Elizabeth Taylor was a Hollywood icon known for her legendary performances — and several marriages.
The actress was born on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London as the second child of parents Francis Lenn and Sara Viola. Before World War II began, Taylor’s parents decided to move to the United States in 1939.
In 1942, Taylor made her film debut in There’s One Born Every Minute and followed it up by starring in 1944’s National Velvet. After becoming a teen star, Taylor transitioned to mature roles including her performances in the comedy Father of the Bride and the drama A Place in the Sun.
In addition to being well known for her acting, Taylor gained attention for her high-profile relationships. She was married eight times to seven different men. Taylor was the mother of four children. She shared sons Michael Jr. and Christopher with Michael Wilding, daughter Liza with Mike Todd and adopted daughter Maria with Richard Burton.
Taylor retired from Hollywood in 2003 to prioritize her advocacy for AIDS research. In 2011, she died from congestive heart failure at age 79.
Keep scrolling to look back on Taylor’s life through the years:
