Elizabeth Taylor quotes often appear in paintings, motivational books, and in millions of hearts.
Her spirit to do what she wanted, love who she wanted, and never apologise for who she was, captured hearts all around the world. She was an icon for more than her talented work on screen, but her ability to live life to the full. In this post, we’ll celebrate her life and evaluate some of Elizabeth Taylor quotes which have gone down in history.
Who Is Elizabeth Taylor?
Actress Elizabeth Taylor starred in many infamous movies, such as: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Butterfield 8. Performance coursed through her blood even from an early age. She made her first on-screen debut at the age of 10. Her success continued from there when she landed a bigger role in Lassie Come Home in 1943. Elizabeth’s talent was endless. She eventually branched out into the world of business and received plenty of awards for her undying hard work.
Aside from her on-screen talents, her love-life often saw her in the spotlight. In 1958, she lost her husband – film producer Mike Todd - in a plane crash. After his death, Elizabeth began a love affair with Mike’s close friend, Eddie Fisher. Eddie divorced his wife and married Elizabeth one year later, remaining happily married for five years.
She always believed that she could love who she loved and not put limitations on her heart. Elizabeth divorced Eddie and met actor Richard Burton. They met during her work on Cleopatra in 1962, which profited $37 million. Their relationship was passionate and feisty. Appearing on-screen together, the world become enthralled with their love for each other.
Elizabeth's Later Years
For the next few years, Elizabeth’s love life was ever-changing. She married more men, followed by divorces and love affairs. Her love-life impacted her struggling film career, but she didn’t stop acting. Working harder than ever, she performed on television and stage to show the world she was unstoppable.
She received a huge amount of respect from the public when she launched the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AID Foundation in 1991 following the death of a close friend. The Foundation helped to provide greater support to those who were sick, as well as fund research for treatments.
Throughout the 1990’s, Elizabeth overcame numerous health problems. In 1997, she had a brain tumour removed, shortly after having both hips replaced. In October 2009, she underwent heart surgery, but continued to experience heart problems for the next two years. She was admitted to hospital for heart failure, and on March 23, 2011, sadly passed away from its affects.
Why Was Elizabeth Taylor an Icon?
Elizabeth Taylor became an activist for HIV, and her Foundation has made huge differences to people’s lives. In 1986, she made countless public and television appearances to represent the Foundation. She testified before Congress to support the Ryan White CARE Act of 1990, and attracted two $1 million gifts. Her bravery and strength saw her travelling repeatedly across the globe, meeting researchers and crowds to deliver her message of criticising lack of government support for this cause.
She also became renowned as a fashion icon. Her glamorous wardrobe matched her lifestyle, and there was never a wardrobe-malfunction when Elizabeth appeared. In the 1950’s, she wore tiny-waisted dresses and pin-up style swimwear to flaunt her curves and skin. She became a fashion trendsetter, especially when wearing prom dresses in the year of 1951.
When Elizabeth wore a white chiffon dress in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, it became known as the ‘cat dress’. Just from Elizabeth wearing the dress on-screen, it was sold in every colour and size for several years after her appearance.
Her on-off love affairs made her an icon and taught women in that era that you don’t have to change for anyone. Despite being a mom of four, she never believed that she should become a housewife, and stayed true to her craft. Although she married her friend’s husband, they remained friends until her death in 2011. She was a peace-lover and didn’t like to hold grudges. Needless to say, she never changed for any man, or settled for a mediocre life.
Elizabeth Taylor Quotes To Live By:
Elizabeth Taylor was never one to shy away from the limelight, whether that was for positive or negative moments. Let’s celebrate her sassiness and unstoppable nature with our favourite Elizabeth Taylor quotes.
Elizabeth Taylor Quotes About Love
Elizabeth married eight times, and it seemed that she could seduce any actor she wanted with her natural beauty. Hilton. Wilding. Todd. Fisher. Burton. Burton. Warner. Fortensky. She had the world at her finger. Although, the paparazzi followed her throughout her love-life, she was only ever looking for what we all want… unconditional love.
“I suppose when they reach a certain age, some men are afraid to grow up. It seems the older men get, the younger their wives get.”
“I am a very committed wife. And I should be committed too – for being married so many times.”
Elizabeth Taylor Quotes About Success
Elizabeth Taylor was considered one of the infamous stars to come out of Hollywood. A family friend noticed how strikingly beautiful Elizabeth was at a young age, and suggested she take a screen test. She impressed executives at Universal Pictures and they signed her a contract. When she first made her appearance on screen, she was only 10, and she was then picked up by MGM.
Despite personal problems affecting her success at times in her career, she never gave up. Her work ethic and personal strength has made her an icon across generations. Even when working on remarkable films, she was overcoming tragedy, but still showed up to set. Her craft was therapeutic to her and made her stronger.
“So much to do, so little to be done, such things to be.”
“Success is a great deodorant.”
“It’s not the having, it’s the getting.”
“Everything makes me nervous, except making films.”
“You just do it. You force yourself to get up. You force yourself to put one foot before the other, and God damn it, you refuse to let it get to you. You fight. You cry. You curse. Then you go about the business of living. That’s how I’ve done it. There’s no other way.”
“It's all about hope, kindness and a connection with one another.”
“I was so strictly brought up that the only time I could get away would be on my own pony. I could ride wherever I wanted on my godfather's estate in Kent. I wasn't brought up to be afraid of anything.”
Elizabeth Taylor Quotes About Personal Strength
She was often called the most beautiful person in the world, but beauty doesn’t mean you’re always happy. Hollywood doesn’t make stars like Elizabeth Taylor anymore, and she always remained a fighter on and off camera. No matter what life threw at her – from the death of her husband and close friend – to health complications, she never caved.
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.”
“You find out who your real friends are when you’re involved in a scandal.”
“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.”
“I’ve been through it all, baby, I’m mother courage.”
“I’m a survivor – a living example of what people can go through and survive.”
“The things that are important to me - being a mother, a businesswoman, an activist - are all things that were born out of great passion.”
Elizabeth Taylor Quotes About Jewellery
It’s no secret that Elizabeth Taylor liked diamonds and jewellery. In 1957, her third husband Mike Todd bought her a tiara to represent that she was his queen. But it wasn’t about the price tag and sparkles that warmed her heart, but the love associated with the gift, and she rocked it in public.
Many of her famous jewellery collection went to auction and fetched millions of dollars. A 33-carat ring from her husband, Richard Burton was considered her most iconic ring, which she wore every day. The auction estimate for this alone is $2.5 - $3.5 million.
“I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can’t possess radiance, you can only admire it.”
“Big girls need big diamonds.”
“You can’t cry on a diamond’s shoulder, and diamonds won’t keep you warm at night, but they’re sure fun when the sun shines.”
“My mother says I didn’t open my eyes for eight days after I was born, but when I did, the first thing I saw was an engagement ring. I was hooked.”
“I’ve never thought of my jewellery as trophies. I’m here to take care of it and to love it, for we are only temporary custodians of beauty.”
“I mean, how many young women get a set of rubies just for doing something wholesome like swimming laps? Or win a diamond ring at ping pong with their husband? Well, I did, and for all of these memories and the people in my life I feel blessed.”
Why Do You Love Elizabeth Taylor?
Despite having passed away in 2011, her fire and witty ways never left us. From her career, to personal adventures, to love affairs, we’ve seen her go through it all. Her beauty was simple; flawless skin that could never transcend onto camera, and effortless dresses that hugged every curve. But, her talent, bravery and honesty are why people loved and admired her.
We hope you enjoyed a brief story of her amazing life and inspiring quotes above. What are your favourite Elizabeth Taylor quotes? Let us know in the comments and let’s celebrate her life together.
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