Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress and humanitarian who became one of the most famous and iconic actresses of the 20th century. Born in London, England, on February 27, 1932, she spent most of her childhood in Los Angeles, California, after her family moved there to escape the war in Europe.

Taylor’s parents were both actors, and she made her film debut at the age of ten in “There’s One Born Every Minute” (1942). However, it was her role as Velvet Brown in “National Velvet” (1944) that made her a star. She quickly became one of the most sought-after child actresses of her time, and her early films include “The White Cliffs of Dover” (1944) and “Life with Father” (1947).

In the 1950s, Taylor became a major movie star, starring in a string of successful films that included “A Place in the Sun” (1951), “Giant” (1956), and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958). She also won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for her roles in “Butterfield 8” (1960) and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” (1966).

Aside from her acting career, Taylor was also known for her personal life. She was married to actor Richard Burton twice and reportedly eight times to others. The couple first married in 1964 and divorced ten years later, only to remarry in 1975 and divorce again in 1976. Taylor’s other marriages included ones to hotel heir Conrad Hilton Jr., film producer Mike Todd, singer Eddie Fisher, and politician John Warner.

Taylor was also a passionate philanthropist and activist. She was one of the first celebrities to speak out about the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and helped raise millions of dollars for research and treatment. She also established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which continues to work toward ending the epidemic.

Taylor received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and the Presidential Citizens Medal. She was also appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000.

Taylor’s health began to decline in the 1990s, and she had several major surgeries. She died on March 23, 2011, at the age of 79, due to congestive heart failure.

Overall, Elizabeth Taylor was a talented actress, passionate activist, and iconic figure of the 20th century. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of fans and admirers around the world.