What Happened to Elizabeth Taylor? How Did Elizabeth Taylor Die?
by Mathelene
Updated May 15, 2023
Who is Elizabeth Taylor?
Elizabeth Taylor, born on February 27, 1932, in London, England, was a British-American actress and one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. She began her acting career at a young age and quickly rose to prominence, becoming known for her beauty, talent, and captivating on-screen presence. Taylor's family relocated to the United States in 1939, and she made her film debut at the age of nine in "There's One Born Every Minute" (1942).
Her breakthrough role came in 1944 with the film "National Velvet," where she portrayed a young equestrian. This film established her as a child star and marked the beginning of a successful career in the entertainment industry. As Taylor transitioned into adulthood, she continued to garner critical acclaim for her acting prowess.
Some of her most notable film roles include "A Place in the Sun" (1951), "Giant" (1956), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1958), "Cleopatra" (1963), and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (1966). She received several accolades throughout her career, including two Academy Awards for Best Actress, for her performances in "Butterfield 8" (1960) and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Beyond her acting talent, Elizabeth Taylor was renowned for her stunning beauty, violet-colored eyes, and glamorous lifestyle.
She captivated audiences not only with her on-screen performances but also with her personal life, which often made headlines. Taylor has married a total of eight times to seven different husbands, including Conrad Hilton, Michael Wilding, Michael Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (whom she married and divorced twice), John Warner, and Larry Fortensky. In addition to her acting career and personal life, Elizabeth Taylor was actively involved in various humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.
She became a prominent advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and research, co-founding the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and establishing the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Her activism in this field earned her recognition and praise, and she became an influential figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Elizabeth Taylor's health had been a concern throughout her life.
She faced numerous health complications, including cardiac issues and other medical conditions. On March 23, 2011, at the age of 79, she passed away in Los Angeles due to congestive heart failure. Elizabeth Taylor left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, both as an accomplished actress and as a cultural icon. Her talent, beauty, and philanthropy continue to be remembered and celebrated, making her an enduring legend in Hollywood history.
What Happened to Elizabeth Taylor?
Elizabeth Taylor, the iconic British-American actress, passed away on March 23, 2011. She was born on February 27, 1932, in London, England, and rose to prominence as one of the most popular and acclaimed actresses of her time. Taylor starred in numerous films throughout her career, including "National Velvet," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Cleopatra," and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," among many others.
Outside of her successful acting career, Taylor was also known for her beauty, philanthropy, and turbulent personal life. Taylor was also an advocate for various charitable causes, particularly HIV/AIDS awareness, and research, establishing the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. In 1961, Elizabeth Taylor, known for her role in "Butterfield 8," fell seriously ill with pneumonia, reaching a critical condition that necessitated an emergency tracheotomy.
Reflecting on the incident in 2006 during an interview with Larry King, Taylor revealed that she was pronounced dead four times, and doctors tried various methods to help her breathe. Then, in 1990, she experienced another life-threatening episode of pneumonia that required a three-month hospital stay. Additionally, Taylor faced a milder case of pneumonia in 2000. In 1997, Elizabeth Taylor experienced a seizure and stroke, leading to the discovery of a benign brain tumor.
Thankfully, doctors were able to successfully remove the tumor. Following the procedure, Taylor demonstrated her bravery by posing bald on the cover of Life magazine. "The ups and downs, the problems and stress, along with all the happiness, have given me optimism and hope because I am living proof of survival," she once said. "I've come through things that would have felled an ox."
In 2004, Elizabeth Taylor made public that she had received a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. Seven years later, on March 23, 2011, Dame Elizabeth Taylor passed away from the same condition. She had been hospitalized for congestive heart failure two months before her death.
“I don't believe our spirits die. I think our spirits are out there, and other people's souls intermingle with ours, and … I think something continues,” she said in a 2006 Larry King interview. Taylor's death in 2011 was due to congestive heart failure. She left behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry and is remembered as one of the greatest actresses of her generation.
How Did Elizabeth Taylor Die?
Elizabeth Taylor's cause of death was congestive heart failure, which means her heart was unable to pump blood effectively to the rest of her body. This condition occurs when the heart becomes weakened and struggles to meet the body's demands for oxygen and nutrients. Congestive heart failure can be the result of various underlying conditions, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or damage to the heart muscle.
In Elizabeth Taylor's case, she had a long history of health issues related to her heart. She had previously undergone cardiac surgery, including a procedure to repair a leaky heart valve in 2009. Additionally, she had experienced other health complications throughout her life, such as pneumonia and a benign brain tumor.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Taylor's health began to decline rapidly. She was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, where she received medical treatment and care. However, despite the efforts of the medical team, her condition worsened.
On March 23, 2011, she passed away at the age of 79. It's important to note that congestive heart failure is a serious condition that can be caused by various factors, and each case is unique. In Elizabeth Taylor's case, her heart's compromised function ultimately led to her passing, despite medical intervention.
Elizabeth Taylor First Husband
Elizabeth Taylor married Conrad Hilton Jr., heir to the Hilton Hotels chain when she was 18 years old on May 6, 1950. The grand wedding ceremony took place at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills and was organized by MGM, turning it into a major media event. However, shortly after their marriage, Taylor realized that she had made a mistake. She discovered that she and Hilton had very few common interests, and she also experienced his abusive behavior and heavy drinking.
These issues caused her to become unhappy in the relationship. Taylor decided to end the marriage and filed for divorce. On January 29, 1951, just eight months after their wedding, she was granted a divorce from Conrad Hilton Jr. The grounds for the divorce were cited as mental cruelty. This early marriage was a challenging and tumultuous experience for Elizabeth Taylor, but it marked the beginning of her journey through various marriages and relationships throughout her life.
Conrad Hilton Jr., born in Dallas, Texas, was the son of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels, and Mary Adelaide Barron. He grew up alongside three younger siblings: William Barron Hilton, Eric Michael Hilton, and Constance Francesca Hilton. Conrad Hilton Jr. is also the great-uncle of Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton. Contrary to his family's business, Conrad Hilton Jr. did not initially show interest in the family enterprise. He dropped out of Loyola University in Los Angeles and joined the Navy.
His father then enrolled him at École hôtelière de Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland, but Hilton Jr. was suspended after six months. In his later years, he held positions as a director and chairman of the executive committee of the Hilton International Company.
Tragically, Conrad Hilton Jr. passed away at the age of 42 due to a sudden heart attack caused by alcoholism on February 5, 1969. His funeral was held at St. Paul's Church in Los Angeles, and he was laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.
How Many Children Does Elizabeth Taylor Have?
Elizabeth Taylor had four children, each with their own unique background and pursuits:
Michael Howard Wilding Jr., born on January 6, 1953, in Santa Monica, California, is Elizabeth Taylor's eldest son. He followed in the footsteps of his parents, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding, and became an actor. Michael gained recognition from the late 1950s to the 1980s through his appearances in several films.
Christopher Edward Wilding, born on February 27, 1955, in Los Angeles, California, is another child of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding. Like his parents, Christopher pursued a career in the entertainment industry and worked as an actor and film director.
Liza Todd, born on August 6, 1957, is Elizabeth Taylor's eldest daughter, from her marriage to Mike Todd. Liza spent her childhood in England and Switzerland. She developed a passion for horses and initially expressed her artistic side by painting them. Later, she shifted her focus to African wildlife.
Maria Burton Carson, born on August 1, 1961, in Munich, Germany, was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Raised by Taylor and Burton in the United States, Maria grew up to become a philanthropist and clothing designer based in Idaho.
Each of Elizabeth Taylor's children has embarked on their own unique paths and made their mark in various fields.
What Happened to Elizabeth Taylor - FAQs
Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress and one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history.
Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011, at the age of 79. She died from congestive heart failure.
lizabeth Taylor's first husband was Conrad Hilton Jr., heir to the Hilton Hotels chain.
Elizabeth Taylor had four children.