Births on February 27

Elizabeth Taylor, English-American actress and humanitarian (d. 2011)

Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor (February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011) was a captivating British-American actress whose life and career epitomized the grandeur and drama of classical Hollywood cinema. From her beginnings as a child star in the early 1940s, she gracefully transitioned into one of the most luminous and highest-paid screen legends of the 1950s and 1960s, remaining a celebrated public figure until her passing. Her unparalleled contributions to film were recognized in 1999 when the American Film Institute named her the seventh-greatest female screen legend in the history of Classic Hollywood cinema, a testament to her enduring impact.

From Child Star to Hollywood Royalty

Born in London to affluent American parents, Elizabeth Taylor's family relocated to Los Angeles in 1939, a move that inadvertently set the stage for her remarkable career. Her acting debut came with a minor role in Universal Pictures' There's One Born Every Minute (1942), though her contract with the studio was brief. It was Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) that truly saw her potential, signing her and quickly elevating her to teen stardom with her memorable performance in National Velvet (1944). This heartwarming tale of a young girl training a wild horse for the Grand National steeplechase captivated audiences and showcased Taylor's undeniable on-screen charisma, solidifying her status as a beloved young actress. As the 1950s dawned, she seamlessly transitioned into more mature roles, starring in the immensely popular comedy Father of the Bride (1950) and earning significant critical acclaim for her powerful portrayal in the dramatic masterpiece A Place in the Sun (1951), proving her versatility and depth as a performer.

Navigating Hollywood's Golden Age

Despite being one of MGM's most bankable stars, the late Elizabeth Taylor often found herself at odds with the restrictive studio system of the early 1950s. She yearned for more challenging roles and disliked many of the projects assigned to her, even contemplating an early retirement from acting. However, her career took a more satisfying turn in the mid-1950s. She delivered a memorable performance in the epic drama Giant (1956), starring alongside Rock Hudson and James Dean. The subsequent years brought her even greater triumphs, including starring roles in critically and commercially successful film adaptations of Tennessee Williams' iconic plays: the intense Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) and the psychological drama Suddenly, Last Summer (1959). Her captivating performance in the latter earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Even a role she publicly admitted to disliking – that of a call girl in BUtterfield 8 (1960), her final film for MGM – ironically brought her the highest honor, her first Academy Award for Best Actress, a testament to her sheer talent.

The "Liz and Dick" Era: Love, Scandal, and Stardom

The early 1960s brought a seismic shift in Elizabeth Taylor's personal and professional life, most notably during the colossal production of Cleopatra in 1961. It was on this lavish set that Taylor's passionate, extramarital affair with co-star Richard Burton ignited, creating an international scandal that dominated headlines and captivated the public imagination. Despite widespread disapproval, their fiery romance blossomed into marriage in 1964, making them the most talked-about couple on the planet, affectionately dubbed "Liz and Dick" by the media. Their tumultuous relationship played out both on and off-screen as they starred in a remarkable 11 films together. These included romantic dramas like The V.I.P.s (1963) and The Sandpiper (1965), and the acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew (1967). However, it was their raw and electrifying performances in Mike Nichols' scorching drama Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) that solidified their cinematic legacy. Taylor's portrayal of the embittered Martha garnered the best reviews of her career and earned her a second Academy Award for Best Actress, alongside numerous other accolades. Their intense bond, however, proved as volatile as it was passionate; they divorced in 1974, only to reconcile and remarry in 1975, with their second marriage ending just a year later in 1976.

Beyond the Silver Screen: Activism and Enduring Legacy

As the late 1960s transitioned into the 1970s, Elizabeth Taylor's prolific acting career began to slow. She continued starring in films until the mid-1970s, after which she largely focused on supporting the political career of her sixth husband, United States Senator John Warner (R-Virginia). The 1980s saw her venture into new territory, taking on her first substantial stage roles and appearing in several television films and series, demonstrating her adaptability. Ever the trailblazer, Taylor also became a pioneering entrepreneur, following in Sophia Loren's footsteps as the second celebrity to successfully launch her own perfume brand, which became a significant and lasting success. Beyond the glitz and glamour, Elizabeth Taylor emerged as one of the very first celebrities to bravely and vocally engage in HIV/AIDS activism, a cause that would become her life's true calling. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 and established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991, dedicating her time, energy, and considerable influence to philanthropy from the early 1990s until her death. Her unwavering commitment to this critical cause earned her numerous prestigious accolades, including the Presidential Citizens Medal, cementing her legacy not just as a screen icon, but as a compassionate humanitarian.

A Life Lived Publicly: Marriages, Jewels, and the Human Element

Throughout her extraordinary career, Elizabeth Taylor's personal life was as captivating and scrutinized as her film roles. Her eight marriages to seven different men, her conversion to Judaism, her numerous serious illnesses, and her glamorous, jet-setting lifestyle – including assembling one of the world's most expensive private jewelry collections – kept her constantly in the media spotlight. She lived with an open heart and an unyielding spirit, facing life's challenges with remarkable resilience. After many years of battling various health issues, the incomparable Elizabeth Taylor passed away from congestive heart failure in 2011, at the age of 79. Her death marked the end of an era, but her impact on cinema, philanthropy, and popular culture remains indelible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Taylor

Who was Elizabeth Taylor?

Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress, an iconic Hollywood legend, and a dedicated humanitarian. She rose to fame as a child star, became one of the highest-paid actresses in the 1950s and 60s, and later became a prominent HIV/AIDS activist.

When did Elizabeth Taylor debut her acting career?

Elizabeth Taylor made her acting debut at the age of 10 in the Universal Pictures film There's One Born Every Minute in 1942. Her breakthrough came two years later with MGM's National Velvet (1944).

What were some of Elizabeth Taylor's most famous films?

Elizabeth Taylor starred in many acclaimed films including National Velvet (1944), A Place in the Sun (1951), Giant (1956), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), Suddenly, Last Summer (1959), BUtterfield 8 (1960), Cleopatra (1963), and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).

How many Academy Awards did Elizabeth Taylor win?

Elizabeth Taylor won two Academy Awards for Best Actress: one for her role in BUtterfield 8 (1960) and another for her powerful performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).

What was Elizabeth Taylor's involvement with Richard Burton?

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were one of Hollywood's most famous and tumultuous couples. They began an affair on the set of Cleopatra, married in 1964, divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again in 1976. They starred in 11 films together, becoming known as "Liz and Dick."

What was Elizabeth Taylor's philanthropic work?

Elizabeth Taylor was a pioneering HIV/AIDS activist. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985 and established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991, dedicating significant efforts to raise awareness and funds for the cause.