Imagine being so famous that your perfume becomes a household name, your love life headlines global tabloids, and your violet eyes are practically mythologized. That was Elizabeth Taylor. If you’ve ever wondered who she really was—beyond the diamonds and drama—you’re in for a treat.
Let’s dive into the life of the woman who defined Hollywood royalty and inspired generations, including Taylor Swift’s latest musical muse.
From Velvet to Cleopatra: The Rise of a Screen Legend
Elizabeth Taylor was born in London in 1932 to American parents and moved to Los Angeles just before World War II. By age 12, she was already a star thanks to her breakout role in National Velvet (1944). That wasn’t just a lucky shot—it was the beginning of a six-decade career.
In the 1950s and 60s, she became one of the most bankable actresses in the world. Her performances in A Place in the Sun, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and Butterfield 8 (which earned her an Oscar) showcased her dramatic range. But it was Cleopatra (1963) that turned her into a global icon.
She was the first actress to earn $1 million for a single film (Cleopatra).
Her portrayal of Queen Cleopatra was so lavish, the film nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox.
She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress: Butterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966).
Taylor wasn’t just acting—she was redefining what it meant to be a movie star.
Who Is Elizabeth Taylor?
Elizabeth Taylor was more than just a pretty face on the silver screen. She was a force of nature, known for her fierce independence, unapologetic glamour, and a personal life that rivaled any Hollywood script.
She married eight times to seven different men, including two marriages to actor Richard Burton. Their relationship was famously fiery, passionate, and public—earning them the nickname “Liz and Dick.”
Her romance with Burton began on the set of Cleopatra and continued through 11 films together.
She owned the 69-carat Taylor-Burton diamond, one of the most famous jewels in history.
She was close friends with Michael Jackson and attended his wedding.
Her funeral started 15 minutes late—because she requested to be “fashionably late” one last time.
Taylor’s life was a whirlwind of luxury, scandal, and resilience. She didn’t just live in the spotlight—she bent it to her will.
The Business of Being Liz
Before celebrity branding was a thing, Elizabeth Taylor was already doing it. She launched her own fragrance line in the 1980s, with White Diamonds becoming one of the best-selling perfumes of all time.
She also made waves as a philanthropist. In the 1980s, when AIDS was still taboo, Taylor became one of the first celebrities to speak out and raise funds.
She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).
She established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991.
She raised over $270 million for HIV/AIDS causes during her lifetime.
Taylor wasn’t just a star—she was a trailblazer. She used her fame to fight for causes that mattered, even when it wasn’t popular.
Taylor Swift’s Ode to Elizabeth Taylor
Fast forward to 2025, and Elizabeth Taylor is back in the spotlight—this time through Taylor Swift’s new album The Life of a Showgirl. The second track, titled “Elizabeth Taylor,” draws parallels between the two women’s lives.
Swift references:
The lyric “Burton to my Taylor” from her 2017 song “...Ready For It?”
Taylor’s violet eyes and iconic perfume (White Diamonds).
The Portofino proposal, where Burton asked Taylor to marry him.
The emotional toll of fame and the longing for lasting love.
It’s not just a tribute—it’s a conversation across generations. Swift sees Taylor as a kindred spirit, someone who navigated fame, heartbreak, and reinvention with grace and grit.
Why Elizabeth Taylor Still Matters
Even though she passed away in 2011, Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy is alive and well. She remains a symbol of:
Timeless beauty and style
Fierce independence
Bold advocacy
Hollywood’s golden age
Her life reminds us that glamour doesn’t mean perfection. It means showing up, flaws and all, and owning your story.
Personal Insight
I remember watching Cleopatra on a grainy VHS tape as a kid, mesmerized by the costumes and drama. But what stuck with me wasn’t the eyeliner—it was the intensity in Taylor’s eyes. She wasn’t just acting; she was commanding the screen. That kind of presence doesn’t fade, even decades later.
Conclusion
So, who is Elizabeth Taylor? She’s the blueprint for modern celebrity—an actress, activist, entrepreneur, and eternal icon. Her life was messy, dazzling, and deeply human. And thanks to pop culture’s ongoing love affair with her, she’s not going anywhere.
What’s your favorite Elizabeth Taylor moment—or Taylor Swift lyric that nods to her? Drop it in the comments and let’s talk legends.