Challenges Faced by Elizabeth Taylor: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Elizabeth Taylor. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Elizabeth Taylor was a celebrated British-American actress who rose to fame as a child star during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She became one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in the 1950s and 1960s, remaining a prominent public figure throughout her life. Recognized for her beauty and acting talent, the American Film Institute ranked her among the greatest female screen legends.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1942: Termination of Universal Contract

In 1942, Elizabeth Taylor's contract with Universal was terminated after a year due to the casting director's dislike of her.

1944: Back Injury During Filming

In 1944, Elizabeth Taylor broke her back while filming National Velvet. The fracture went undetected for several years and caused her chronic back problems.

December 14, 1950: Separation from Conrad Hilton

On December 14, 1950, Elizabeth Taylor announced her separation from Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr. due to incompatibility and his abusive behavior.

July 18, 1956: Separation from Michael Wilding

On July 18, 1956, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding announced their separation due to marital strife and his failing career.

1956: Spinal Disc Operation

In 1956, Elizabeth Taylor underwent an operation in which some of her spinal discs were removed and replaced with donated bone to address back problems.

March 1958: Death of Mike Todd and Filming Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

In March 1958, Elizabeth Taylor was filming "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" when her husband, Mike Todd, died in a plane crash. Despite her devastation, she returned to work only three weeks later.

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March 1958: Death of Mike Todd

In March 1958, Elizabeth Taylor's husband, Mike Todd, died in a plane crash, leaving her devastated.

1959: Preparing for Butterfield 8

In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor owed one more film for MGM, which decided should be BUtterfield 8. She hated the film but had no choice in the matter.

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1960: Beginning of Cleopatra Filming

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

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March 1961: Taylor's Illness During Cleopatra Filming

In March 1961, during the filming of "Cleopatra", Elizabeth Taylor developed nearly fatal pneumonia, necessitating a tracheotomy. There were even erroneous reports of her death.

1961: Near-Fatal Pneumonia

In 1961, Elizabeth Taylor survived a near-fatal bout of pneumonia that required a tracheotomy. She was treated for the pneumonia with bacteriophage.

1963: Cleopatra's Box Office Success and Mixed Reviews

In 1963, "Cleopatra" became the biggest box-office success in the United States, grossing $15.7 million. However, it received mixed to negative reviews and took years to earn back its production costs.

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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 critical and commercial failures, marking a decline in her career.

1968: Emergency Hysterectomy

In 1968, Elizabeth Taylor underwent an emergency hysterectomy, which exacerbated her back problems and contributed to hip problems.

1970: Release of The Only Game in Town

In 1970, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Only Game in Town" alongside Warren Beatty. However, the film was unsuccessful, contributing to the decline in her career.

1974: Release of The Driver's Seat

In 1974, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Driver's Seat", an Italian film adaptation of Muriel Spark's novel. The film was a failure.

December 1983: Treatment at Betty Ford Center

In December 1983, Elizabeth Taylor was treated at the Betty Ford Center for seven weeks for addiction to alcohol and prescription pain killers and tranquilizers, becoming the first celebrity to openly admit herself to the clinic.

1983: Founding and Dissolution of the Elizabeth Taylor Repertory Company

In early 1983, Elizabeth Taylor and producer Zev Buffman founded the Elizabeth Taylor Repertory Company. The company's first and only production was a revival of Noël Coward's comedy "Private Lives", starring Taylor and Burton. The production received generally negative reviews, and Taylor dissolved her theatre company after its failure. She also appeared in the television film "Between Friends" that year.

January 1984: Treatment at Betty Ford Center

In January 1984, Elizabeth Taylor continued her treatment at the Betty Ford Center, where she had been admitted in December 1983, for addiction to alcohol and prescription pain killers and tranquilizers.

1988: Rehabilitation and Publication of 'Elizabeth Takes Off'

In 1988, Elizabeth Taylor entered rehabilitation again after relapsing from addiction. She also published a diet book about her experiences with weight management, titled Elizabeth Takes Off (1988).