Born to American parents at Hampstead Garden in a Northwest suburb of London, she later settled in Los Angeles with her family. Initially critical of her daughter appearing in films, Taylor’s mother Sara relented after viewing the film industry a way to assimilate her children into American society. In 1941, Taylor received auditions for both Universal Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer through friends.
Although Elizabeth Taylor accepted both contract opportunities, she left Universal studios after disputes with the casting director. Despite the disappointment, MGM producer Sam Marx, recognised her acting prowess and had her star for film, Lassie Come Home. He eventually offered a long term contract at the beginning of 1943 and appeared in a remake of the Charlotte Brontë novel, Jane Eyre and The White Cliffs of Dover in 1944. After signing another contract with MGM, Taylor’s acting career blossomed and was cast in several successful films including Velvet which grossed US $4 million, Life with Father (1947), A Date with Judy (1948), Julia Misbehaves (also 1948). By 1960, Taylor was the highest-paid actress when she signed $1 million contract to play the titular role of 20th Century Fox’s Cleopatra.
Aside from being a successful actress, Elizabeth Taylor is regarded as an honoured humanitarian and businesswoman. Throughout her years, she has devoted herself to the advocacy and funding of HIV and AIDS related projects and charities. She was responsible for hosting the first AIDS fund raiser in 1984 and received the Jean Herscholt Humanitarian Academy Award for her efforts.
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Written by Hayley Hughes