History of Elizabeth Taylor in Timeline
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.
1925: Publication of An American Tragedy
In 1925, Theodore Dreiser's novel, "An American Tragedy", was published. This novel served as the basis for the 1951 film "A Place in the Sun" starring Elizabeth Taylor.
1929: Move to London and Art Gallery Opening
In 1929, Elizabeth Taylor's parents moved to London and opened an art gallery on Bond Street; their first child, Howard, was born the same year.
1931: Release of A Free Soul
In 1931, the pre-code drama "A Free Soul" was released. This film was later remade as "The Girl Who Had Everything" starring Elizabeth Taylor in 1953.
February 1932: Elizabeth Taylor's Birth
In February 1932, Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in London, England and received dual British-American citizenship at birth.
February 27, 1932: Birth of Elizabeth Taylor
On February 27, 1932, Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in London, England.
1935: Publication of Butterfield 8 Novel
In 1935, John O'Hara published the novel "Butterfield 8", which was later adapted into the 1960 film starring Elizabeth Taylor.
1937: MGM Search for Actress for National Velvet
Since 1937, MGM had been searching for a suitable actress with a British accent and the ability to ride horses for the movie "National Velvet".
April 1939: Taylor family leaves for the US
In April 1939, due to fear of impending war in Europe, Sara Taylor and her children left London aboard the ocean liner SS Manhattan and moved in with Taylor's maternal grandfather in Pasadena, California.
1939: Move to Los Angeles
In 1939, at the age of 7, Elizabeth Taylor moved with her family from London to Los Angeles.
1939: Reference to Gone with the Wind
In 1957, MGM hoped "Raintree County" would replicate the success of the 1939 film "Gone with the Wind".
1940: Opening of New Art Gallery in Los Angeles
In early 1940, after arriving in the US, Francis Taylor opened a new art gallery in Los Angeles and the Taylor family settled in Beverly Hills, California.
April 1941: Beginning of Universal Contract
In April 1941, Elizabeth Taylor began her contract with Universal and was cast in a small role in "There's One Born Every Minute".
1941: Auditioning for Universal Pictures and MGM
In early 1941, Elizabeth Taylor auditioned for both Universal Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Sara Taylor accepted Universal's offer.
1942: Acting Debut
In 1942, Elizabeth Taylor made her acting debut with a minor role in the Universal Pictures film "There's One Born Every Minute", but her contract was terminated after a year.
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.
1942: Audition for Lassie Come Home
In late 1942, Elizabeth Taylor auditioned for a minor role in "Lassie Come Home", arranged by MGM producer Samuel Marx.
January 1943: MGM Contract
In January 1943, after a three-month trial contract, Elizabeth Taylor was given a standard seven-year contract with MGM.
1944: Release of National Velvet
In 1944, "National Velvet" was released on Christmas and became a box-office success, with Elizabeth Taylor receiving praise for her performance.
1944: Appearance in The White Cliffs of Dover
In 1944, Elizabeth Taylor appeared in minor uncredited roles in "The White Cliffs of Dover" .
1944: Popular Teen Star
In 1944, Elizabeth Taylor became a popular teen star after appearing in "National Velvet" under contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
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.
1946: MGM Gives Taylor New Seven-Year Contract
In 1946, following the success of "National Velvet", MGM gave Elizabeth Taylor a new seven-year contract with a weekly salary of $750 and cast her in "Courage of Lassie".
1947: Cultivating a Mature Public Image
In 1947, when Elizabeth Taylor turned 15, MGM began to cultivate a more mature public image for her. She starred in the critically panned "Cynthia" and the period film "Life with Father".
1948: Roles in A Date with Judy and Julia Misbehaves
In 1948, Elizabeth Taylor had supporting roles in "A Date with Judy" and "Julia Misbehaves", the latter being a commercial success.
1948: Dating Glenn Davis
In 1948, MGM arranged for Elizabeth Taylor to date American football champion Glenn Davis, and she announced plans to marry him after his return from Korea.
1949: Filming of Conspirator
In 1949, Elizabeth Taylor filmed "Conspirator", where she plays a woman who begins to suspect that her husband is a Soviet spy.
1949: Starring in Little Women
In 1949, Elizabeth Taylor's last adolescent role was as Amy March in "Little Women", a box-office success and was featured on the cover of Time.
March 1950: Release of Conspirator
In March 1950, "Conspirator" was released, marking Elizabeth Taylor's transition to adult roles.
May 6, 1950: Marriage to Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr.
On May 6, 1950, at the age of 18, Elizabeth Taylor married Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr., heir to the Hilton Hotels chain, in a large, highly publicized wedding organized by MGM.
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.
1950: Starring in 'Father of the Bride'
In 1950, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the comedy "Father of the Bride", marking her transition to more mature roles.
January 1951: Divorce from Conrad Hilton
In January 1951, Elizabeth Taylor divorced Conrad Hilton after only eight months of marriage, causing a public scandal that reflected negatively on her.
January 29, 1951: Divorce from Conrad Hilton
On January 29, 1951, Elizabeth Taylor was granted a divorce from Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr. on the grounds of mental cruelty, eight months after their wedding.
1951: Critical Acclaim for 'A Place in the Sun'
In 1951, Elizabeth Taylor received critical acclaim for her performance in the drama "A Place in the Sun".
1951: A Place in the Sun Release and Marriage Scandal
In 1951, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "A Place in the Sun", marking a significant departure from her earlier roles and earning her critical acclaim. Also in January 1951, her divorce from Hilton after only eight months of marriage caused a public scandal.
1951: A Place in the Sun
In 1951, Elizabeth Taylor wore a white ball gown in A Place in the Sun, one of her most famous costumes.
1951: Release of Father's Little Dividend
In 1951, the successful sequel, "Father's Little Dividend" was released ten months after the release of "Father of the Bride".
February 21, 1952: Marriage to Michael Wilding
On February 21, 1952, Elizabeth Taylor married British actor Michael Wilding in a low-key ceremony in London.
1952: Starring in Ivanhoe
In 1952, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the historical adventure epic "Ivanhoe" alongside 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". She also participated in the historical epic "Ivanhoe", which became one of MGM's biggest commercial successes.
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. This granted her a weekly salary of $4,700, and included a loan for a house and a contract for her husband.
January 6, 1953: Birth of son, Michael Howard
On January 6, 1953, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding had their first son, Michael Howard.
1953: The Girl Who Had Everything release
In 1953, Elizabeth Taylor's last film made under her old contract with MGM, "The Girl Who Had Everything," was released. This was a remake of the pre-code drama "A Free Soul."
1954: Release of Rhapsody and Elephant Walk
In early 1954, Elizabeth Taylor's first two films under her new contract were released ten days apart. These included "Rhapsody", a romantic film, and "Elephant Walk", a drama where she played a British woman on a Ceylon tea plantation.
1954: Releases of Beau Brummell and The Last Time I Saw Paris
In the fall of 1954, Elizabeth Taylor starred in two more film releases, "Beau Brummell", which she disliked, and "The Last Time I Saw Paris", which she liked. She also became pregnant again during production.
February 27, 1955: Birth of son, Christopher Edward
On February 27, 1955, which was also Elizabeth Taylor's 23rd birthday, she and Michael Wilding had their second son, Christopher Edward.
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: Starring in Giant
In 1956, Elizabeth Taylor began receiving more enjoyable roles, beginning with the epic drama "Giant".
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.
January 26, 1957: Divorce from Michael Wilding
On January 26, 1957, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding were divorced.
June 1957: Mike Todd's birthday party
In June 1957, Mike Todd threw Elizabeth Taylor a birthday party at Madison Square Garden with 18,000 guests, broadcast on CBS.
August 6, 1957: Birth of daughter, Elizabeth "Liza" Frances
On August 6, 1957, Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth "Liza" Frances.
1957: Starring in Raintree County
In 1957, Elizabeth Taylor starred alongside Montgomery Clift in "Raintree County", a Civil War drama. Taylor was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
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.
March 1958: Death of Mike Todd
In March 1958, Elizabeth Taylor's husband, Mike Todd, died in a plane crash, leaving her devastated.
1958: Starring 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.
May 12, 1959: Marriage to Eddie Fisher
On May 12, 1959, Elizabeth Taylor married Eddie Fisher at the Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas.
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.
1959: Purchase of Israeli bonds
In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor purchased $100,000 worth of Israeli bonds, leading to her films being banned by Arab countries.
1959: Starring in Suddenly, Last Summer
In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Suddenly, Last Summer", another Tennessee Williams adaptation. She earned $500,000 for her role and received her third Academy Award nomination and first Golden Globe for Best Actress.
1959: Golden Globe for Suddenly, Last Summer
In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor won a Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance in "Suddenly, Last Summer", a film adaptation of a play by Tennessee Williams.
1959: Suddenly Last Summer
In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor wore a green A-line dress in Suddenly Last Summer, one of her most famous costumes.
1959: Conversion to Judaism
In 1959, Elizabeth Taylor, raised as a Christian Scientist, converted to Judaism, stating she had wanted to do so for a long time.
1960: Release of BUtterfield 8
In 1960, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "BUtterfield 8", fulfilling her MGM contract. She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
1960: Academy Award for BUtterfield 8
In 1960, Elizabeth Taylor won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "BUtterfield 8", her last film for MGM.
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.
1961: Affair with Richard Burton
In 1961, during the production of the film "Cleopatra", Elizabeth Taylor and co-star Richard Burton began an extramarital affair, which caused a scandal.
July 1962: Completion of Cleopatra Filming
In July 1962, filming for "Cleopatra" was finally completed in Rome after numerous delays and changes in director and cast.
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.
1963: Release of 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 plagued by delays and a scandal involving her affair with Richard Burton.
1963: Starring in The V.I.P.s and Elizabeth Taylor in London
In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The V.I.P.s" with Richard Burton, which mirrored the headlines about their affair. She also appeared in a CBS television special, "Elizabeth Taylor in London."
1963: Starring in The V.I.P.s with Richard Burton
In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The V.I.P.s" with Richard Burton.
1963: Cleopatra and "cat-eye" makeup trend
In 1963, Elizabeth Taylor's look in Cleopatra started a trend for "cat-eye" makeup done with black eyeliner.
March 5, 1964: Divorce from Eddie Fisher
On March 5, 1964, Elizabeth Taylor was granted a divorce from Eddie Fisher in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
1964: Marriage to Richard Burton
In 1964, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were married despite public disapproval of their affair.
1964: Failed Negotiations for What a Way to Go!
In 1964, Elizabeth Taylor intended to star in "What a Way to Go!", but negotiations fell through and Shirley MacLaine was cast instead.
1965: Starring in The Sandpiper
In 1965, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Sandpiper" with Richard Burton, about an illicit love affair. While reviews were negative, it grossed a successful $14 million.
1965: Starring in The Sandpiper with Richard Burton
In 1965, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Sandpiper" with Richard Burton.
1966: Doctor Faustus performance
In 1966, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton performed "Doctor Faustus" for a week in Oxford to benefit the Oxford University Dramatic Society. Burton starred, and Taylor made her stage debut as Helen of Troy, a non-speaking role.
1966: Critical Acclaim for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
In 1966, Elizabeth Taylor received the best reviews of her career for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", winning her second Academy Award.
1966: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? release
In 1966, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?", an adaptation of Edward Albee's play. Her performance as Martha, a middle-aged woman in a troubled marriage, was critically acclaimed, earning her a second Academy Award. The film was also a commercial success.
1967: Doctor Faustus and The Taming of the Shrew Release
In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor appeared in the film adaptation of "Doctor Faustus", which was critically panned and commercially unsuccessful. She also co-produced and starred in Franco Zeffirelli's "The Taming of the Shrew" with Burton, which proved to be more successful at the box office.
1967: Release of Reflections in a Golden Eye and The Comedians
In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "Reflections in a Golden Eye" without Richard Burton, which was a critical and commercial failure. She also appeared in "The Comedians", which received mixed reviews and was a box-office disappointment.
1967: Starring in The Taming of the Shrew with Richard Burton
In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "The Taming of the Shrew" with Richard Burton.
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.
1968: Death of Francis Lenn Taylor
In 1968, Francis Lenn Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor's father, passed away.
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.
1972: Releases and Awards in 1972
In 1972, Elizabeth Taylor starred in "X Y & Zee," winning the David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actress. She also appeared in "Under Milk Wood" and "Hammersmith Is Out," winning the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin Film Festival for the latter.
1973: Divorce His, Divorce Hers Release and Other Films
In 1973, Elizabeth Taylor's last film with Richard Burton, "Divorce His, Divorce Hers", was released. Additionally, she starred in "Night Watch" and "Ash Wednesday", receiving a Golden Globe nomination for the latter.
June 1974: First Divorce from Richard Burton
In June 1974, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton divorced for the first time.
1974: Divorce from Richard Burton
In 1974, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton divorced.
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.
October 1975: Remarriage to Richard Burton
In October 1975, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remarried in Kasane, Botswana.
1975: Remarriage to Richard Burton
In 1975, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton reconciled and remarried.
1975: Protest against UN resolution
In 1975, Elizabeth Taylor signed a letter protesting the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379, which she felt was unfair to Israel.
July 1976: Second divorce from Richard Burton
In July 1976, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton divorced for the second and final time.
December 1976: Marriage to John Warner
In December 1976, Elizabeth Taylor married John Warner, a Republican politician from Virginia.
1976: Offer to replace hostages in Entebbe skyjacking
In 1976, Elizabeth Taylor offered herself as a replacement hostage after more than 100 Israeli civilians were taken hostage in the Entebbe skyjacking.
1976: Participation 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 box-office failure. She also had a small role in the television film "Victory at Entebbe."
1976: Second Divorce from Richard Burton
In 1976, the second marriage between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton ended in divorce.
1977: Singing in A Little Night Music
In 1977, Elizabeth Taylor sang in the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical "A Little Night Music", which was critically panned.
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 on Broadway
In May 1981, Elizabeth Taylor's Broadway production of "The Little Foxes" premiered. Despite mixed reviews, the show had a sold-out six-month run.
November 1981: Appearance on General Hospital
In November 1981, Elizabeth Taylor appeared as evil socialite Helena Cassadine on the daytime soap opera "General Hospital".
December 1981: Separation from John Warner
In December 1981, Elizabeth Taylor and John Warner separated.
1981: Narration of 'Genocide'
In 1981, Elizabeth Taylor narrated Genocide, an Academy Award-winning documentary about the Holocaust.
November 1982: Divorce from John Warner
In November 1982, Elizabeth Taylor and John Warner divorced.
1982: Residence in Bel Air
In 1982, Elizabeth Taylor began living at 700 Nimes Road in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles.
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: Engagement to Victor Luna
In 1983, Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to Mexican lawyer Victor Luna.
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.
1984: Philanthropic Efforts Begin
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 cameo appearances in the soap operas "Hotel" and "All My Children".
1984: Engagement to Victor Luna
In 1984, Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to Mexican lawyer Victor Luna.
August 1985: Founding of the National AIDS Research Foundation
In August 1985, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Gottlieb founded the National AIDS Research Foundation after Rock Hudson announced he was dying of the disease. The foundation later merged with Mathilde Krim's AIDS foundation to form amfAR.
1985: Co-founded American Foundation for AIDS Research
In 1985, Elizabeth Taylor co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
1985: Role in North and South and Malice in Wonderland
In 1985, Elizabeth Taylor played a brothel keeper in the historical mini-series "North and South" and starred as gossip columnist Louella Parsons in the television film "Malice in Wonderland". She also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award.
1985: Engagement to Dennis Stein
In 1985, Elizabeth Taylor was engaged to New York businessman Dennis Stein.
1986: Starring in There Must Be a Pony and Chaplin Award
In 1986, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the television drama "There Must Be a Pony" as a fading movie star. She also 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, advocating for funding and support for HIV/AIDS care.
1987: Passion perfume launch
In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor launched her first celebrity perfume, Passion, in collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
1987: Persuading President Reagan to Acknowledge AIDS
In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor persuaded President Ronald Reagan to acknowledge the AIDS epidemic for the first time in a speech.
1987: Starring in Poker Alice
In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor starred in the Western television film "Poker Alice", playing a character based on the real-life Poker Alice.
1987: Knight of the French Legion of Honour
In 1987, Elizabeth Taylor was made a Knight of the French Legion of Honour in recognition of her philanthropic endeavors.
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).
1988: Meeting Larry Fortensky at the Betty Ford Center
In 1988, Elizabeth Taylor met her seventh and last husband, construction worker Larry Fortensky, at the Betty Ford Center.
1988: Appearance in Young Toscanini
In 1988, Elizabeth Taylor reunited with director Franco Zeffirelli to appear in his French-Italian biopic "Young Toscanini".
1989: Starring Role in Sweet Bird of Youth
In 1989, Elizabeth Taylor had the last starring role of her career in a television adaptation of Tennessee Williams' "Sweet Bird of Youth".
1990: Testimony for the Ryan White Care Act
In 1990, Elizabeth Taylor continued her advocacy by testifying again before the Senate and House for the Ryan White Care Act.
1990: Severe Pneumonia and Ceasing Smoking
In 1990, Elizabeth Taylor experienced a severe bout of pneumonia and subsequently quit smoking.
1990: Serious Bout of Pneumonia
In 1990, Elizabeth Taylor suffered a serious bout of pneumonia, contributing to her declining health in the last two decades of her life.
October 6, 1991: Marriage to Larry Fortensky
On October 6, 1991, Elizabeth Taylor married Larry Fortensky at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.
1991: Founding of the 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: White Diamonds perfume launch
In 1991, Elizabeth Taylor launched her best-selling perfume, White Diamonds, in collaboration with Elizabeth Arden, Inc.
1992: Testimony for the Ryan White Care Act
In 1992, Elizabeth Taylor made her final testimony before the Senate and House for the Ryan White Care Act.
1992: Characters in Captain Planet and The Planeteers and The Simpsons
In 1992, Elizabeth Taylor voiced characters in the animated series "Captain Planet and the Planeteers" and "The Simpsons".
1993: Character in The Simpsons
In 1993, Elizabeth Taylor continued to voice characters in The Simpsons.
1993: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 1993, Elizabeth Taylor received the AFI Life Achievement Award for her career.
1994: Release of The Flintstones
In 1994, Elizabeth Taylor played Pearl Slaghoople in "The Flintstones", her last theatrically released film. While critically panned, the film was commercially successful.
1994: Death of Sara Sothern
In 1994, Sara Sothern, Elizabeth Taylor's mother, passed away.
February 26, 1996: Guest Appearances to Promote New Fragrance
On February 26, 1996, Elizabeth Taylor made cameo appearances in four CBS series-"The Nanny", "Can't Hurry Love", "Murphy Brown", and "High Society" - to promote her new fragrance.
October 31, 1996: Divorce from Larry Fortensky
On October 31, 1996, Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky divorced, but remained in contact.
1996: Reduced Public Appearances
After 1996, Elizabeth Taylor's health increasingly declined, and she rarely attended public events.
1997: Lifetime of Glamour Award
In 1997, Elizabeth Taylor received a Lifetime of Glamour Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
1997: Screen Actors Guild Honorary Award
In 1997, Elizabeth Taylor received the Screen Actors Guild honorary award.
1997: Surgery for Benign Brain Tumor
In 1997, Elizabeth Taylor underwent surgery for a benign brain tumor.
1999: BAFTA Fellowship
In 1999, Elizabeth Taylor received a BAFTA Fellowship.
1999: Fortensky's brain surgery
In 1999, Larry Fortensky underwent brain surgery after falling off a balcony; Elizabeth Taylor guaranteed his medical expenses.
1999: AFI's Greatest Female Screen Legends List
In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Elizabeth Taylor seventh on its list of greatest female screen legends.
2000: Another Bout of Pneumonia
In 2000, Elizabeth Taylor experienced another serious bout of pneumonia.
2000: Dame Commander in the Order of the British Empire
In 2000, Elizabeth Taylor was appointed a Dame Commander in the chivalric Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II.
2001: Supporting Roles in These Old Broads and God, the Devil and Bob
In 2001, Elizabeth Taylor played supporting roles in the television film "These Old Broads" and the animated sitcom "God, the Devil and Bob". She subsequently announced her retirement from acting.
2001: Received the Presidential Citizens Medal
In 2001, Elizabeth Taylor received the Presidential Citizens Medal for her philanthropic work.
2002: Successful Treatment for Skin Cancer
In 2002, Elizabeth Taylor had successful treatment for skin cancer.
2002: Publication of 'My Love Affair with Jewelry'
In 2002, Elizabeth Taylor published a book about her jewelry collection titled 'My Love Affair with Jewelry'.
2004: Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure
In 2004, Elizabeth Taylor was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was using a wheelchair due to back problems.
2005: House of Taylor founded
In 2005, Elizabeth Taylor founded the jewelry company House of Taylor in collaboration with Kathy Ireland and Jack and Monty Abramov.
2007: Last Public Performance
In 2007, Elizabeth Taylor gave her last public performance in the play "Love Letters" with James Earl Jones at an AIDS benefit at Paramount Studios.
2010: Letter to Larry Fortensky
At the end of 2010, Elizabeth Taylor wrote Larry Fortensky a letter expressing that he was a part of her life she would never wish to carve out.
February 7, 2011: Last phone call with Larry Fortensky
On February 7, 2011, one day before checking into the hospital for her final stay, Elizabeth Taylor had her last phone call with Larry Fortensky.
March 23, 2011: Death of Elizabeth Taylor
On March 23, 2011, Elizabeth Taylor died at the age of 79.
2011: Death in 2011
Elizabeth Taylor lived at 700 Nimes Road in Bel Air until her death in 2011. The art photographer Catherine Opie created an eponymous photographic study of the house in 2011.
2011: Death from Congestive Heart Failure
In 2011, after many years of ill health, Elizabeth Taylor died from congestive heart failure at the age of 79.
2015: Controversy over Alleged Underground Network
In 2015, Kathy Ireland claimed that during the 1980s, Elizabeth Taylor ran an illegal "underground network" that distributed unapproved medications to Americans suffering from HIV/AIDS. However, the claim was disputed by various individuals.
2019: Announcement of Rachel Weisz Portrayal
In 2019, it was announced that Rachel Weisz would portray Elizabeth Taylor in A Special Relationship, an upcoming film about Taylor's journey from actress to activist written by Simon Beaufoy.
2020: Death of Howard Taylor
In 2020, Howard Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor's brother, died.
December 2022: Release of Biography
In December 2022, Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit & Glamour of an Icon by Kate Andersen Brower, the first Elizabeth Taylor biography authorized by the estate, was released.
2024: Value of wedding pictures
In 1991, Elizabeth Taylor sold the wedding pictures to People for $1 million (equivalent to $2.31 million in 2024)
2024: Equivalent of The Sandpiper's Box Office in 2024
In 2024, "The Sandpiper" grossed $14 million in 1965, which is equivalent to $140 million.
2024: Equivalent of Elizabeth Taylor's Salary in 2024
In 2024, Elizabeth Taylor's salary of $500,000 in 1963 for appearing in "Elizabeth Taylor in London" is equivalent to $5.14 million.
2024: Value of Taylor's 1952 Salary in 2024
In 2024, Elizabeth Taylor's weekly salary of $4,700 in 1952 is equivalent to $55,237.
2024: Announcement of Docuseries
In 2024, it was announced that Kim Kardashian would executive produce and feature in a docuseries about Elizabeth Taylor, commissioned by the BBC, with the working title Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar.
2024: Updated Gross Revenue Comparison for Doctor Faustus
In 2024, the $600,000 gross revenue from the movie Doctor Faustus in 1967, is equivalent to $5.66 million.
2024: Equivalent of Cleopatra's cost in 2024
In 2024, the final cost of "Cleopatra" production which was $62 million in 1962, is equivalent to $644 million.
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