Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

A Surprising Family Connection to a Hollywood Legend

I recently discovered—quite by accident—that I am related to the legendary Hollywood actress, Elizabeth Taylor. Through our shared ancestry, Elizabeth and I are 10th cousins, twice removed, connected through our common great-grandparents, John Stiles Jr. and Dorcas Burt on her father’s side.

This unexpected connection led me down a fascinating journey into Elizabeth’s remarkable life, career, and legacy.

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Early Life: From London to Hollywood

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born on February 22, 1932, in Hampstead Garden, London, England. Her parents, Francis Lenn Taylor and Sara Viola Warmbrodt, were wealthy Americans. Her father was an art dealer who had established a successful business in London.

In 1939, with political tensions rising in Europe, the Taylor family moved back to the United States. They settled in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, at the urging of U.S. Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy (father of President John F. Kennedy).

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Hollywood Beginnings: A Star Is Born

Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Elizabeth’s beauty caught the attention of those around her. Encouraged by her mother—and a school friend whose father worked as a studio producer - Elizabeth auditioned for both Universal Studios and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).

In April 1941, she signed with Universal Pictures, landing a small role in There's One Born Every Minute (1942). However, her contract was terminated just a year later.

Later that same year, Elizabeth's father helped her secure an audition with MGM for Lassie Come Home (1943). This led to a seven-year contract and marked the true beginning of her iconic career.

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Breakthrough Role: National Velvet

Elizabeth’s breakthrough came in 1944 with the film National Velvet, where she starred alongside Mickey Rooney and Angela Lansbury. The film's success catapulted her to stardom.

Between 1944 and 1955, she appeared in 20 films, including:

• Little Women (1949)

• A Place in the Sun (1951)

• The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954)

In 1956, she co-starred with Rock Hudson and James Dean in Giant, Dean’s final film, which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Special Achievement.

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Academy Award Wins and Iconic Roles

Elizabeth Taylor continued to impress critics and audiences alike:

• 1958: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof – Nominated for Best Actress

• 1959: Suddenly, Last Summer – Nominated for Best Actress

• 1960: Butterfield 8 – Won Best Actress at the Oscars

• 1966: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? – Won her second Best Actress Oscar

Her performance in Cleopatra (1963), though controversial, was historic, earning her a then-record $7 million, making her the highest-paid actress at the time.

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The Many Marriages of Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth was as famous for her personal life as she was for her acting career. She married eight times to seven different men and had three children.

1. Conrad "Nicky" Hilton (1950–1951): Ended due to abuse and alcoholism.

2. Michael Wilding (1952–1957): A British actor; they had two sons.

3. Mike Todd (1957–1958): A film producer; they had a daughter. He died in a plane crash.

4. Eddie Fisher (1959–1964): Controversial affair during his marriage to Debbie Reynolds.

5. Richard Burton (1964–1974; 1975–1976): Her most famous and volatile relationship.

6. John Warner (1976–1982): U.S. Senator.

7. Larry Fortensky (1991–1996): A construction worker she met in rehab.

Her marriages to Richard Burton, in particular, captivated the public. The couple’s passion, fights, and lavish lifestyle were the stuff of Hollywood legend.

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Humanitarian Work and Business Ventures

Beyond the silver screen, Elizabeth Taylor became a powerful voice in the fight against AIDS. After the death of her close friend Rock Hudson, she dedicated her life to advocacy and fundraising.

• Over $270 million raised for AIDS research and treatment.

• Founded The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

She was also a savvy entrepreneur, launching bestselling perfume lines like White Diamonds and Passion, which remain top sellers today.

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A Lasting Legacy

Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011, but her impact lives on:

• Over 50 films in a career spanning more than six decades.

• Two Academy Awards and countless accolades.

• A humanitarian legacy that helped change the global conversation about AIDS.

• Enduring business success with her fragrances and jewelry lines.

She was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour - elegant, bold, and unforgettable.

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Reflecting on My Family Connection

Knowing that I’m related to someone as iconic as Elizabeth Taylor adds a deeply personal dimension to her legacy. While I never met her, I take pride in the fact that this glamorous, groundbreaking woman is part of my family tree.

Elizabeth Taylor was more than a movie star - she was a symbol of strength, resilience, and compassion. I only wish that I had known the lady behind the legend.