This day in history: Happy birthday, Elizabeth Taylor!

Yasmin MustefaFri, February 27, 2026 at 10:56 AM UTC

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Elizabeth Taylor was born in London on February 27, 1932, to American parents Sara and Francis Taylor. After the outbreak of World War II, the family moved back to the United States, settling in Los Angeles. Acting had run in the family, as her mother was a former actress. Inspired by watching Shirley Temple in “The Little Princess,” Elizabeth fell in love with movies at an early age.

​She began her acting career at the age of 10, signing a contract with Universal Studios and appearing in her first film, “There’s One Born Every Minute,” in 1942. Just two years later, she landed her breakout role in “National Velvet,” which grossed $4 million and launched her into stardom at age 12. Taylor’s career would span several decades.

Taylor starred opposite Spencer Tracy in “Father of the Bride” and went on to appear in acclaimed films such as “Cleopatra,” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 1961 for her performance in “Butterfield 8,” and later earned a second Oscar for “Cleopatra.” Additionally, she received a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her role in “Suddenly, Last Summer.”

​Taylor was often described as the most beautiful woman in the world, famous for her striking violet eyes and jewelry collection. Her personal life was frequently in the spotlight, particularly her eight marriages. She married fellow actor Richard Burton twice after meeting him on the set of “Cleopatra” in 1963—first divorcing him, then remarrying him in 1975, before a final separation. She later married John W. Warner and Larry Fortensky. Taylor had four children—Michael, Christopher, Liza, and Maria—whom she affectionately referred to as her “best friends.”

​Taylor was a passionate advocate for charities supporting people with AIDS. In 1991, she founded the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation after her friend Rock Hudson died from the disease. The foundation has funded research to find treatments and provided crucial support for those living with AIDS.

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After retiring from acting, Taylor received numerous honors, including the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 1993 Oscars. In the 1990s, she began facing serious health challenges, such as diabetes and congestive heart failure. She underwent brain tumor surgery in 1997 and had both hips replaced. Despite heart surgery in 2009, her health declined, and she passed away in 2011 at age 79 from congestive heart failure. Taylor’s legacy endures, even inspiring Taylor Swift’s recent album, “Life of a Showgirl.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”