Elizabeth Taylor, an actress, philanthropist, and Hollywood legend, was often celebrated as one of the most beautiful women in the world.
She passed away from congestive heart failure at 79 on March 23, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as vibrant as her screen roles. “Elizabeth is bigger than life,” her friend, songwriter Carol Bayer Sager, once told PEOPLE. “She’s the closest thing we have in America to royalty.”
Early Life and Career
Born Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London, she was the daughter of art dealer Francis Taylor and former stage actress Sara.
Her mother’s encouragement led Elizabeth into show business, starting ballet lessons at age 3. “I never could kick up my heels like other kids; there were too many restraints,” she wrote in her 1988 memoir “Elizabeth Takes Off.”
Her first movie role was in the 1942 comedy “There’s One Born Every Minute” at age 9. MGM noticed her potential and signed her for 1943’s “Lassie Come Home,” followed by her star-making turn in 1944’s “National Velvet.”
Rise to Stardom
In 1951, Elizabeth became a leading lady, co-starring with Montgomery Clift in “A Place in the Sun.” Her enduring friendships in Hollywood became a hallmark of her career.
Taylor married movie producer Mike Todd in 1957, describing him as one of the great loves of her life. Tragically, Todd died in a plane crash in 1958, leaving Elizabeth devastated. She channeled her grief into her work, earning an Oscar nomination for her role in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” later that year.
The Cleopatra Era
“Cleopatra,” released in 1963, became infamous for its production troubles and Elizabeth’s romance with Richard Burton. Despite the chaos, Taylor made history as the first actor to be paid $1 million for a role, eventually earning over $4 million.
Her commitment to AIDS activism earned her the Presidential Citizen’s Medal in 2001 and recognition at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2002.
Later Years and Legacy
Elizabeth also succeeded as a businesswoman with her White Diamonds fragrance and House of Taylor jewelry line. Despite health struggles, she remained lively, even celebrating at a West Hollywood bar in 2008. Elizabeth Taylor said her final farewell in 2011, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood and philanthropy.