Talk with Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most famous and celebrated actresses in the history of Hollywood. Born on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London, England, she moved to the United States with her family before the onset of World War II. Taylor began her acting career as a child and became a prominent star in the 1940s and 1950s with a long career that spanned decades.

Elizabeth Taylor was known for her striking beauty, distinctive violet eyes, and acting prowess, which helped her secure roles in some of cinema's most iconic films. Some of her most notable movies include "National Velvet" (1944), "A Place in the Sun" (1951), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), and "BUtterfield 8" (1960) for which she won her first Academy Award. She delivered one of her most memorable performances in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966), for which she received her second Oscar.

Apart from her film career, Taylor was famous for her personal life, which was full of publicized marriages and divorces. She was married eight times to seven different men, including the actor Richard Burton, whom she married twice. Her relationship with Burton was particularly intense and newsworthy, and they starred together in several films, including "Cleopatra" (1963), where Taylor played the title role.

Beyond her acting career, Elizabeth Taylor was also a dedicated activist, notably in the fight against AIDS. She helped establish the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and founded The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Her humanitarian efforts raised significant amounts of money and awareness for the cause.

Taylor was also known for her exceptional beauty and her love of jewelry, boasting an extensive collection of rare and expensive pieces, some of which were gifts from her various husbands.

Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011, due to congestive heart failure, but she left behind a formidable legacy as a film icon and a tireless humanitarian.

Elizabeth Taylor won the Academy Award for Best Actress twice. Her first Oscar came in 1960 for her role in "Butterfield 8," and she won again in 1966 for her performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Elizabeth Taylor navigated her public and private life with a level of glamour and scrutiny that few stars have experienced. Her life was constantly in the spotlight, and she managed this duality with a mixture of sophistication and vulnerability.

In her public life, Taylor was known for her impeccable style and presence, which made her a favorite subject for the media and a trendsetter for the public. She embraced her status as a Hollywood icon, participating actively in film promotions, attending glamorous events, and engaging with her fans. Her beauty and charismatic persona made her a beloved figure worldwide.

Privately, Taylor's life was marked by numerous personal challenges, including eight marriages, health issues, and the passing of close friends like Montgomery Clift and Rock Hudson. Despite these challenges, she showed resilience and strength. Taylor was also known for her deep commitment to her friends and family. She was a loyal friend and a devoted mother to her four children.

Furthermore, Taylor was an early advocate for AIDS awareness and fundraising, launching the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which was a testament to her willingness to use her public persona to influence and advocate for meaningful causes.

Balancing both spheres, Taylor's approach combined open engagement with the public while also fiercely protecting her private life, maintaining a circle of lifelong friends who provided her with support away from the Hollywood limelight.

Elizabeth Taylor's style evolved significantly over the course of her career, reflecting the changing fashions of the decades through which she rose to fame, as well as her own personal developments and the roles she played both on and off screen.

In the 1940s, during the early part of her career as a child actress, Elizabeth Taylor's style was sweet and innocent, fitting the "girl-next-door" image favored in Hollywood at the time. She often wore simple dresses and her hair in soft, natural styles.

As she transitioned into adult roles in the 1950s, Taylor's style became more glamorous and sophisticated, mirroring her status as a leading Hollywood starlet. The 1950s saw her in elegant evening gowns, often designed by leading costume designers of the day, including Edith Head and Helen Rose, who helped shape her on-screen wardrobe. Her personal style included fitted dresses, luxurious fabrics, and a bold use of color, which highlighted her beauty and gave her a distinctive appearance.

The 1960s marked another evolution in Taylor's style, influenced by her roles in films like "Cleopatra," where she portrayed the enchanting and powerful Queen of Egypt. Her look became more extravagant and regal, characterized by elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and intricate hairstyles. Off-screen, she started to embrace a more flamboyant and opulent style, often seen in caftans, fur coats, and large statement jewelry. This period also solidified her love for high-end jewelry, with Richard Burton gifting her some of the most famous pieces, like the Taylor-Burton Diamond.

By the 1970s and 1980s, Elizabeth Taylor's personal style leaned towards a more relaxed but still luxurious look. She was often seen in comfortable yet chic caftans, which became somewhat of a signature style for her. Her makeup remained bold, with a focus on her eyes, and she continued to accessorize with impressive jewelry pieces.

Throughout her life, Taylor's style was marked by her willingness to embrace bold choices and her love for lavish jewelry, which remained a constant. Her fashion legacy is characterized by her confident, sometimes opulent approach to both her public and private persona, making her a style icon whose influence can still be seen today.

Elizabeth Taylor had a significant impact on the fight against AIDS, particularly in her role as an activist and fundraiser. Her involvement began in the early 1980s, at a time when AIDS was a highly stigmatized disease and was largely ignored by the mainstream media and political leaders.

Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) in 1985, following the death of her close friend and former costar, Rock Hudson, who died from AIDS-related complications. Through amfAR, she helped to raise awareness and significant funds for AIDS research, treatment, and advocacy. Her commitment to the cause brought much-needed attention to the epidemic and helped to shift public perceptions about the disease.

Additionally, in 1991, Taylor established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which directly supports programs that provide care and assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS. Through her continuous efforts, tireless campaigning, and extensive fundraising, Elizabeth Taylor played a crucial role in addressing the AIDS crisis. Her work has made a lasting impact on the lives of many and provided support to research and healthcare initiatives related to HIV/AIDS.

Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times to seven different men. Her husbands were:

1. Conrad "Nicky" Hilton (1950-1951)
2. Michael Wilding (1952-1957)
3. Mike Todd (1957-1958, until his death)
4. Eddie Fisher (1959-1964)
5. Richard Burton (1964-1974; they remarried in 1975 but divorced again in 1976)
6. John Warner (1976-1982)
7. Larry Fortensky (1991-1996)

Yes, Elizabeth Taylor was famous for her striking violet-blue eyes, which often appeared to have a purple hue. This unique eye color was one of her most distinctive and mesmerizing attributes, and it made her even more standout in film and photographs.

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