Elizabeth Taylor, at the beginning, was a bright-eyed young actress with dreams of stardom, but her journey would lead her to become much more: a Hollywood icon whose transformation through the years captivated the world.
From her early days as a child star to her rise as one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons, Taylor’s transformation over the years is a testament to her enduring talent and timeless allure. Through triumphs and challenges, she captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performances and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Let’s explore the remarkable evolution of Elizabeth Taylor, from a young ingénue to a cinematic legend, in this heartfelt tribute to her legacy.
#1 1947
Source: CHRIS CONNOR/WENN
Born on February 27, 1932, the captivating child star embarked on her journey into teen flicks with memorable roles in “Cynthia” and “Life with Father.” Sadly, she bid farewell to the world on March 23, 2011.
#2 1949
Source: REX USA
As the teenage Little Women star embarked on her transition into adult roles, she exuded confidence with buoyant waves and a captivating come-hither stare.
#3 1953
Source: REX USA
In “The Girl Who Had Everything,” Taylor drew attention to her iconic features—the strong brows and famous violet eyes—with a trendy pixie style. Offscreen, she welcomed her son Michael Howard Wilding with her second husband, Michael Wilding.
#4 1953
Source: HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY IMAGES
Taylor exuded allure as she posed with her hair swept seductively to the side, captivating all who beheld her radiant beauty.
#5 1954
Source: REX USA
The star of “Rhapsody” and “Elephant Walk” adorned her short locks with a charming band of flowers, adding a touch of sweetness to her elegant look.
#6 1954
Source: REX USA
The timeless screen siren Taylor sported a wavy pageboy hairstyle during the year she graced the screens in “The Last Time I Saw Paris” and “Beau Brummell,” epitomizing elegance and sophistication with her signature style.
#7 1957
Source: IPOL ARCHIVE/IPOL/GLOBE PHOTOS
At the Cannes Film Festival, she adorned herself with a dazzling diamond tiara, a gift from her third husband, Mike Todd, adding an extra touch of glamour to her enchanting presence.
#8 1960
Source: LANDOV
The star of Scent of Mystery hit the town in a flower-covered chapeau alongside her fourth husband Eddie Fisher.
#9 1963
Source: EVERETT COLLECTION
Her stylish portrayal in “Cleopatra” showcased her ability to effortlessly carry even the most daring onscreen looks, solidifying her status as a fashion icon and a timeless beauty.
#10 1963
Source: WENN
In “The V.I.P.s,” Taylor starred alongside her fiancé Richard Burton. Portraying a wealthy socialite, she adorned her glossy bun with her own emeralds, adding a touch of opulence to her character’s elegant allure.
#11 1964
Source: SIPA
For her first wedding to Burton, Taylor adorned her ringlets with a headband adorned with daisies, exuding a youthful and romantic charm on her special day.
#12 1966
Source: IPOL ARCHIVE/IPOL/GLOBE PHOTOS
For an Italian awards show, she made a striking statement by opting for a dramatic beaded turban, showcasing her daring sense of style and effortlessly commanding attention with her bold choice of headwear.
#13 1967
Source: RON GALELLA/WIREIMAGE
Taylor made a fashion statement at an N.Y.C. press conference for “The Taming of the Shrew” by donning a fur hood, exuding sophistication and glamour with her chic ensemble.
#14 1967
Source: BARRY ROBERTS/BEIMAGES
Assuming the role of a bored millionairess in “Boom!,” Taylor donned a fanciful floral headdress courtesy of Tiziani of Rome designer Karl Lagerfeld, adding an extravagant touch to her character’s eccentricity. Offscreen, she achieved another milestone in her illustrious career by winning her second Oscar for her role in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”
#15 1969
Source: REX USA
Embracing a bohemian aesthetic, the mother of four adorned herself with a crown of braids elegantly coiled over loose locks, exuding a relaxed and carefree vibe with her effortlessly chic style.
#16 1970
Source: GLOBE PHOTOS
Even the dazzling 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton diamond paled in comparison to the mesmerizing beauty of her violet eyes, capturing the essence of Elizabeth Taylor’s captivating allure.
#17 1985
Source: EVERETT COLLECTION
At 53 years old, she effortlessly embraced the ’80s era with a chic salt-and-pepper pouf hairstyle and impeccably defined brows, exuding timeless elegance and proving that age is no barrier to looking better than ever.
#18 1986
Source: MAUREEN DONALDSON/GETTY IMAGES
Perhaps as a nod to her recent nuptials with her seventh husband, Larry Fortensky, Taylor adorned her short coif with fresh flowers and trailing white ribbons, radiating a sense of romance and joy on her special day.
#19 1986
Source: EVERETT COLLECTION
In “There Must Be a Pony,” a vibrant lip color was beautifully complemented by a colorful scarf, enhancing Elizabeth Taylor’s radiant charm and adding a touch of flair to her on-screen presence.
#20 1992
Source: JIM SMEAL/WIREIMAGE
At the age of 60, Elizabeth Taylor stunned audiences as she presented at the Academy Awards, showcasing fuchsia lipstick and lavender-lined eyes, a bold and captivating makeup choice that highlighted her timeless beauty and innate sense of glamour.
#21 1993
Source: JOHN BARR/LIAISON
For the prestigious occasion of receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Oscars, Elizabeth Taylor borrowed a stunning Van Cleef & Arpels diamond daisy necklace. Following the evening, she was so enamored with the piece that she deemed it her good-luck necklace and decided to purchase it, as revealed by the jeweler’s Muffie Potter in an interview with InStyle magazine.
#22 1998
Source: KMAZUR/WIREIMAGE
Even amidst adversity, Taylor maintained her signature style by embracing her strikingly silver hair following a surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. At an event thrown in her honor by the CFDA, she imparted wisdom by stating, “True glamour comes from within. It radiates from the soul,” reminding us all of the enduring power of inner beauty and resilience.
#23 1999
Source: STEVE FINN/ALPHA/GLOBE PHOTOS
She gracefully accepted a British Academy Fellowship Film Award with her platinum locks styled in a tousled bouffant, exuding timeless elegance and sophistication as she graced the stage with her presence.
#24 2002
Source: ALLSTAR/GLOBE PHOTOS
Returning to the Cannes Film Festival, Elizabeth Taylor made a statement with an apricot-hued coif, showcasing her ever-evolving style and ability to captivate audiences with her daring and elegant fashion choices.
#25 2007
Source: CHRIS CONNOR/WENN
As Elizabeth Taylor celebrated her 75th birthday, she stood as a cinema legend, the head of a billion-dollar fragrance empire, and a tireless fundraiser for AIDS research. Naturally, she adorned her lips with bombshell red lipstick for her birthday party, epitomizing her enduring glamour and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.