Introduction
Elizabeth Taylor was more than just a Hollywood icon. Her life was a tapestry of triumphs and tribulations, woven with threads of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination. Kate Andersen Brower's book "Elizabeth Taylor" peels back the layers of glamour to reveal the complex woman beneath the public persona.
Born in 1932, Elizabeth Taylor's journey from a child actor to a global superstar is a testament to her extraordinary talent and tenacity. But her story goes far beyond the silver screen. This book delves into the many facets of Taylor's life - her tumultuous relationships, her battles with health issues, her trailblazing activism, and her enduring impact on popular culture.
As we explore Taylor's life, we'll discover a woman who defied conventions, survived the cutthroat world of show business, and used her fame as a platform for social change. Her story is not just about Hollywood stardom, but about human resilience, compassion, and the power of using one's voice for the greater good.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Elizabeth Taylor's journey to stardom began long before she set foot in Hollywood. Born in London, England, in 1932, her path to fame was paved early by her ambitious mother, Sara Taylor. At the tender age of three and a half, Elizabeth performed at a benefit event attended by British royalty, giving the world its first glimpse of the star she would become.
The outbreak of World War II forced the Taylor family to flee England and settle in Los Angeles. It was here that Sara's determination to make her daughter a star truly took flight. She began grooming Elizabeth for the entertainment industry, tutoring her in etiquette and preparing her for auditions. This maternal persistence paid off when ten-year-old Elizabeth landed her first film role in Universal's "There's One Born Every Minute."
However, the road to stardom was far from smooth. Despite signing a seven-year contract, Universal dropped the young actress after just one film. Undeterred, Sara continued to push for her daughter's success. Their perseverance was rewarded when Elizabeth impressed MGM studios with her performance in "Lassie Come Home," securing a long-term contract with the studio.
Life as a child star was challenging for Elizabeth. She attended school on the studio lot, isolated from her peers and under constant control. This environment fostered a lifelong tendency to daydream, perhaps as a means of escape from the pressures of her budding career. During these difficult times, Elizabeth found solace in her love for animals, particularly dogs and horses, which provided her with comfort and a sense of normalcy.
Despite the challenges, Elizabeth formed close bonds with her co-stars, many of whom were older than her. These relationships, particularly with actors like Roddy McDowall, would last a lifetime. Notably, Elizabeth grew up surrounded by gay actors, becoming a safe haven for them long before society at large embraced the LGBTQ+ community. This early exposure to diversity shaped her empathy and acceptance, traits that would define her personal relationships and later activism.
As Elizabeth transitioned from child star to serious actor, her talent began to shine through. At eleven, she starred alongside legends Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine in "Jane Eyre." But it was her role in the 1944 film "National Velvet" that truly catapulted her to stardom. The film was a box office hit, and as a reward, the studio gifted her a horse named King Charles. This gift, while a dream come true for the animal-loving Elizabeth, also led to a significant back injury when she fell while riding - an injury she kept secret, already aware of the ruthless nature of the industry.
Career Highlights: 1940s-1960s
As Elizabeth Taylor matured, so did her roles. The 1950s and 1960s saw her transition from a child star to a respected adult actress, tackling complex characters and pushing the boundaries of her craft.
In 1956, "Giant" marked a turning point in Taylor's career. The film sparked her desire for more challenging roles, and she embraced the opportunity to portray an older woman, even graying her hair for the part. Her performance was praised by Variety magazine, highlighting her emotional range and versatility as an actress.
Taylor's talent continued to shine in the following years. In 1959, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role as Maggie the Cat in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Despite not winning, the nomination cemented her status as a serious actress. That same year, she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her work in the Southern Gothic mystery "Suddenly Last Summer," further proving her ability to take on complex, dramatic roles.
Taylor's first Academy Award came for her performance in "BUtterfield 8" (1960). Ironically, she had been reluctant to take on the role of a party girl, concerned about public perception. The award was a bittersweet victory, marking both her critical success and the end of her contract with MGM.
However, it was her next major film that would truly define her as a Hollywood icon. "Cleopatra" (1963) was the most expensive production of its time, and Taylor's performance as the Egyptian queen captivated audiences worldwide. The film was plagued with complications, from budget overruns to Taylor's own health issues, but her star power created an unprecedented buzz around the production. At 30 years old, Elizabeth Taylor had become one of the most famous women in the world.
Taylor's career reached new heights with "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966), which earned her a second Academy Award. Her raw, powerful performance as Martha showcased her range as an actress and her willingness to take on challenging, unconventional roles. She followed this success with notable performances in "The Taming of the Shrew" (1967) and "Reflections in a Golden Eye" (1967), continuing to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Throughout her career, Taylor demonstrated an remarkable ability to evolve as an actress, taking on diverse and challenging roles that showcased her versatility and depth. Her performances not only entertained but also pushed the boundaries of what was expected from female actors in Hollywood during this era.
Personal Health Struggles
Behind the glamour and success, Elizabeth Taylor battled numerous health issues throughout her life. Born with scoliosis, she experienced chronic back pain from an early age, a condition exacerbated by a childhood horse-riding injury. These physical challenges would shape much of her adult life and career.
Taylor's health problems were so frequent that some friends accused her of exaggerating for attention. Actor George Hamilton, who dated Taylor, noted her skill at gaining sympathy through theatrical performances and self-inflicted traumas. Taylor herself acknowledged the connection between her mental state and physical health, revealing the complex interplay between her public persona and private struggles.
Despite her fear of pain, Taylor was determined to have a large family. She gave birth to two sons with her second husband, Michael Wilding - Michael Jr. in 1953 and Christopher in 1955. Her third child, Liza Todd, was born via Cesarean section in 1957. However, the pregnancy's health risks led doctors to perform a tubal ligation, limiting her ability to have more children. In 1968, Taylor underwent a hysterectomy to relieve chronic back pain, further impacting her reproductive health.
Taylor's eyes, often described as her most striking feature, were also a source of medical issues. In the mid-1950s, during a photo shoot for "Elephant Walk," she got a piece of rusty debris stuck in her eye, requiring surgery. The situation worsened when her young son accidentally hit her in the same eye, necessitating a second operation. These incidents were so traumatic that Taylor considered quitting acting altogether.
In addition to these physical ailments, Taylor struggled with addiction for much of her adult life. Her constant pain led to dependence on pills and alcohol, a battle she fought for years. She sought treatment at the Betty Ford Center twice, demonstrating her determination to overcome her addiction. However, she never fully conquered her reliance on opioids, partly due to the complicity of personal doctors who found it difficult to refuse her requests.
Taylor's health struggles extended beyond physical ailments. She reportedly attempted suicide and used sleeping pills every night to combat anxiety. In 1983, she underwent surgery for a benign brain tumor, adding to her long list of medical procedures.
Despite these challenges, Taylor's spirit remained unbroken. She used her experiences with pain and illness to develop a deep empathy for others' suffering, a trait that would later fuel her activism and philanthropy. Her resilience in the face of chronic health issues became an integral part of her character, shaping both her personal life and her public image.
Style and Beauty Icon
Elizabeth Taylor's impact on fashion and beauty is as enduring as her film legacy. From her signature cat-eye look to her bold fashion choices, Taylor set trends and defined glamour for generations.
Taylor's love affair with jewelry began at a young age when she bought a colored-stone brooch as a Mother's Day gift at 12. This early fascination blossomed into a lifelong passion, with each piece potentially serving as a reminder of her lost youth. Her jewelry collection reached legendary status during her marriages to Richard Burton, who delighted in showering her with extravagant gifts.
One of the most famous pieces in Taylor's collection was La Peregrina, a 16th-century pearl once owned by Spanish royalty. Burton gifted it to Taylor on Valentine's Day, but it nearly became a snack for one of her Pekingese dogs when it fell from her neck shortly after she received it. The 33-carat Krupp diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor diamond, was another stunning addition to her collection, as was the massive 69-carat Cartier diamond.
Taylor's love for jewelry wasn't just about personal adornment. She became a true connoisseur, launching her own fine jewelry line, House of Taylor. She collaborated with her manager and friend Jason Winters to design signature pieces that reflected her passion and impeccable taste. Her business acumen shone through in these ventures, as she was among the first celebrities to capitalize on her fame with a successful perfume line.
In terms of fashion, Taylor was a trendsetter rather than a follower. Her wardrobe boasted pieces from top designers like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Balenciaga, but she always put her own spin on her outfits. Unlike many stars who relied on stylists, Taylor insisted on dressing herself, sometimes drawing criticism but always staying true to her personal style. This unwavering commitment to her aesthetic earned her the Fashion Designers of America's prestigious Lifetime Glamour Award in 1998.
Taylor's approach to style was as bold and unapologetic as her approach to life. She dressed to please herself, not others, and in doing so, she became a true fashion icon. Her influence on beauty and style continues to resonate today, with many modern celebrities citing her as an inspiration.
Despite her love for opulence, Taylor never lost sight of the bigger picture. She saw herself as a temporary guardian of her jewelry collection rather than its permanent owner. After her death, the auction of her jewelry raised an astounding $144 million for charity, turning her lifelong passion into a lasting legacy of giving.
Legacy and Philanthropy
While Elizabeth Taylor's acting career made her a star, it was her activism and philanthropy that truly cemented her legacy. As she grew older, Taylor realized that her fame gave her a powerful platform, and she chose to use it to drive social change.
One of Taylor's most significant contributions was her advocacy for AIDS awareness and research. In the 1980s, when the AIDS epidemic was ravaging communities and shrouded in fear and misinformation, Taylor was one of the few public figures brave enough to speak out. At a time when many in Hollywood remained silent, Taylor used her voice to educate the public about HIV/AIDS prevention and to push for LGBTQ+ rights.
Taylor's activism went beyond mere words. She lobbied President Ronald Reagan to take action on AIDS, organized the first major celebrity fundraiser for AIDS research, and became an active supporter of various AIDS organizations. Her efforts raised millions of dollars and, more importantly, brought much-needed attention to a crisis that many preferred to ignore.
In 1991, Taylor established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF), funded in part by the sale of her wedding photos from her marriage to Larry Fortensky. This foundation became a cornerstone of her philanthropic efforts, continuing her work in AIDS research and advocacy.
Taylor's commitment to the cause was deeply personal. She nursed her friend, actor Rock Hudson, through his battle with AIDS, and lost many other friends to the disease. Her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, at a time when it was unpopular and potentially career-damaging to do so, made her a hero to many.
Beyond her AIDS activism, Taylor was also an early advocate for civil rights. She used her influence to challenge societal norms and push for equality, demonstrating a level of social consciousness that was ahead of her time.
As Taylor aged, she prioritized her activism over her acting career and even her successful perfume empire. She became a founding member of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), serving as its chair and lending her star power to its cause.
Taylor's philanthropy and activism transcended class and cultural boundaries. She used her privilege and fame to give voice to the voiceless and to fight for causes that others were afraid to touch. Her compassion and dedication to these causes left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered, from Hollywood elites to healthcare workers on the front lines of the AIDS crisis.
Final Thoughts
Elizabeth Taylor's life was a testament to the power of resilience, reinvention, and using one's influence for good. From her early days as a child star to her reign as Hollywood royalty and finally to her role as a global activist, Taylor continually evolved and adapted, facing each new challenge with determination and grace.
Her career in film showcased not just her stunning beauty, but her depth and versatility as an actress. From "National Velvet" to "Cleopatra" to "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", Taylor proved time and again that she was more than just a pretty face. She tackled complex roles with nuance and power, earning critical acclaim and a permanent place in the pantheon of great actors.
But it was off-screen where Taylor truly shone. Her personal life, often fodder for tabloids, was marked by passionate relationships, health struggles, and battles with addiction. Yet through it all, Taylor maintained a fierce independence and a refusal to conform to society's expectations. Her eight marriages, while often criticized, were a reflection of her belief in love and her willingness to follow her heart, regardless of public opinion.
Taylor's style and beauty set standards that continue to influence fashion and popular culture today. Her love for opulent jewelry and bold fashion choices made her a style icon, but it was the confidence with which she carried herself that truly set her apart. She dressed for herself, not for others, embodying a self-assurance that was both rare and inspiring for women of her era.
Perhaps Taylor's greatest legacy, however, lies in her humanitarian work. Her advocacy for AIDS research and LGBTQ+ rights came at a time when such causes were deeply unpopular and misunderstood. By lending her voice and her fame to these issues, Taylor helped bring them into the mainstream, raising millions of dollars and, more importantly, challenging societal prejudices.
Elizabeth Taylor's life reminds us that true stardom isn't just about fame or fortune, but about using one's influence to make a positive impact on the world. She embraced her roles as actress, style icon, and activist with equal passion, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and on society at large.
In the end, Elizabeth Taylor was more than just a movie star. She was a force of nature - a woman who lived life on her own terms, who faced adversity with courage, and who used her platform to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves. Her legacy serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the power we all have to make a difference in the world, regardless of our circumstances.
As we reflect on Elizabeth Taylor's extraordinary life, we're left with a portrait of a woman who was both larger than life and deeply human. Her triumphs and struggles, her glamour and her grit, all combined to create a legacy that continues to captivate and inspire. In the story of Elizabeth Taylor, we find not just the tale of a Hollywood icon, but a testament to the enduring power of compassion, courage, and the human spirit.