Elizabeth Taylor

Her older brother Howard Taylor was born in 1929.

Liz was a close friend of Montgomery Clift until his death in 1966. They met for the first time when Paramount decided that she had to accompany him to the premiere of The Heiress because they were both to star in the upcoming A Place in the Sun . They liked each other right away. Clift used to call her "Bessie Mae". When he had a car accident a few years later that disfigured him, he had just left a party at Liz's house. It was she who found him first, got into the wreck and removed some teeth from his throat that threatened to choke him.

Liz was a close friend of Montgomery Clift until his death in 1966. They met for the first time when Paramount decided that she had to accompany him to the premiere of The Heiress (1949) because they were both to star in the upcoming A Place in the Sun (1951). They liked each other right away. Clift used to call her "Bessie Mae". When he had a car accident a few years later that disfigured him, he had just left a party at Liz's house. It was she who found him first, got into the wreck and removed some teeth from his throat that threatened to choke him.

The premiere of her film Father of the Bride took place two days after her real-life marriage to Conrad Hilton Jr.. The publicity surrounding the event is credited with helping to make the film so successful. The marriage lasted as long as the 3 month European honeymoon. Irreconcilable differences were cited in the divorce court.

The premiere of her film Father of the Bride (1950) took place two days after her real-life marriage to Conrad Hilton Jr.. The publicity surrounding the event is credited with helping to make the film so successful. The marriage lasted as long as the 3 month European honeymoon. Irreconcilable differences were cited in the divorce court.

Received $500,000 divorce settlement from Conrad Hilton Jr., 1951.

Two sons with Michael Wilding: Michael Howard (born January 6, 1953) and Christopher Edward (born February 28, 1955). Her daughter with Michael Todd, Elizabeth Frances Todd, called "Liza", was born August 6, 1957. Her daughter, Maria Burton, (adopted 1964 with Richard Burton) was born August 1, 1961.

Has four children. Two sons with Michael Wilding: Michael Howard (born January 6, 1953) and Christopher Edward (born February 28, 1955). Her daughter with Michael Todd, Elizabeth Frances Todd, called "Liza", was born August 6, 1957. Her daughter, Maria Burton, (adopted 1964 with Richard Burton) was born August 1, 1961.

Organized "A Commitment to Life", a celebrity event to benefit AIDS research after her Giant co-star Rock Hudson became ill in 1985. The event featured former First Lady Betty Ford, Burt Lancaster, Shirley MacLaine, Sammy Davis Jr., and Burt Reynolds. More than $1.3 million was raised.

In Italy she was exclusively dubbed until the mid-1950s by Germana Calderini. As she matured, she was dubbed by Fiorella Betti. For two of her most celebrated roles--Leslie Lynnton Benedict in Giant and Catherine Holly in Suddenly, Last Summer --Taylor was dubbed respectively by Micaela Giustiniani and Lidia Simoneschi, the only time either actress lent their voice to her.

Organized "A Commitment to Life", a celebrity event to benefit AIDS research after her Giant (1956) co-star Rock Hudson became ill in 1985. The event featured former First Lady Betty Ford, Burt Lancaster, Shirley MacLaine, Sammy Davis Jr., and Burt Reynolds. More than $1.3 million was raised.

In Italy she was exclusively dubbed until the mid-1950s by Germana Calderini. As she matured, she was dubbed by Fiorella Betti. For two of her most celebrated roles--Leslie Lynnton Benedict in Giant (1956) and Catherine Holly in Suddenly, Last Summer (1959)--Taylor was dubbed respectively by Micaela Giustiniani and Lidia Simoneschi, the only time either actress lent their voice to her.

Her first Oscar nomination for Raintree County marks her first of 4 consecutive nominations, a feat she shares with Jennifer Jones , Thelma Ritter , Marlon Brando and Al Pacino .

Her first Oscar nomination for Raintree County (1957) marks her first of 4 consecutive nominations, a feat she shares with Jennifer Jones (1943-1946), Thelma Ritter (1950-1953), Marlon Brando (1951-1954) and Al Pacino (1972-1975).

Did not return to work until eleven months after giving birth to her daughter Liza Todd Burton in order to film Cat on a Hot Tin Roof .

Returned to work seven months after giving birth to her daughter Liza Todd Burton in order to begin filming Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958).

Although Taylor was raised as a Christian Scientist, in 1959, at the age of 27, she converted to Judaism. She denied that her conversion was motivated by her marriages to Mike Todd or Eddie Fisher (both of whom were Jewish), saying that she had always been drawn to Judaism. Her conversion took place at Temple Israel of Hollywood, where she had studied Torah and Jewish history and traditions under Rabbi Max Nussbaum. It is traditional for converts to receive a Hebrew equivalent to their names upon conversion (since they wouldn't have received one shortly after birth, as those born into Judaism would have); Taylor's was Elisheba Rachel, Elisheba being the Hebrew for "Elizabeth," and Rachel being the name of Jacob's second wife in the Torah.

Taylor and Shirley Jones are the only actresses to win Oscars for playing prostitutes in the same year: Taylor for BUtterfield 8 (Best Actress) and Jones for Elmer Gantry (Best Supporting Actress).

The stories of her Oscar win for BUtterfield 8 have grown legendary. It is generally accepted as truth that she won Oscar voters by a vote of sympathy, because of the recent death of her husband, Michael Todd, and her near-fatal illness and emergency tracheotomy to save her life (her scar was very visible on Oscar night). Wisecracker and Rat Pack member Shirley MacLaine, who was favored to win for her role in The Apartment , said afterwards that "I lost out to a tracheotomy."

At one point during her life-threatening illness while filming BUtterfield 8 , she was actually pronounced dead.

At one point during her life-threatening illness while filming BUtterfield 8 (1960), she was actually pronounced dead.

The stories of her Oscar win for BUtterfield 8 (1960) have grown legendary. It is generally accepted as truth that she won Oscar voters by a vote of sympathy, because of the recent death of her husband, Michael Todd, and her near-fatal illness and emergency tracheotomy to save her life (her scar was very visible on Oscar night). Wisecracker and Rat Pack member Shirley MacLaine, who was favored to win for her role in The Apartment (1960), said afterwards that "I lost out to a tracheotomy."

Taylor and Shirley Jones are the only actresses to win Oscars for playing prostitutes in the same year: Taylor for BUtterfield 8 (1960) (Best Actress) and Jones for Elmer Gantry (1960) (Best Supporting Actress).

The 1963 Andy Warhol portrait of hers was sold for $ 23,7 million to an anonymous bidder at a Christie's auction in New York .

In 1963, while the highest paid American business executive earned $650,000 and President John F. Kennedy's salary was $150,000, she received at least $2.4 million.

First actress to earn $1,000,000 for a movie role (in Cleopatra ).

First actress to earn $1,000,000 for a movie role (in Cleopatra (1963)).

In 1963, while the highest paid American business executive earned $650,000 and President John F. Kennedy's salary was $150,000, she received at least $2.4 million.

The 1963 Andy Warhol portrait of hers was sold for $ 23,7 million to an anonymous bidder at a Christie's auction in New York (14 November 2007).

Actively sought the role of Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady , but Audrey Hepburn was cast instead.

Actively sought the role of Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady (1964), but Audrey Hepburn was cast instead.

She and Richard Burton starred together in 11 movies: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , The V.I.P.s , Under Milk Wood , The Taming of the Shrew , The Sandpiper , Hammersmith Is Out , Doctor Faustus , Divorce His - Divorce Hers (TV), The Comedians , Cleopatra and Boom! . She had an uncredited cameo in Burton's film Anne of the Thousand Days .

She and Richard Burton starred together in 11 movies: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), The V.I.P.s (1963), Under Milk Wood (1972), The Taming of the Shrew (1967), The Sandpiper (1965), Hammersmith Is Out (1972), Doctor Faustus (1967), Divorce His - Divorce Hers (1973) (TV), The Comedians (1967), Cleopatra (1963) and Boom (1968). She had an uncredited cameo in Burton's film Anne of the Thousand Days (1969).

Became friends with Marlon Brando while shooting Reflections in a Golden Eye . Brando agreed to pick up her Best Actress Award for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? from the New York Film Critics Circle. When Brando made his appearance at the NYFCC Award ceremony at Sardi's on January 29, 1967, he berated the critics, querying them as to why they hadn't recognized Liz before. He then flew to Dahomey, Africa, where she was shooting The Comedians with Richard Burton to personally deliver the award, a development Burton thought odd. Several years later Brando socialized with the Burtons, visiting them on their famous yacht the Kalizma, while they plied the Mediterreanean. Brando's ex-wife Anna Kashfi, in her book "Brando for Breakfast" , claimed that Brando and Burton got into a fist fight aboard the yacht, probably over Liz, but nothing of the incident appears in Burton's voluminous diaries. In his diaries, Burton found Brando to be quite intelligent but believed he suffered, like Liz did, from becoming too famous too early in his life and believed their affinity for one another was based on this (both Liz and Marlon would later befriend Michael Jackson, another superstar-cum-legend who had become too famous too soon). Burton recognized Brando as a great actor, but felt he would have been more suited to silent films due to the deficiency in his voice (the famous "mumble"). As a silent film star, Burton believed Brando would have been the greatest motion picture actor ever.

Became friends with Marlon Brando while shooting Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967). Brando agreed to pick up her Best Actress Award for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) from the New York Film Critics Circle. When Brando made his appearance at the NYFCC Award ceremony at Sardi's on January 29, 1967, he berated the critics, querying them as to why they hadn't recognized Liz before. He then flew to Dahomey, Africa, where she was shooting The Comedians (1967) with Richard Burton to personally deliver the award, a development Burton thought odd. Several years later Brando socialized with the Burtons, visiting them on their famous yacht the Kalizma, while they plied the Mediterreanean. Brando's ex-wife Anna Kashfi, in her book "Brando for Breakfast" (1979), claimed that Brando and Burton got into a fist fight aboard the yacht, probably over Liz, but nothing of the incident appears in Burton's voluminous diaries. In his diaries, Burton found Brando to be quite intelligent but believed he suffered, like Liz did, from becoming too famous too early in his life and believed their affinity for one another was based on this (both Liz and Marlon would later befriend Michael Jackson, another superstar-cum-legend who had become too famous too soon). Burton recognized Brando as a great actor, but felt he would have been more suited to silent films due to the deficiency in his voice (the famous "mumble"). As a silent film star, Burton believed Brando would have been the greatest motion picture actor ever.

In 1969, Richard Burton bought her one of the world's largest and most beautiful diamonds from the jeweler Cartier after losing an auction for the 69-carat, pear-shaped stone to the jeweler, who won with a $1-million bid. The rough diamond that would yield the prized stone weighed 244 carats and was found in 1966 at South Africa's Premier mine. Harry Winston cut and polished the diamond, which was put up for auction in 1969. Burton purchased the diamond from Cartier the next day for $1,069,000 to give to Taylor. The small premium was the result of the publicity Cartier garnered from selling the stone, then called the "Burton-Cartier Diamond," to the then "world's most famous couple." Ten years later, the twice-divorced-from-Burton Taylor herself auctioned off the "Burton-Taylor Diamond" to fund a hospital in Botswana. The last recorded sale of the Taylor-Burton was in 1979 for nearly $3,000,000 to an anonymous buyer in Saudi Arabia. The ring was the center of the classic "Here's Lucy" episode "Lucy Meets the Burtons," in which Lucy Carter, played by Lucille Ball, gets the famous ring stuck on her finger. The actual ring was used and the episode was the highest rated episode of the very popular series.

In 1969, Richard Burton bought her one of the world's largest and most beautiful diamonds from the jeweler Cartier after losing an auction for the 69-carat, pear-shaped stone to the jeweler, who won with a $1-million bid. The rough diamond that would yield the prized stone weighed 244 carats and was found in 1966 at South Africa's Premier mine. Harry Winston cut and polished the diamond, which was put up for auction in 1969. Burton purchased the diamond from Cartier the next day for $1,069,000 to give to Taylor. The small premium was the result of the publicity Cartier garnered from selling the stone, then called the "Burton-Cartier Diamond," to the then "world's most famous couple." Ten years later, the twice-divorced-from-Burton Taylor herself auctioned off the "Burton-Taylor Diamond" to fund a hospital in Botswana. The last recorded sale of the Taylor-Burton was in 1979 for nearly $3,000,000 to an anonymous buyer in Saudi Arabia. The ring was the center of the classic "Here's Lucy" (1968) episode "Lucy Meets the Burtons," in which Lucy Carter, played by Lucille Ball, gets the famous ring stuck on her finger. The actual ring was used and the episode was the highest rated episode of the very popular series.

Has owned some of the world's most magnificent jewelry, including the the 33-carat "Krupp Diamond", the Duchess of Windsor diamond brooch, the Grand Duchess of Russia emeralds, the "LaPeregina Pearl" (which was a Valentine present from her from Richard Burton), and the famous pear-shaped 69-carat "Burton-Cartier Diamond" Burton gave her in 1969 (subsequently renamed the "Burton-Taylor Diamond."

Has owned some of the world's most magnificent jewelry, including the 33-carat "Krupp Diamond", the Duchess of Windsor diamond brooch, the Grand Duchess of Russia emeralds, the "LaPeregina Pearl" (which was a Valentine present to her from Richard Burton), and the famous pear-shaped 69-carat "Burton-Cartier Diamond" Burton gave her in 1969 (subsequently renamed the "Burton-Taylor Diamond.").

In the early 1970s she planned to star in the movie version of the hit 1971 Broadway play "Twigs" by George Furth, in which she would have played four characters -- three sisters and their aged, cranky Bronx-Irish mother -- but the project never materialized.

In the early 1970s she planned to star in the movie version of the hit 1971 Broadway play "Twigs" by George Furth, in which she would have played four characters -- three sisters and their aged, cranky Bronx-Irish mother -- but the project never materialized.

Her biological grandchildren are Leyla (b. 1971), Naomi (b. 1976) and Tarquin (b. 1990), via her son Michael Wilding Jr., Caleb (b. 1983), Andrew (b. 1985) and Lowell (b. 1991), via her son Christopher Wilding, and Quinn (b. 1986) and Rhys (b. 1991), via her daughter Liza Todd Burton. Her adoptive grandchildren are Eliza (b. 1984) and Richard (b. 2001), via her adoptive daughter Maria Burton.

Was at one point going to star in Follow Me! (1972) with Richard Burton. See the trivia page for the film for more information.

Was a heavy smoker until being mistakenly diagnosed with lung cancer in October 1975.

1976: Won the title of "Most Memorable Eyebrows" in a magazine poll. The first runner up was Lassie.

1976: Won the title of "Most Memorable Eyebrows" in a magazine poll. The first runner up was Lassie.

Nominated for the 1981 Tony Award (New York City) for Actress in a Musical for "Little Foxes".

In a 2007 interview with "Entertainment Tonight" 's Mary Hart, Taylor said she had recently telephoned ex-husband Eddie Fisher and spoke to him for the first time in nearly 40 years.

In a 2007 interview with "Entertainment Tonight" (1981)'s Mary Hart, Taylor said she had recently telephoned ex-husband Eddie Fisher and spoke to him for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Nominated for the 1981 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for "The Little Foxes" as well as winning a Special Theatre World Award for the same.

Liz and Richard Burton appeared together on stage in a 1983 revival of "Private Lives."

Liz and Richard Burton appeared together on stage in a 1983 revival of "Private Lives."

Appeared on "Larry King Live" to refute claims that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and was close to death. (30 May 2006)

Her AIDS organization AMFAR raised $83 million in the twelve years following its creation in 1985.

Appeared on "Larry King Live" (1985) to refute claims that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and was close to death. (30 May 2006)

Her perfumes have been Passion , White Diamonds , Diamonds and Rubies, Diamonds and Emeralds, Diamonds and Sapphires and Black Pearls .

Her episode of "Biography" was the highest-rated episode of that series on Arts & Entertainment (thru the end of 1995).

Her episode of "Biography" (1987) was the highest-rated episode of that series on Arts & Entertainment (thru the end of 1995).

Her perfumes have been Passion (1987), White Diamonds (1991), Diamonds and Rubies, Diamonds and Emeralds, Diamonds and Sapphires and Black Pearls (1995).

After her son Michael had renounced his American citizenship for possession of marijuana, the U.S. Congress passed a bill to block his deportation .

After her son Michael had renounced his American citizenship for possession of marijuana, the U.S. Congress passed a bill to block his deportation (1988).

Met future husband Larry Fortensky while in rehab in 1988. They were later married for five years in the 1990s.

Launched 12 perfumes and colognes - Passion 1988, Passion for Men 1989, White Diamonds 1991, Diamonds and Emeralds 1993, Diamonds and Rubies 1993, Diamonds and Sapphires 1993, Black Pearls 1996, Sparkling White Diamonds 1999, Brilliant White Diamonds 2001, Forever Elizabeth 2002, Gardenia 2003, and Violet Eyes 2010.

Along with Mark Hamill and Joe Mantegna, she is one of only three actors to play both themselves and a fictional character in "The Simpsons" . She supplied the voice of Maggie Simpson in the Season Four episode "Lisa's First Word" and portrayed herself in the Season Four episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled".

Along with Mark Hamill and Joe Mantegna, she is one of only three actors to play both themselves and a fictional character in "The Simpsons" (1989). She supplied the voice of Maggie Simpson in the Season Four episode "Lisa's First Word" and portrayed herself in the Season Four episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled".

Admitted in an interview with Barbara Walters in the late 1990s that she would still like to act but, because of her medical problems, no movie company will insure her. In addition to many other medical problems, including a benign brain tumor she had removed, she has broken her back four times. This causes her severe pain when walking or standing for long amounts of time.

American Film Institute Life Achievement Award

American Film Institute Life Achievement Award [1993]

Is portrayed by Sherilyn Fenn in Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story (TV)

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#16).

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#16). [1995]

Is portrayed by Sherilyn Fenn in Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story (1995) (TV)

Has appeared solo on the cover of PEOPLE magazine 14 times, second only to Princess Diana (as of 1996).

Discharged from hospital, but later rushed back in after a suffering a brain seizure. Said to be comfortable.

Underwent successful surgery to remove the benign brain tumor.

Ranked #72 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.

Ranked #72 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]

Discharged from hospital, but later rushed back in after a suffering a brain seizure. Said to be comfortable. [26 February 1997]

Underwent successful surgery to remove the benign brain tumor. [20 February 1997]

Paid for ex-husband Larry Fortensky's hospital bills when he was in a coma after falling of a balcony in 1999.

Was named a Dame of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on the Millenium New Year's Honours List, December 31, 1999.

Along with Julie Andrews, she was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II on New Year's Eve, 1999.

Along with Julie Andrews, she was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II on New Year's Eve, 1999.

Was named a Dame of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II on the Millenium New Year's Honours List, December 31, 1999.

Paid for ex-husband Larry Fortensky's hospital bills when he was in a coma after falling off a balcony in 1999.

She is a recipient of the 2002 John F. Kennedy Center Honors.

Underwent radiation therapy in 2002 for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer.

Did not attend The 75th Annual Academy Awards (TV) due to her opposition to the Iraq war.

Announced her retirement from acting in 2003.

Did not attend The 75th Annual Academy Awards (2003) (TV) due to her opposition to the Iraq war.

Cancelled her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, prompting renewed fears about her health. The acting legend usually attends an annual charity dinner organized by the American Foundation For AIDS Research (AMFAR), which always coincides with the South of France festival. However, Taylor - who also pulled out in 2004 due to health problems - was replaced by Sharon Stone and Liza Minnelli at the gala. (May 2005)

Announced in November 2004 she has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, but vowed to continue raising funds for AIDS charities and to build a Richard Burton Memorial Theatre in Cardiff, Wales.

Her beloved dog, a Maltese named Sugar, died in 2005. Some months later, she purchased Daisy, one of Sugar's descendants.

Was unable to attend the civil partnership ceremony of her friend Sir Elton John in England due to her illness. (December 2005)

Premiere Magazine ranked her as #40 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature .

Premiere Magazine ranked her as #40 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).

Her beloved dog, a Maltese named Sugar, died in 2005. Some months later, she purchased Daisy, one of Sugar's descendants.

Her obituary published in The New York Times was written by theater critic and cultural reporter Mel Gussow, who had died in 2005. The newspaper's obituary editor said the piece was "too good to throw away".

In 2006, she donated $500,000 to the New Orleans AIDS Task Force to purchase mobile medical unit for AIDS sufferers in New Orleans.

In 2006 she introduced a line of diamond and precious stone jewelry called "House of Taylor". The designs are said to be inspired by certain favorite pieces in her own collection. She actually wrote a book on jewelry and is considered to be an authority on the subject.

In 2006 she introduced a line of diamond and precious stone jewelry called "House of Taylor". The designs are said to be inspired by certain favorite pieces in her own collection. She actually wrote a book on jewelry and is considered to be an authority on the subject.

Inducted into the California Hall of Fame in Sacramento (5 December 2007).

Hospitalized with congestive heart failure and pneumonia in July 2008 and was briefly on a life support machine.

Endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2008 presidential election.

Underwent heart surgery in October 2009 to repair a leaky valve.

On Monday evening, November 8, 2010, Andy Warhol's "Men in Her Life", a 1962 painting based on an image of Elizabeth Taylor between husbands, was auctioned at Phillips de Pury & Company's new salesroom on Park Avenue in New York City. An unidentified bidder bought it for $63.3 million.