Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in Hampstead, a wealthy district of North West London, the second child of Francis Lenn Taylor(1897–1968) and Sara Viola Warmbrodt (1895–1994), who were Americans residing in England. Although she was born an En Read more...
Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in Hampstead, a wealthy district of North West London, the second child of Francis Lenn Taylor(1897–1968) and Sara Viola Warmbrodt (1895–1994), who were Americans residing in England. Although she was born an English subject, her parents were Americans. Her mother had been an actress on the stage, but gave up that vocation when she married. Elizabeth lived in London until the age of seven, when the family left for the US when the clouds of war began brewing in Europe in 1939. They sailed without her father, who stayed behind to wrap up the loose ends of the art business.Taylor's older brother, Howard Taylor, was born in 1929.
Her parents were originally from Arkansas City, Kansas. Her father was an art dealer and her mother a former actress whose stage name was "Sara Sothern." Sothern retired from the stage when she and Francis Taylor married in 1926 in New York City. Taylor's two first names are in honor of her paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Mary (Rosemond) Taylor. A dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United States, she was born a British subject through her birth on British soil and an American citizen through her parents. She reportedly sought, in 1965, to renounce her United States citizenship, to wit: "Though never accepted by the State Department, Liz renounced in 1965. Attempting to shield much of her European income from U.S. taxes, Liz wished to become solely a British citizen. According to news reports at the time, officials denied her request when she failed to complete the renunciation oath, refusing to say that she renounced 'all allegiance to the United States of America.'"
At the age of three, Taylor began taking ballet lessons with Vaccani. Shortly before the beginning of World War II, her parents decided to return to the United States to avoid hostilities. Her mother took the children first, arriving in New York in April 1939, while her father remained in London to wrap up matters in the art business, arriving in November. They settled in Los Angeles, California, where Sara's family, the Warmbrodts, were then living.
Through Hedda Hopper, the Taylors were introduced to Andrea Berens, a wealthy English socialite and also fiancée of Cheever Cowden, chairman and major stockholder of Universal Pictures in Hollywood. Berens insisted that Sara bring Elizabeth to see Cowden who, she was adamant, would be dazzled by Elizabeth's breathtaking dark beauty; she was born with a mutation that caused double rows of eyelashes, which enhanced her appearance on camera.Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer soon took interest in the British youngster as well but she failed to secure a contract with them after an informal audition with producer John Considine had shown that she couldn't sing. However, on September 18, 1941, Universal Pictures signed Elizabeth to a six-month renewable contract at $100 a week.
Taylor appeared in her first motion picture at the age of nine in There's One Born Every Minute, her only film for Universal Pictures. Less than six months after she signed with Universal, her contract was reviewed by Edward Muhl, the studio's production chief. Muhl met with Taylor's agent, Myron Selznick (brother of David), and Cheever Cowden. Muhl challenged Selznick's and Cowden's constant support of Taylor: "She can't sing, she can't dance, she can't perform. What's more, her mother has to be one of the most unbearable women it has been my displeasure to meet."Universal cancelled Taylor's contract just short of her tenth birthday in February 1942. Nevertheless on October 15, 1942, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer signed Taylor to $100 a week for up to three months to appear as "Priscilla" in the film Lassie Come Home.
The Oscar-winning actress, 79, was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale, outside Los Angeles -- the same place where her close friend, singer Michael Jackson, was buried in 2009.
Taylor's service was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., but started 15 minutes later than planned at the actress' request.
Her spokeswoman said in a statement Taylor wanted the service to include the announcement: "She even wanted to be late to her own funeral."
The coffin for Taylor was draped by a blanket of gardenias, violets and lily of the valley, and the actress who was known for her violet eyes was interred at Forest Lawn's Great Mausoleum beneath a marble angel.
The service lasted about one hour and included a reading of Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo" by actor Colin Farrell, described as a "close friend" of Taylor.
Other poems were read by Taylor's son, Michael Wilding, grandson and daughter Liza Burton Tivey. Her grandson, Rhys Tivey performed "Amazing Grace" on a trumpet.
Taylor, who married eight times (twice to actor Richard Burton), is survived by four children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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you were my escape from the real world, and the greatest actress that has ever graced the screen.your films,biographies and perfumes will forever grace my home. r.i.p
Lynda Corr ,
September 30, 2011
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I grew up watching your movies Lyz, I got attached to you over the years. One of my dream was to meet you and to give you a big HUG. Elizabeth Taylor YOU will remain one of the undisputed wonders of 20 th century.
Alain Martin ,
September 26, 2011
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A truly wonderful actress and beyond stunning physically. Her films with Richard Burton were especially memorable and amazing. So sad to see no memorial to Burton on here. Rest in peace.
Emma Larkin ,
September 24, 2011
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Stunning woman and a great actress. My favourite film was National Velvet. Velvet Brown also starring Mickey Rooney x
Maggie Stockhill ,
September 18, 2011
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I will never forget how majestic and gracious she was. I first met her in my teens. I was introduced by her friend Michael Jackson. I know just how much Michael all but worshipped her and how she never abandoned him even at the worst of his difficulties. She was royalty. I may have met many "celebrities" but aside from Greta Garbo, I believe she will always reign the most epic. She truly was the last of the legends.
mark steinfeld ,
September 12, 2011
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Great actress and a big heart. She was perhaps the last of that great era of stars that included Richard Burton, David Niven, James Mason, Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando, Paul Newman and so many others. They all seemed larger than life, unlike many of today's stars. And Ms Taylor was definitely in the top rung. She gave every role a sparkle - even if it wasn't one of her best.
Rex Harrison ,
August 28, 2011
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She will be missed. What a beautiful lady. My husband named our cat Maggie after Maggie on a Hot Tin Roof. She had an captivating era about her.
Suzanne Devenney ,
August 25, 2011
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I have been in love with Elizabeth Taylor, since I was a young boy of 7 or 8, and even now at the age of 63,and ELIZABETH, IS NO LONGER WITH US, I still LOVE her.
Named my 1st daughter Elizabeth T. Had the pleasure of meeting her in person, A very "Beautiful Lady"
James Travaglia ,
August 17, 2011
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Sad, sad, day when Elizabeth Taylor passed away. Loved her all my life since I was a small child. She was a great beauty. Beautiful in life and forever beautiful in heaven. I will always miss her....
Dawn Graham ,
August 05, 2011
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The story of Elizabeth Taylor's life is fascinating. She was down to earth and generous. She suffered a lot of health problems and her childhood was difficult as she worked since she was 9. She was a great actress and her performance in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf" was simply amazing. When she and Richard had a home in Puerto Vallarta she took a little Mexican boy Sergio Toledano as a god child and educated him in the best schools. She also adopted a child Maria who needed many surgeries to correct some deformities and Elizabeth wanted to help her. Later in her life she tirelessly worked to change the worlds attitude towards AIDS and to get research development on this terrible disease. She lived life passionately and her movies often mirrored her life. When filming National Velvet as a child she fell off a horse and had back problems ever since. She had to take pain medication all of her life. She was rich and famous but very down to earth and had more than her share of problems in this life that she had to get through. I was sad to hear of her death.
Beth Fridinger ,
August 03, 2011
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Elizabeth Taylor was an amazing woman with a heart of gold. She loved and charished life and lived life to it's fulliest. She was always caring and loving to her friends, family and her fans. Elizabeth will always be remembered and will live on through her amazing movies and all the good things she's accomplished. My favorite was when she played in Taming of the Shrew. What amazed me was the passion and strength she puts into all of her films. She was a woman of great courage when ever life obstacles came her way and she was always there like clockwork to whom all needed her. Even though she's not here physically her spirit still lives on in all she's done for others and will always live in the hearts of those who loved her and respected her as not just an actress or a star but as a person. Rest in Peace Elizabeth Taylor. I hope heaven brings all the happiness you could ever want and I hope that you are reunited with friends and loved ones whom have passed on before and I pray that we all be reunited once more on the other side of the mountain. Until then. We miss you. Take great care.
Kamilah Lindsey ,
July 30, 2011
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Eliabeth Taylor was the most beautiful woman in the world her lovely violet eyes I have always longed to look like her through the years I loved her in all her films. She was the star I have always admired since I first saw her in National Velvet I am now 69 but I will never forget Elizabeth Taylor God Bless you Elizabeth Sheila Chimes 31st july 2011
Sheila Chimes ,
July 30, 2011
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I have always been a big fan of Liz Taylor. She was not only beautiful but a great actress. She gave so much to the film industry and to humanity. You will be missed by all who loved you. God Bless
Ainsley Sela ,
July 27, 2011
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Since I was a child I was a fan of the most beautiful woman in the world. I had the pleasure of meeting her twice, once after her broadway show "Little Foxes" and at a press conference for her Passion perfume in Boston. She was kind enough to send me an autographed photo and in Boston autographed a biography by Dick Sheppard. It is true that she had the most beautiful violet eyes and possessed a stunning beauty on the outside and in her heart as well. No actress will ever come close to her...she was the last star! She lived her life to the fullest, loved with all her heart, and brought joy to many. For me she will always be here...I was luckier than most to have met her and enjoyed her life work in film and her generous contributions to our society.
David Ladabouche ,
July 24, 2011
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You are to your fans what Henry Mancini is to music - superb♥
Christine Leslie ,
July 22, 2011
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I have always loved Elizabeth Taylor. My Mother and Father always admired her. I loved her in the Movie "Giant". My mother looked like her too. She reminds me of my Mum :)
Michelle Taylor ,
July 20, 2011
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Elizabeth was my second favourite actresses. She was not only a great & beautiful lady, right til the end, but seemed a great character, on and off film. RIP to a true legend. xx
Melissa Ungless ,
July 15, 2011
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what a wonderfull tribute,just love elizabeth,i so love cat on a hot tin roof,her beauty is amazing ,and loved lassie too god bless her,shes with mike todd now together again,after a cruel twist of fate separted them xxx
Nicola Simpkins ,
July 15, 2011
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I remember seeing Elizabeth Taylor at the Film Awards with my friend Daniella, we sat a few seats in front and she was stunning the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, I couldn't help but keep turning round and looking at her she smiled at us and it will stay in my memory for ever - lov Jane Lancaster x
Jane Lancaster ,
June 14, 2011
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i cant beleve she has gon she was the best i will nether forget her the beautiful elizabeth taylor.sarah jane x
Sarah Ridler ,
June 14, 2011
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Elizabeth Taylor was not only a Beautiful Woman and Actress, She was a great Human being. I have been aFaithful fan for 57yrears out of my 67 years. She alone brought AIDS Awareness to the World and reminded Washington that we are all GODS Children. and we need Funds to fight this Disease. Elizabeth will be missed by all, She fought till the end.
Nicholas Yacenda ,
June 13, 2011
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I love beautiful thigns , what ever be... .
David Merida ,
June 12, 2011
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I loved Elizabeth Taylor, I am 36 years old and my favorit movie still is: Cleopatra: Starring: Elizabath Taylor. She was a true beautie, and really one of the best in acting. I will miss her very much. Jennifer from Windsor Ontario Canada
Lee Lafreniere ,
June 02, 2011
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A sadly missed ICON! You will live on forever in the wonderful movies you made. A star that will never go out. J x
Jason McArthur ,
May 24, 2011
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Always loved you Liz since National Velvet, still my favourte film ever RIP Liz xxx
Gwynith Clark ,
May 17, 2011
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I love this woman. She is absolutely beautiful & stunning. I wish I was able to see her in the prime of her time. That would be something to remember.
Ashley Godinez ,
May 16, 2011
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I have admired and been mesmerized by Elizabeth Taylor ever since i was a little girl. After seeing her in Cleopatra I found my mothers make-up, climbed onto a chair to see into the mirror and made myself up in her image, with the cleopatra eyes and bright red lipstick. My mother was not best pleased with me, using and messing up her make-up but couldn't scold me as she herself has been likened to Elizabeth Taylor, and also admires her. It is one of my earliest memories and Elizabeth taylor has always been held with high esteem in my heart.
Nathalie walker-farmer ,
May 16, 2011
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I have always loved Elizabeth Taylor for as long as i can remember. She is/was such a beautiful person in personality and looks. Sadly she will be missed by all those that saw the beauty in her. Susan
a guest ,
May 14, 2011
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We Love Forever *Miss Taylor* :::: *Dame*** *Elizabeth*** ::: No one ever compares to you :::
Love you, Lissa Marie, *** xoXox ***
Lissa Marie ,
May 14, 2011
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Elizabeth Taylor was one of the first Iconic superstars to actually care about the plight of others with her tireless fight to raise peoples consciences and awareness of Aids in a time when people ignored the disease and her unwavering dedication to Aids research. She was a classy spit fire with a love of people and a passion for life. Her extraordinary beauty was not only external but internal too. Her death was truly the end of a golden age in Hollywood.
Octavious Willingham ,
May 06, 2011
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I LOVED HER SINCE I SAW HER ON NATIONAL VELVET WHAT CHARM AND GRACE A VERY BEAUTIFUL STUNNING GIRL SHE WAS AND REMAINED TILL HER DEATH-LOVING KINDHEARTED CARING PERSON --GONE BUT NOT FPRGOTTEN.XXXX
Carmen Muscat ,
May 06, 2011
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In my humble opinion, the most beautiful woman to have lived in my lifetime - non can compare. In her youth she was stunning to look at and in her age she discovered there is only one beauty to age - wisdom!
Linda Elmore ,
May 05, 2011
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End of an era! NO ONE can ever replace such beauty!! RIP ELizabeth...
Marcy Becker ,
May 03, 2011
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R.I.P Dame Elizabeth Taylor .......and WHAT a dame she was ! She personified everything a woman should .......beauty charm poise grace and most of all love ......she loved everyone and everything with so much passion .....but sometimes the love wasn't reciprocated as we all know .... she took criticism really well and she knew how to treat her critics ....she knew who her friends were and she had quite a few !! She was the Queen .....with the Queen's name .Elizabeth ....and it fit her perfectly !! Now shes a shining star in the heavens and will be sadly missed here on earth...but her legacy will live on through her work ...not only in the acting field but in all her charity work which meant so much to her .....we should all sit back and remember what this woman did for the world and hope she knows how loved she was ....all her suffering is over lets hope she has that beautiful smile in heaven. We love you Elizabeth ....rest with the angels because you WERE one here on earth xxxxxxxxxxxx
Carole Lee ,
May 02, 2011
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I will love her forever
Hollis Stagg ,
April 26, 2011
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I saw her once at a tennis match in Johannesburg just after she re married Richard Burton, she was sitting a few rows behind me and looking behind me I was dumbstuck at her incredicble beauty, she wore a scarf on her head, and those violet eyes, were such as I have have never seen before.....MHDSRIP
Sharon Garber ,
April 26, 2011
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Such a beautiful woman inside and out! She never backed down in what she believed in.She went through so much in her life and she still never let it get her down! Wish I coould be more like her. Very sorry to her family and friends for there loss. The last of the Great Movie Stars Legends is gone. Never will be another Madam Elizabeth Taylor!!!!
Tina Phillips ,
April 22, 2011
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She was one of a kind, there will never be another "Broad" like her!! My mother could have been her twin sister, and she too was a lot like Elizabeth, sense of humor, illness, tragedy, many loves, and my oh my she is a hell of a woman. I have two oil paintings in my home one of my mother and one of Elizabeth, I look at them and they make me proud to be a woman!!!
Kathy Wilson ,
April 22, 2011
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my memo,s of Elizabeth are not only from her films ect but from my great uncle dick from shoredich london going back to when she was young.R,I,P.liz will miss you but allways in our hearts.
tracy ,
April 21, 2011
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By being late to her own funeral just shows her sense of humor and the way she lived her life. She was a great "Broad"!
Suzanne Bowden ,
March 25, 2011
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Elizabeth Taylor was more than just a natural beauty, she was an Icon and her heart shined more than her Beautiful eyes. She was the last existing Classy Lady in Hollywood. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on FOREVER. May she R.I.P.
wendy ,
March 24, 2011
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There is no word can describe what my mind. She gaves a lot of wonderful movies to the world. She will be remembered forever...
Zun Zhao ,
March 24, 2011
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So sorry to hear of the death of Elizabeth Taylor, such a beautiful person as well as actress. You will be missed by lots of people as well as your family and friends.
Janet Silvester ,
March 24, 2011
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I will always remember the most beautiful woman in the world. She leaves a legacy of being a talented actress, a mother, friend to all who were in need, an activist for Aids and a Great Humanitarian. We will miss you Ms Taylor. Say Hi to Michael cause I know you two will be friends up in heaven as you were here on earth. Rest in Peace
Margie Figueroa ,
March 24, 2011
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elizabeth will be sadly missed we love you and you will always be in our hearts.
Terry Purifoy ,
March 23, 2011
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Gone but never forgotten, those eyes.. that smile, your body of work on film and the greatest of your lifes work the fight against AIDS. You brought so much joy in your 79 years beautiful lady. Michael was waiting for you on the other side and I know you met eachother with the greatest of embraces. I feel joy for you and MJ to be reunited and to reunite with all of your friends. We will miss you, and I love you forever. Rest In Peace, Dame Elizabeth! ♥
a guest ,
March 23, 2011
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Miss Taylor , may u grace the heavens with a bright and shining star... I adored u and your films.. I thought and still do that u where the most beautiful women I have had the pleasure of seeing on the Great Silver Screen.. Rest In Peace... and u made the world a better place for all us.. I will miss u ... sometimes it is sad that we cannot remain young and gorgeous for a much longer time...
wilma chornopysky ,
March 23, 2011
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She was a treasure and the most beautiful women to grace film. She will always be remembered. Love to her family at this time.
Fern Embree Comeau ,
March 23, 2011
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A lot of people only know her from the great work she did with AIDS charities later in life. But if you ever get a chance to see "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" you'll understand what made her a superstar of her generation.
William Goldman ,
March 23, 2011
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RIP Elizabeth Taylor, an icon of stage, screen and style.
James ,
March 23, 2011
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