspirator had Taylor playing a teenage bride who finds out her husband isn’t quite who she thought he was. This film caused a stir because the man playing her husband was 37 and Taylor was just 16. 

Taylor was about to get a rude awakening about how sick Hollywood could be. 

Screenshot from MGM Studios, Conspirator (1949)MGM Studios, Conspirator (1949)

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24. She Became A Woman

The actor playing her on-screen husband in Conspirator shared her last name—he was Robert Taylor. Audiences found the age difference between the two Taylors a little yechy, but this didn’t stop Robert from hitting on Elizabeth. It was her sad welcome to the real world of Hollywood, and in truth, there were more disappointments to come.

Screenshot from MGM Studios, Conspirator (1949)MGM Studios, Conspirator (1949)

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25. She Found An Older Man 

Even though Taylor had rejected Robert Taylor’s advances, it likely wasn’t because he was too old. You see, while filming Conspirator, she also met Michael Wilding, who was pretty close to the same age as Robert Taylor. This May-December romance clicked, and they took a walk down the aisle in a small ceremony in London, England. 

But if Taylor thought that husband number two might serve her up a "happily ever after," she was sorely mistaken.

Gettyimages - 104403528, Liz Taylor And Michael Wilding Engaged UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 20: London airport. The American actress Liz TAYLOR is welcomed by her fiance Michael WILDING. They married the following Friday in London.Keystone-France, Getty Images

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26. She Was More Famous Than He Was 

Taylor’s husband, Wilding, was also an actor, but didn't quite reach the same heights of success as his young bride. As you can imagine, this made life difficult for the couple. Though they did have two children together—both boys—their marriage was soon in trouble. 

Luckily for Taylor, she was about to meet two very interesting and attractive men to lean on.

Gettyimages - 2993804, Elizabeth Taylor & Sons British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor sits in a red evening dress with her sons Michael (L) and Christopher Wilding on her lap, mid 1950's.Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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27. She Made Two Famous Friends 

In 1956, the epic film Giant was a huge moment in Elizabeth Taylor’s life and career. First, she made two strong friendships with two of her co-stars. One was Rock Hudson and the other was James Dean

Dean, in particular, had a strange habit of pouring his heart out to Taylor in the evenings. However, when it came to actually working together on set, his behavior was quite shocking. As close as Taylor and Dean may have been behind the scenes, sources say that Dean was quite cold with Taylor on set—even blatantly ignoring her. 

While Taylor’s friendship with Hudson would go on for years, it would not be the same with Dean. 

Gettyimages - 1262761234, Giganten, Giant Kino. Giganten, Giant, Giganten, Giant, Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor) leidet darunter, dass der junge Ranchgehilfe Jett Rink (James Dean) von den Ranchern schlecht behandelt wird., 1955.United Archives, Getty Images

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28. She Was Hospitalized For Depression

During the filming of Giant, James Dean tragically passed in a car accident. Taylor had lost a close friend, but the director George Stevens didn’t seem to care. Stevens made her do reaction shots for a scene she’d had with Dean. Grappling with her grief, Taylor ultimately spent two weeks in the hospital for depression. 

But there were also other problems during Giant that affected her homelife. 

1754901523d6ae67082452379d2576eb3a1f1872b6d881879e.jpgDell Publications, New York Photo by John Engstead, Wikimedia Commons

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29. He Partied Without Her 

While Taylor was busy in Texas filming Giant, her husband got busy at home—and not in a good way. One night, he sent the kids to Taylor’s parents’ place and had a little party. The party was very small, as it was just two dancers and himself. Confidential Magazine bought the story from the two women and published it. Unsurprisingly, a wild scandal ensued, eventually leading to the couple's divorce in 1957.

At least Taylor had the Academy Awards to look forward to. Well...not quite. 

Gettyimages - 514897590, Michael Wilding & Liz Taylor Play Piano (Original Caption) TAYLOR-TICKLING THE IVORIES, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding show off their pianistic prowess. Pictures of friends are everywhere in the Wilding apartment. The camera portrait atop the piano is that of Anna Neagle, matron of honor at their wedding. Ca. 1950s.Bettmann, Getty Images

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30. She Got Forgotten

Giant was a huge financial and critical success. Though it received an astonishing 10 Academy Award nominations, not one was for Taylor. In fact, on awards night, the entire film got left out except for George Stevens, who took home the Best Director trophy. Taylor’s first taste of receiving an award was still way off on the horizon. 

Screenshot from Giant (1956)Warner Bros Pictures, Giant (1956)

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31. They Wanted To Cash In

1957’s Raintree County was MGM’s way of trying to cash in on the goldmine they’d previously had with Gone with the Wind. They had a best-selling book, an epic story, and some top-of-the-line talent, including Taylor. It seemed like a recipe for success. Sadly, this was a financial flop due mostly to the screenplay. It did get Taylor her second nomination, though. 

She lost again, but it didn't matter. She had more amazing offers coming her way. 

Gettyimages - 517208910, Eva Marie Saint,M Clift,Liz Taylor/Movie From the 1957 film Raintree County.Bettmann, Getty Images

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32. She Faced A Sudden Tragedy

Taylor starred in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof opposite Paul Newman in 1958. At this time, she had a new husband, film producer Mike Todd, whom she'd married in 1957 and had a daughter with. However, their love story was tragically brief. In March 1958, Todd had plans to travel to New York to collect an award, and Taylor desperately wanted to go with him. 

A twist of fate likely saved her life.

Gettyimages - 1360178245, Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, 1957 Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd as he announces he will buy the Palace Theatre London in order to show his £2.5 million epic film Around The World In 80 Days, the film uses a process called Cinestage and requires a 47ft long curved screen for viewing, 1957Daily Herald Archive, Getty Images

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33. She Lost Her Husband 

In the end, Taylor did not accompany her husband on his journey for one reason—she had fallen ill and he wouldn't let her come along. Little did she know, Todd's private plane, The Liz, was fated to crash. There were no survivors. But there was something else that made this disaster even eerier.

Gettyimages - 541032397, Elizabeth Taylor und ihr zukünftiger Ehemann Michael Todd (Eingeschränkte Rechte für bestimmte redaktionelle Kunden in Deutschland. Limited rights for specific editorial clients in Germany.) *27.02.1932-Schauspielerin, USAmit Mike Todd kurz vor ihrer Heirat- 1956ullstein bild Dtl., Getty Images

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34. He Had Her Picture With Him

Just hours before Taylor lost her husband, he spoke to his friends about how safe his plane was: "It's a good, safe plane. I wouldn't let it crash. I'm taking along a picture of Elizabeth, and I wouldn't let anything happen to her". Devastatingly, he was so, so wrong. 

Unfortunately, Taylor was in the middle of filming Cat on a Hot Tin Roof when she lost Todd—and barely had any time to grieve.

Gettyimages - 104403868, Mike Todd And Liz Taylor At Orly In The 1950S FRANCE - JANUARY 01: Portrait of the American couple in the 1950s : Michael TODD, director and film maker and his wife the actress Liz TAYLOR leaving Orly to go to Nice. Micheal TODD died in a plane crash on March 22, 1958.Keystone-France, Getty Images

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35. She Didn't Have Time To Grieve

The show must go on—well, at least that's the belief Taylor had to embrace while drowning in grief. Not only did the studio not want her to take a break from filming, but she also had to face the stress of handling the high debts her husband had left behind. Three weeks after the plane crash, Taylor was back in front of the camera.

Taylor had the sympathy of all of Hollywood, and then she lost it...for the most scandalous reason imaginable.

Gettyimages - 3330971, Cat's Pause 1958: Film actress, Elizabeth Taylor relaxing on the set of 'Cat On A Hot Tin Roof'.Three Lions, Getty Images

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36. She Betrayed Her Friend 

While still filming Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Taylor started a torrid affair with none other than Eddie Fisher. If there was any beau in the business that could make tongue wags, it was Fisher. You see, Eddie Fisher was married to the beloved actress, Debbie Reynolds. The public had quite a fascination with the picture-perfect couple, whom they considered "America's Sweethearts". But even worse? 

Reynolds was Taylor's old friend and had previously been her matron of honor. Fisher had been Todd's best friend. But that wasn't the most jaw-dropping part.

Gettyimages - 1487053852, Eddie fisher, elizabeth taylor, 1959 Eddie fisher, elizabeth taylor, 1959Universal History Archive, Getty Images

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37. She Was Part Of An Infamous Love Triangle

According to Reynolds, it was she who'd sent Fisher to Taylor's side in her time of need. She likely never expected that the two of them would spark up a romance. Fisher became Taylor's soft place to land after the loss of her husband—and as such, they effectively kicked off one of entertainment's most notorious love triangles of all time.

Gettyimages - 3239825, With Eddie Fisher 1958: American singer Eddie Fisher, wearing a tuxedo, stands with arm around his wife, American actor Debbie Reynolds (R) and smiles while looking at British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor, smoking a cigarette, Las Vegas, Nevada. The next year Fisher left Reynolds and married Taylor.Hulton Archive, Getty Images

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38. They Called Her A Home-Wrecker

It only took a month for Fisher to leave Reynolds for Taylor. But the fallout of this adultery became legendary. The tabloid stories were utterly explosive as this juicy piece of gossip had seemingly come out of nowhere. Taylor's reputation would never be the same. The media cast her in the role of the home-wrecker, while Eddie was the villainous cheater. Only Debbie emerged with a world of support behind her.

However, MGM saw all of this negative publicity as an excellent marketing opportunity.

Gettyimages - 514968426, Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth TaylorBettmann, Getty Images

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39. She Was Their Temptress

MGM capitalized on Taylor's new bad-girl image by dressing her in a provocative slip for the posters for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, effectively giving the public the seductress they so loved to hate. This turned out to be an ingenious move, as the film wound up grossing $10 million in the US. 

On top of becoming one of the most profitable actresses, Taylor also received high praise for her acting chops and walked off with a nomination... and her new man. 

Gettyimages - 1137100949, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, poster, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, 1958.LMPC, Getty Images

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40. He Faced Consequences

Though both Taylor's and Reynold's careers were only bolstered by the cheating scandal, there was one person it utterly ruined: Eddie Fisher. The public just couldn't forgive him for turning his back on his family to marry Taylor, and his career never recovered. The next year, his variety TV program was canceled, and many of his contracts got slashed.

Taylor's career, on the other hand? It was flourishing.

17549043847328d36b23865e0805172f60eb2741c76ca3f7bf.jpgAP, Wikimedia Commons

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41. She Lost Another Oscar

While Eddie Fisher's career tanked in 1959, Elizabeth Taylor went on to star in another hit, Suddenly, Last Summer, which procured her yet another Academy Award nomination. However, once again, she didn't get to bring home the golden trophy. Something had to change.

Screenshot from Last Summer (1959)Columbia Pictures, Last Summer (1959)

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42. She Didn’t Want To Do It 

Next, MGM wanted Taylor to star in BUtterfield 8. This story, about a very promiscuous woman, pretty much aligned with the public’s view of Taylor. For this reason, Taylor didn’t want to do it, but her feelings didn't really matter to MGM. In the end, the studio won, and Taylor begrudgingly did what she was told. 

Ironically, this was the film for which she finally got her Academy Award for Best Actress. Completing her contract with the studio, Taylor freed herself of MGM. Her next role would herald in one of the most infamous chapters of her life.

  Gettyimages - 514901020, Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher in Formal Attire (Original Caption) Santa Monica, California: Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher leave the theater after Academy Awards presentations. Liz proudly walks with Bettmann, Getty Images

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43. She Became A Queen 

You could call the next years of Elizabeth Taylor’s life “the Burton years” as Richard Burton dominated her life both personally and professionally. The two actors connected on the set of Cleopatra, a film that benefited Taylor’s career immensely. She was the first star to receive a million-dollar check for a single performance. Plus, the film was a huge hit for 20th Century Fox. 

But it wasn’t a success in the beginning.

1754905781da9b905f0d1a991c14f65aad99f4e17ae9d2cd35.jpgCourier-Gazette, McKinney, TX Photo from 20th Century Fox, producer of the film., Wikimedia Commons

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44. They Blamed Her

During filming, the production costs of Cleopatra went through the roof, and 20th Century Fox blamed a lot of the problems on Taylor. She’d gotten sick, which delayed filming. She’d also gained weight, which the critics cruelly picked up on. Also, her antics with Burton caused a media stir. 

These antics also cost Taylor something more than just money: They took away her privacy. 

Screenshot from Cleopatra (1963)20th Century Studios, Cleopatra (1963)

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45. She Got Caught On Camera

During the filming of Cleopatra, both Taylor and Burton had spouses. Of course, their vows didn't stop them from diving headfirst into a passionate affair. Rumors of their infidelity ran rampant, but this scandal became a glaring fact when a photographer got a shot of Taylor and Burton cavorting on a yacht. 

Unfortunately for Taylor and Burton, the media's fascination with them was just getting started. 

Gettyimages - 607393156, On the set of Boom Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor on the set of Boom, directed by Joseph LoseySunset Boulevard, Getty Images

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46. They Enraged The Vatican

Taylor enraged more than just her fans. Not only did the Vatican condemn the philandering couple, but even the US Congress considered banning them from returning to America. But despite the ire of the public, Taylor had no plans to end things with Burton. Both of them obtained divorces, and then in 1964, they tied the knot in Montreal, Canada.

It was a wedding that lit up the gossip columns like no other.

Gettyimages - 592306770, Film actress Elizabeth Taylor with her actor husband Richard Burton, made honorary Celtic fans after flinging a £5000 viMirrorpix, Getty Images

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47. They Were Shamelessly Extravagant

Taylor and Burton were the perfect subjects for the press, who nicknamed them "Liz and Dick" and announced that they were the "marriage of the century". But perhaps what fascinated the world the most was the couple's outrageous spending habits. Reportedly, they spared no expense, with their fortune funding a lifestyle of unbelievable luxury—one filled with "furs, diamonds, paintings, designer clothes, travel, food, liquor, a yacht, and a jet".

However, though they may have sailed smoothly on open waters, their marriage didn't enjoy the same peaceful trajectory.

Gettyimages - 517198308, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor Close up of film stars Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.Bettmann, Getty Images

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48. They Bickered

In 1966, Taylor and Burton starred in the acclaimed film Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, filling the roles of a middle-aged couple with deepening marriage troubles. Faced with the challenge of playing 50-year-old Martha, Taylor had to undergo a dramatic transformation. She donned a wig, put on weight, and applied make-up that made her look rather haggard. 

It certainly wasn't a glamorous role, but her performance was unforgettable and earned her another Academy Award. Both Taylor and Burton's careers were flying high, but as a couple, they were clashing so brutally that the public couldn't help but take notice.

Gettyimages - 169426331, Elizabeth Taylor And Richard Burton In 'Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?'Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images

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49. They Were A Mess

Though Taylor and Burton would star in 11 films together, their relationship was equally aggressive as it was passionate. They couldn't keep their hands off one another in more ways than one. Soon, people had begun calling them "the Battling Burtons". As the years passed, their drinking habits and constant clashing led them straight to the edge—and they divorced in 1974. 

Of course, this wasn't the end of their twisted love story.

175490677935f040353184e647158d425119679926adcae313.jpgMGM, Wikimedia Commons

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50. They Married Twice

Though Taylor and Burton's first marriage crashed and burned, it was by no means over. In 1975, they remarried...only for their union to end again. This time, they didn't even make it a year. By her own admission, though, no man could ever compare to Burton: "After Richard, the men in my life were just there to hold the coat, to open the door. All the men after Richard were really just company".

Sadly, Taylor was about to lose another man she felt close to.

Gettyimages - 1460935468, Taylor-Burton Press Conference, New York Elizabeth Taylor wearing a fur hat at a press conference with husband Richard Burton Fairchild Archive, Getty Images

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51. She Made A Difference

Taylor had already lost James Dean to a horrific car crash. It now looked like she would lose another Giant costar. In 1985, Rock Hudson announced that he was fighting for his life against AIDS. Taylor stepped up and started the National AIDS Research Foundation with Michael Gottlieb. Sadly, she lost her dear friend Hudson in October of that year.

It was time for Taylor to change her focus. She was going into business. 

17549070161b70e0a5b51ce68f4e1e7cb631c352b66004c2a2._1955Photographer: Ray Jones (1892-1967), [1], Wikimedia Commons

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52. She Started A Trend 

Taylor was the first movie star to have a celebrity-branded fragrance. She worked with Elizabeth Arden to make Passion in 1987 and then White Diamonds in 1991. Her biographers claim that she actually made more income from the sales of her fragrances than she did from her whole acting career. 

However, although the '80s were a productive time for Taylor, she also struggled with her own tragic demons.

1754907115f03e27e69af194234d4c9dca11a669e3b891f8af.jpgAnefo / Mieremet, R., Wikimedia Commons

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53. She Had Awful Health Problems

You see, behind the scenes, Elizabeth Taylor grappled with multiple health issues. Not only was she born with scoliosis, but her chronic pain could be traced all the way back to a chilling accident early in her career. In 1944, she fell from a horse while filming National Velvet and unknowingly broke her back. 

The fracture she sustained went undiagnosed for years—and the consequences were devastating.

Gettyimages - 1441215533, Elizabeth Taylor rides King Charles British American Actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) at 14 years old rides her horse King Charles (1937-1956). She was gifted the stallion on her 13th Birthday by MGM studios after they both stared together in 'National Velvet' as 'Velvet Brown' and 'The Pie', respectively, 1946, United States.De Carvalho Collection, Getty Images

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54. She Was Constantly Sick

Years later, in 1956, Taylor underwent a very scary surgery, which swapped out some of her spinal discs with donated bone. But that wasn't all. The next decades wouldn't be any kinder to her physical body as she endured severe bouts of pneumonia and an emergency hysterectomy. Sources say that, in an effort to self-medicate, Taylor likely turned down a dangerous path.

17549108293253c69a330681f5d9fae7377ffad60f159473f9.jpgMGM publicity still, Wikimedia Commons

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55. She Faced Addiction

By the 1980s, Taylor found herself in a disheartening predicament. She had become heavily addicted to drinking and painkillers. Though she sought out treatment, staying at the Betty Ford Center, her road to recovery wasn't easy. And as we'll soon see, when it came to her health, fate had even crueler twists in store for her.

Gettyimages - 105587041, 3rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors, 1980 Elizabeth Taylor during 3rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors, 1980 at Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., United States.Ron Galella, Getty Images

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56. She Met Her Final Husband

At the beginning of that horrendous decade, in 1981, Taylor separated from her sixth husband, Senator John Warner—and divorced him the following year. It wouldn't be until 1988 that she met her seventh and final husband, Larry Fortensky, while she was struggling with her recovery from addiction in rehab. They met at the Betty Ford Center. Sadly, though, this was no fairytale ending for Taylor.

Gettyimages - 1460904513, Heart Foundation Ball, Richmond Actress Elizabeth Taylor with husband, Senator John Warner at the 'Hearts of God' Ball in Richmond, VirginiaFairchild Archive, Getty Images

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57. Her Husband Got In Deep Trouble

In 1996, Taylor's new husband got on the wrong side of the law. Authorities apprehended Fortensky after they'd found him staying in an unlicensed motorhome in Hemet, California—and charged him with substance use. But that wasn't the worst part. There was also a woman with him, whom he claimed was his live-in maid. 

That same year, Taylor and Fortensky divorced. However, there was no bad blood between them.

Gettyimages - 613494108, John Warner and Liz Taylor at Awards Banquet John Warner and Liz Taylor at Awards BanquetHulton Deutsch, Getty Images

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58. She Came To His Rescue

According to Taylor, it was her own health problems and Fortensky's struggles with OCD that caused their marriage to crumble. However, she continued to prove her love for him from afar. Just a few years later, she covered his hospital expenses when he fell from a balcony. And in the end, she even kept him in her will.

Still, there was only one man whom she never really let go of.

  Gettyimages - 524980560, USA - Elizabeth Taylor Stars in 'The Little Foxes' in New York ELIZABETH TAYLOR with her husband SENATOR JOHN WARNER attending the The Tony Awards Party at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York CityWalter McBride, Getty Images

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59. He Wrote Her Love Letters

The relationship that ultimately defined Elizabeth Taylor's love life was always going to be her connection to Richard Burton. In fact, she even took a part of him to her grave. Throughout their time together, Burton wrote Taylor many love letters—and he just so happened to pen one for her just days before he passed.

Gettyimages - 1405428454, On The Set Of 'The V.I.P.s' British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) and British actor Richard Burton (1925-1984) on the set of 'The VIPs,' at MGM British Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, 20th December 1962. Taylor and Burton play Frances and Paul Andros in the film written by Terence Rattigan and directed by Anthony Asquith.Evening Standard, Getty Images

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60. She Kept It A Secret

The most tragic detail about Burton's last love letter to Taylor was that she did not receive the correspondence until she returned home from his memorial service. As the story goes, when she realized that the handwriting was Burton's, she began to weep. Quite famously, Taylor kept the contents of this letter a secret, stashing it safely by her bed for the next 27 years of her life.

However, there was one part of the letter that she shockingly revealed.

Gettyimages - 592204818, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton seen here filming the V.I.P.'s at the MGM studios in Elstree. 21st December 1962Mirrorpix, Getty Images

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61. He Wanted To Be With Her

Though Taylor didn't spill all the beans about the letter, she eventually told biographers, "In it he told [me] what he wanted. Home was where Elizabeth was, and he wanted to come home". If this is true then Taylor made sure that a part of Burton—his letter—would always be with her. 

Gettyimages - 1307542039, American Actors Liz Taylor and Richard Burton American Actors Liz Taylor and Richard BurtonBob Penn, Getty Images

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62. She Had To Use A Wheelchair

The last 20 years of Elizabeth Taylor's life were undoubtedly difficult. Her health problems continued to mount, meaning that she scarcely showed face in public. Some of her personal woes included hip replacements, a benign brain tumor, and congestive heart failure. Through it all, her back pain was tantamount, causing her to become confined to a wheelchair.

Still, the screen legend managed to greet death with style and grace. She even left behind some iconic instructions for her funeral.

Gettyimages - 2207810818, Elizabeth Taylor A man pushes British born actress Elizabeth Taylor in a wheelchair, circa 1988.Vinnie Zuffante, Getty Images

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63. She Arrived Fashionably Late

On March 23, 2011, Elizabeth Taylor succumbed to congestive heart failure. However, as per her request, she wanted to be late to her own funeral—and so the ceremony began 15 minutes late. 

In the years since her passing, the name "Elizabeth Taylor" still holds power, and—as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses—there's little chance that she will ever be forgotten.

Gettyimages - 115334755, Wynn Hotel Grand Opening - April 28, 2005 Elizabeth Taylor during Wynn Hotel Grand Opening - April 28, 2005 at Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.Shareif Ziyadat, Getty Images

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16


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