Capturing the Early Years: Elizabeth Taylor in 30 Striking Photographs
Discover the Unseen: Elizabeth Taylor's Journey Through Youthful Portrayals
The Unmistakable Presence of a Young Star
Even in her early years, Elizabeth Taylor possessed an unparalleled ability to command attention, a trait that would define her career as a Hollywood icon. Known for her powerful presence and Oscar-winning talent, she was equally famous for her larger-than-life personality. This was an individual who selected her attire to complement her dazzling Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. Famously, she once departed a Beverly Hills dinner in 1965 before Princess Margaret, the guest of honor, had even arrived, disagreeing with the seating arrangement. Taylor firmly believed that she and her then-spouse, Richard Burton, deserved a place at Margaret and Lord Snowdon's esteemed VIP table. During Queen Elizabeth II's 1976 visit to Washington, D.C., she hosted a grand reception for 1,500 guests at the British Embassy. Throughout the evening, television crews diligently followed Her Majesty, documenting her interactions with attendees on the embassy's lush green lawn. However, the camera crews abruptly vanished, drawn by the dramatic entrance of Elizabeth Taylor, whose star power for TV ratings momentarily overshadowed even royalty, a situation Queen Elizabeth II found quite amusing.
A Look Back at Early Milestones and Cinematic Beginnings
With renewed public interest in Elizabeth Taylor, sparked by a lyrical mention from recording artist Taylor Swift – \"I'd cry my eyes violet / Elizabeth Taylor / Tell me for real / Do you think it’s forever?\" from her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl – we delve into the nascent stages of the original Elizabeth Taylor’s remarkable journey, celebrating one of cinema's most enduring figures.
Childhood and Family: A Glimpse into 1934
This image captures Elizabeth Taylor at the tender age of two, alongside her mother, the former stage actress Sara Taylor (née Sothern), and her brother, Howard. It provides a rare peek into her early family life before her ascent to stardom.
The Dawn of a Career: The Early 1940s
Taylor’s acting debut occurred at nine years old in the 1942 film, There’s One Born Every Minute. This initial role quickly led to others in notable productions such as Lassie Come Home (1943), Jane Eyre (1943), and The White Cliffs of Dover (1944), marking the beginning of her prolific film career.
Breakthrough Role: National Velvet in 1944
A promotional still from National Velvet (1944) features Elizabeth Taylor in one of her most beloved early performances. A memorable detail from this period is that she was gifted the horse from the film, The Pie (originally named King Charles), as a birthday present after filming concluded.
Teenage Stardom and Financial Success: Circa 1945
By the age of 13, Elizabeth Taylor had already achieved considerable fame as a teen star. Her then-seven-year contract with MGM included a weekly salary of $750, a sum equivalent to nearly $13,000 in today’s currency, underscoring her early success and significant earning potential.
A Moment of Grace: Dancing in 1946
This photograph captures Elizabeth Taylor sharing a dance with a young Roddy McDowall at a glamorous Hollywood event around 1946, illustrating her early immersion into the social scene of Tinseltown.
