Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Elizabeth Taylor

April 1941: Began Contract with Universal

In April 1941, Elizabeth Taylor began her contract with Universal, marking the beginning of her formal career.

1941: Auditioned for Studios

In early 1941, Elizabeth Taylor auditioned for Universal Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Universal offered her a contract.

1942: Film Debut and Contract Termination

In 1942, Elizabeth Taylor debuted in "There's One Born Every Minute", but her contract was terminated due to her appearance.

1942: Acting Debut

In 1942, Elizabeth Taylor made her acting debut with a minor role in "There's One Born Every Minute", although her contract was later terminated.

1942: Audition for Lassie Come Home

In late 1942, Elizabeth Taylor auditioned for a minor role in "Lassie Come Home", marking another opportunity.

January 1943: Signed with MGM

In January 1943, after a trial period, Elizabeth Taylor was given a seven-year contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

1944: Minor Roles in Films

In 1944, Elizabeth Taylor appeared in minor uncredited roles in films like "The White Cliffs of Dover".

1944: Popular Teen Star

In 1944, Elizabeth Taylor became a popular teen star after appearing in "National Velvet", a significant role in her early career.

1948: Arranged date with Glenn Davis

In 1948, MGM arranged for Elizabeth Taylor to date American football champion Glenn Davis, and she announced plans to marry him once he returned from Korea. This was part of MGM's strategy to manage her image, reflecting her eagerness to marry young due to her puritanical upbringing.

1950: Transition to Mature Roles

In 1950, Elizabeth Taylor transitioned to mature roles, starring in the comedy "Father of the Bride".

1951: Critical Acclaim

In 1951, Elizabeth Taylor received critical acclaim for her performance in the drama "A Place in the Sun", marking a turning point in her career.

1951: White ball gown in A Place in the Sun

In 1951, Elizabeth Taylor wore a memorable white ball gown in A Place in the Sun, designed by Helen Rose. This costume is considered one of her most famous.

1952: Starred in Ivanhoe

In 1952, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the historical adventure epic "Ivanhoe" with Robert Taylor and Joan Fontaine.

1952: Starring in 'Love Is Better Than Ever' and 'Ivanhoe'

In 1952, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the romantic comedy "Love Is Better Than Ever", which was a reprimand for her divorce. She also participated in the historical epic "Ivanhoe" in Britain, disliking the role but experiencing commercial success as the movie earned $11 million worldwide.

1952: Signing a New Contract with MGM

In the summer of 1952, Elizabeth Taylor signed a new seven-year contract with MGM, influenced by her marriage to Michael Wilding and her pregnancy, needing financial support.

1953: Starring in 'The Girl Who Had Everything'

In 1953, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Girl Who Had Everything", which was her last film under her old contract with MGM.

1954: Release of 'Rhapsody' and 'Elephant Walk'

In early 1954, Elizabeth Taylor's first two films under her new contract, "Rhapsody" and "Elephant Walk", were released. In "Rhapsody", she played a woman in a love triangle. In "Elephant Walk", she replaced Vivien Leigh and played a British woman adapting to life in Ceylon.

1954: Starring in 'Beau Brummell' and 'The Last Time I Saw Paris'

In the fall of 1954, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Beau Brummell", a film she disliked, and "The Last Time I Saw Paris", which convinced her that she wanted to be an actress.

1956: Starred in Giant

In 1956, Elizabeth Taylor began receiving more enjoyable roles, beginning with the epic drama "Giant".

1957: Starring in 'Raintree County' and Academy Award Nomination

In 1957, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Raintree County", a film she disliked, and received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

1958: Starred in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

In 1958, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", a film adaptation of a play by Tennessee Williams.

1959: Purchased Israeli Bonds

In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor purchased $100,000 worth of Israeli bonds, leading to her films being banned in Arab countries.

1959: Starring in 'Suddenly, Last Summer'

In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Suddenly, Last Summer", earning $500,000. She received her third Academy Award nomination and her first Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance.

1959: Green A-line dress in Suddenly Last Summer

In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor wore a green A-line dress in Suddenly Last Summer, designed by Helen Rose. This contributed to her status as a fashion icon.

1960: Starring in BUtterfield 8

In 1960, Elizabeth Taylor starred in BUtterfield 8. She hated the film, but won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

1960: Slip and Fur Coat in BUtterfield 8

In 1960, Elizabeth Taylor wore a slip and a fur coat in BUtterfield 8, designed by Helen Rose, becoming a memorable and iconic fashion statement.

1960: Filming of 'Cleopatra' began

In 1960, filming for "Cleopatra" began in England, but was halted due to bad weather and Taylor's ill health.

July 1962: Completion of 'Cleopatra' Filming

In July 1962, the filming of Cleopatra was finally completed in Rome, after multiple delays and changes in director and cast.

1963: Box-Office Success of 'Cleopatra' and Negative Reviews

In 1963, "Cleopatra" became the biggest box-office success in the United States, but received mixed to negative reviews.

1963: Starring in 'Cleopatra'

In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Cleopatra", becoming the first movie star to be paid $1 million for a role. The film's production was marked by high costs, delays, and a scandal involving her affair with Richard Burton.

1963: Starred in The V.I.P.s

In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The V.I.P.s" with Richard Burton.

1963: "Cat-eye" makeup trend from Cleopatra

In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor's look in Cleopatra started a trend for "cat-eye" makeup done with black eyeliner, influencing fashion trends of the time.

1964: Failed negotiations for 'What a Way to Go!'

In 1964, negotiations fell through for Elizabeth Taylor to headline "What a Way to Go!"

1965: Starred in The Sandpiper

In 1965, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Sandpiper" with Richard Burton.

1966: Performing Doctor Faustus

In 1966, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton performed Doctor Faustus in Oxford. Burton starred, and Taylor made her stage debut as Helen of Troy, a non-speaking role. While it received negative reviews, it was a significant event in their careers.

1966: Starring in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'

In 1966, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", receiving critical acclaim and her second Academy Award.

1967: Doctor Faustus and The Taming of the Shrew films

In 1967, Doctor Faustus film, featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, was released but was a critical and commercial failure. However, their next project, The Taming of the Shrew, was more successful. This was challenging for Taylor as she had no prior experience performing Shakespeare.

1967: Starred in Taming of the Shrew

In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Taming of the Shrew" with Richard Burton.

1967: Release of Reflections in a Golden Eye

In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor's film Reflections in a Golden Eye was released, marking her first film without Richard Burton since Cleopatra. The film, based on a novel by Carson McCullers, faced critical and commercial failure. Montgomery Clift was originally cast to co-star, but he died before filming began and was replaced by Marlon Brando.

1968: Starring in Boom! and Secret Ceremony

In 1968, Elizabeth Taylor starred in two films directed by Joseph Losey: Boom! and Secret Ceremony. Both films were commercial and critical failures. Boom! features Taylor as an aging, serial-marrying millionaire, while Secret Ceremony is a psychological drama co-starring Mia Farrow and Robert Mitchum.

1970: Starring in The Only Game in Town

In 1970, Elizabeth Taylor starred in The Only Game in Town, directed by George Stevens. In the film, Taylor played a Las Vegas showgirl involved with a compulsive gambler, played by Warren Beatty. However, the film was unsuccessful.

1972: Acting in X Y & Zee, Under Milk Wood and Hammersmith Is Out

In 1972, Elizabeth Taylor acted in three films: X Y & Zee, Under Milk Wood, and Hammersmith Is Out. She won the David di Donatello award for X Y & Zee, received good reviews for Hammersmith Is Out, and won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival.

1973: Releases of Divorce His, Divorce Hers, Night Watch and Ash Wednesday

In 1973, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's last film together, Divorce His, Divorce Hers, was released. Additionally, her films Night Watch and Ash Wednesday were released. She received a Golden Globe nomination for Ash Wednesday, in which she plays a woman undergoing plastic surgery to save her marriage.

1974: Release of The Driver's Seat

In 1974, Elizabeth Taylor's film The Driver's Seat, an adaptation of Muriel Spark's novel, was released but was a failure.

1975: Signed letter protesting UN Resolution 3379

In 1975, Elizabeth Taylor signed a letter protesting the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379, which she felt was unjust.

1976: Offered herself as a replacement hostage

In 1976, Elizabeth Taylor offered herself as a replacement hostage after more than 100 Israeli civilians were taken hostage in the Entebbe skyjacking.

1976: Participating in The Blue Bird and Victory at Entebbe

In 1976, Elizabeth Taylor participated in the Soviet-American fantasy film The Blue Bird, which was a critical and commercial failure. She also had a small role in the television film Victory at Entebbe.

1977: Singing in A Little Night Music

In 1977, Elizabeth Taylor sang in the critically panned film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical A Little Night Music.

1980: Starring in The Mirror Crack'd and The Little Foxes

In 1980, Elizabeth Taylor starred in The Mirror Crack'd, adapted from an Agatha Christie novel. She also took on her first substantial stage role, playing Regina Giddens in a Broadway production of Lillian Hellman's The Little Foxes.

May 1981: Premiere of The Little Foxes

In May 1981, the production of The Little Foxes, starring Elizabeth Taylor, premiered and had a sold-out six-month run despite mixed reviews.

November 1981: Appearance in General Hospital

In November 1981, Elizabeth Taylor appeared as evil socialite Helena Cassadine in the day-time soap opera General Hospital.

1981: Narrated Genocide

In 1981, Elizabeth Taylor narrated Genocide, an Academy Award-winning documentary about the Holocaust.

1983: Revival of Private Lives and dissolution of theater company

In early 1983, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton starred in a revival of Noël Coward's comedy Private Lives, which received negative reviews. Following the play's run, Taylor entered rehab and Burton died the following year. After the failure of Private Lives, Taylor dissolved her theater company.

1984: First AIDS fundraiser

In 1984, Elizabeth Taylor began her philanthropic efforts by helping to organize and hosting the first AIDS fundraiser to benefit the AIDS Project Los Angeles.

1984: Cameos in Hotel and All My Children

In 1984, Elizabeth Taylor made cameos in the soap operas Hotel and All My Children.

August 1985: Founding National AIDS Research Foundation

In August 1985, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Gottlieb founded the National AIDS Research Foundation after Rock Hudson's announcement that he was dying of AIDS.

1985: Co-founded amfAR

In 1985, Elizabeth Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), marking her entry into HIV/AIDS activism.

1985: Roles in North and South and Malice in Wonderland

In 1985, Elizabeth Taylor played a brothel keeper in the mini-series North and South and played Louella Parsons in Malice in Wonderland.

1986: Starring in There Must Be a Pony and receiving Chaplin Award

In 1986, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the drama There Must Be a Pony and received the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Chaplin Award.

1986: Testimony for the Ryan White Care Act

In 1986, Elizabeth Taylor testified before the Senate and House for the Ryan White Care Act.

1987: Launching Passion perfume

In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor launched her first perfume, Passion, in collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, Inc..

1987: Persuading President Reagan

In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor persuaded President Ronald Reagan to acknowledge the disease for the first time in a speech.

1987: Starring in Poker Alice

In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the Western film Poker Alice.

1988: Appearing in Young Toscanini

In 1988, Elizabeth Taylor reunited with director Franco Zeffirelli to appear in his biopic Young Toscanini.

1989: Starring in Sweet Bird of Youth

In 1989, Elizabeth Taylor had the last starring role of her career in a television adaptation of Sweet Bird of Youth, her fourth Tennessee Williams play.

1990: Testimony for the Ryan White Care Act

In 1990, Elizabeth Taylor testified before the Senate and House for the Ryan White Care Act.

October 6, 1991: Marriage to Larry Fortensky

On October 6, 1991, Elizabeth Taylor married Larry Fortensky at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The wedding garnered significant media attention, and Taylor sold the wedding pictures to People for $1 million to start her AIDS foundation.

1991: Founding Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation

In 1991, Elizabeth Taylor founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) to raise awareness and provide support services for people with HIV/AIDS, paying for its overhead costs herself.

1991: Launching White Diamonds perfume

In 1991, Elizabeth Taylor launched White Diamonds perfume in collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, Inc..

1992: Roles in Captain Planet and the Planeteers and The Simpsons

In 1992, Elizabeth Taylor had character roles in the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers and The Simpsons.

1992: Testimony for the Ryan White Care Act

In 1992, Elizabeth Taylor testified before the Senate and House for the Ryan White Care Act.

1993: The Simpsons role

In 1993, Elizabeth Taylor continued her role in The Simpsons.

1994: The Flintstones release

In 1994, Elizabeth Taylor's last theatrically released film, The Flintstones, was released. She played Pearl Slaghoople in a supporting role.

February 26, 1996: Cameos in CBS series

On February 26, 1996, Elizabeth Taylor made cameos in four CBS series - The Nanny, Can't Hurry Love, Murphy Brown, and High Society - to promote her new fragrance.

2001: Retirement from acting

In 2001, after supporting roles in the television film These Old Broads and in the animated sitcom God, the Devil and Bob, Elizabeth Taylor announced her retirement from acting to devote her time to philanthropy.

2002: Published "My Love Affair with Jewelry"

In 2002, Elizabeth Taylor published "My Love Affair with Jewelry", a book about her extensive jewelry collection.

2005: Founding House of Taylor

In 2005, Elizabeth Taylor founded a jewelry company, House of Taylor, in collaboration with Kathy Ireland and Jack and Monty Abramov.

2019: Announcement of Rachel Weisz portraying Taylor

In 2019, it was announced that Rachel Weisz would portray Elizabeth Taylor in "A Special Relationship", a film about Taylor's journey from actress to activist.