Elizabeth Taylor’s husbands were seven and they include Conrad Hilton Jr., Michael Wilding, Michael Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (twice), John Warner, and Larry Fortensky. Hence, Elizabeth Taylor exchanged marital vows a remarkable eight times, embracing the institution of marriage with fervor.
The iconic Hollywood actress renowned for her beauty and talent captured the world not only with her captivating performances but also with her eventful love life. Throughout her life, Taylor’s journey through these unions not only fascinated the public but also showcased her resilience, passion, and unwavering pursuit of love. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Elizabeth Taylor’s husbands, unraveling the stories behind each marriage and the impact they had on her extraordinary life.
How Many Times Was Elizabeth Taylor Married?
Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times to seven different men. These marriages had a significant impact on her life and career, bringing its own set of challenges and controversies, and shaping her reputation as a Hollywood legend.
Taylor’s marriages were often highly publicized and scrutinized by the media. Her first marriage, at the age of 18, was to Conrad Hilton, the hotel heir. The union was short-lived and marked by Hilton’s abusive behavior and alcoholism. Taylor then married actor Michael Wilding, with whom she had two children. However, their relationship ended in divorce as well.
Her third husband, Mike Todd, was a film producer who tragically died in a plane crash. This loss deeply affected Taylor, but she found solace in her fourth husband, singer Eddie Fisher. This marriage was highly scandalous as Fisher had left his previous wife, Taylor’s close friend Debbie Reynolds, to be with her. However, this union also ended in divorce.
Taylor’s most famous and tumultuous relationship was with Richard Burton, whom she married twice. Their intense love affair captivated the public, but their second marriage lasted less than a year. Their relationship was marked by Burton’s infidelity and Taylor’s alcoholism. Despite their volatile history, they remained close until Taylor’s death.
Taylor went on to marry politician John Warner, which took her away from her acting career and into the world of politics. However, the marriage ended in divorce, and Taylor’s seventh husband was Larry Fortensky, a construction worker whom she met in rehab. They divorced in 1996, and this marked the end of Taylor’s marital life.
After her eighth divorce, Taylor expressed disillusionment with the institution of marriage. The constant media scrutiny, failed relationships, and personal challenges likely influenced her decision. Taylor dedicated herself to charitable work, focusing on raising awareness and funds for AIDS research. Her experiences with marriage played a significant role in shaping her perspective on love and commitment.
In essence, Elizabeth Taylor’s eight marriages were emblematic of a life lived in the public eye, with each union leaving its mark on her personal and professional journey. The constant scrutiny, the highs of love, the tragedies, and the conflicts eventually led her to embrace a different path – one where her commitment was directed towards causes greater than the constraints of marriage could contain.
Overall, Elizabeth Taylor’s eight marriages to seven different men were marked by scandal, tragedy, and public fascination. While they had a profound impact on her life and career, Taylor eventually gave up on the institution of marriage after her eighth marriage ended in divorce. Her experiences with love and commitment led her to focus on other priorities, particularly her philanthropic efforts.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Marriages
| S/N | Elizabeth Taylor’s Husbands | Date of Marriage to Divorce Date | Duration of Marriage |
| 1. | Conrad “Nicky” Hilton Jr. | Married 1950, Divorced 1951 | About One Year |
| 2. | Michael Wilding | Married 1952, Divorced 1957 | About Five Years |
| 3. | Michael Todd | Married 1957, Died 1958 | About One Year |
| 4. | Eddie Fisher | Married 1959, Divorced 1964 | About Five Years |
| 5. | Richard Burton | Married 1964, Divorced 1974 | About Ten Years |
| 6. | Richard Burton | Married 1975, Divorced 1976 | About One Year |
| 7. | John Warner | Married 1976, Divorced 1982 | About Six Years |
| 8. | Larry Fortensky | Married 1991, Divorced 1996 | About Five Years |
Elizabeth Taylor’s Marriages in Order
Taylor’s First Marriage To Conrad Hilton Jr. Lasted For About One Year
Elizabeth Taylor’s first marriage to Conrad Hilton Jr. was indeed brief, lasting only about a year. The couple first met in 1949 when Taylor was just 17 years old. They crossed paths at the Beverly Hills Mocambo nightclub. Their courtship began shortly after, and they started dating, although the timeline of their dating period isn’t extensively documented.
The pair got married on May 6, 1950, in a lavish ceremony at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills. Taylor was 18 years old at the time, while Conrad Hilton Jr., heir to the Hilton hotel empire, was 23 years old.
Conrad Hilton Jr. was the son of Conrad Hilton, the founder of Hilton Hotels. He was involved in managing the family’s hotel business. Elizabeth Taylor, a rising Hollywood star, was considerably younger than Hilton, with a five-year age gap between them.
Their marriage was highly publicized as both Taylor and Hilton were prominent figures in the public eye. However, despite the attention, their union was short-lived. The couple didn’t have any children together, biological or adopted.
Their marriage encountered difficulties, and they divorced on January 29, 1951, ending their relationship after only eight months. Reports suggest that the marriage faced strains due to Hilton’s work commitments and Taylor’s burgeoning career in Hollywood. The challenges of balancing their respective careers and personal lives ultimately led to their decision to part ways.
This early marriage was a stepping stone in Elizabeth Taylor’s tumultuous love life, characterized by several marriages and divorces throughout her lifetime. Despite its brevity, her union with Conrad Hilton Jr. marked an essential chapter in her romantic history and contributed to the public’s fascination with her personal life.
Elizabeth Taylor And Her Second Husband Michael Wilding Were Married For Around Five Years
Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage to Michael Wilding, her second husband, lasted for about five years from 1952 to 1957, marking a significant phase in her tumultuous romantic life. They met through a mutual friend in 1948, but they started dating in 1951 before tying the knot in February 1952.
At the time of their marriage, Elizabeth Taylor was a young Hollywood starlet, aged 19, while Michael Wilding, a British actor, was 39, making him 20 years her senior. The age gap attracted media attention, yet their relationship flourished despite the public scrutiny.
Their wedding took place on February 21, 1952, at Caxton Hall in London. The ceremony was an elegant affair, albeit modest compared to Taylor’s later lavish marriages. It was a private event attended by close friends and family rather than the grandiose celebrations associated with later Hollywood weddings.
Michael Wilding, an established actor, was known for his roles in British cinema. His career spanned several decades, but he wasn’t as globally recognized as Elizabeth Taylor, whose stardom was ascending rapidly during their union.
Their marriage did produce two sons, Michael Howard (born in 1953) and Christopher Edward (born in 1955). However, their union faced challenges. The constant pressure of fame, coupled with their diverging career trajectories, contributed to strains in their relationship. Reports also suggested that Wilding’s reluctance to embrace Hollywood’s demands added to the growing tension between them.
The couple eventually divorced on January 26, 1957, ending their marriage after approximately five years. Their separation was relatively low-key compared to Taylor’s subsequent highly publicized divorces, and the split was attributed to irreconcilable differences and the strains inherent in a high-profile, intercontinental relationship.
Despite the dissolution of their marriage, both Taylor and Wilding maintained a level of respect for each other, and they remained civil in the aftermath of their separation. Elizabeth Taylor continued to captivate audiences both on and off the screen, while Michael Wilding continued his acting career, albeit without reaching the same heights of fame as his former wife.
In hindsight, their marriage marked a notable chapter in Elizabeth Taylor’s love life – a period characterized by the duality of youthful romance and the challenges of navigating stardom within a relationship. The experience with Wilding added layers to her understanding of love, fame, and the complexities of marriage in the limelight.
Elizabeth Taylor Was Three Months Pregnant When She Married Her Third Husband Michael Todd
Elizabeth Taylor was about three months pregnant when her marriage to her third husband Michael Todd commenced in 1957. Their marriage was surrounded by an intriguing set of circumstances. They met in 1956 at a party thrown by mutual friend, actor and singer Eddie Fisher, who would later become Taylor’s fourth husband.
Todd, an American theater and film producer, was known for his lavish lifestyle and larger-than-life personality. At the time, Taylor was divorcing her second husband, Michael Wilding.
After their initial meeting, Todd pursued Taylor relentlessly, showering her with extravagant gifts and declarations of love. They began dating soon after, and their courtship was brief but intense. Just three months after they first met, Taylor discovered she was pregnant with Todd’s child, and they decided to tie the knot. On February 2, 1957, they were married in a small ceremony at the Acapulco Hotel in Mexico.
Taylor, 24 years old at the time, was three months pregnant with their daughter, Liza Todd when they exchanged vows. Todd, 47 years old, was more than two decades older than his new bride. Their age difference garnered attention from the media, as did the fact that Taylor was pregnant before their wedding. The couple faced scrutiny and criticism for their unconventional circumstances.
Despite the initial controversy, their marriage was highly publicized due to their celebrity status. Taylor, already a well-established Hollywood star, and Todd, a respected producer, were both well-known public figures. Their relationship and subsequent marriage received significant media attention, which only intensified following their wedding.
Unfortunately, their marriage was cut short by tragedy. On March 22, 1958, just over a year after their wedding, Todd died in a plane crash while on a business trip. The news devastated Taylor, who was left widowed at the age of 26 and with their child less than a year old. The loss had a profound impact on Taylor, who later described Todd as the love of her life.
Although Taylor’s marriage to Todd was short-lived, it left a lasting impact on her life and shaped her future relationships. The bond they shared, albeit brief, remained a significant chapter in her life, showcasing the complexities of love, happiness, and unforeseen tragedy.
Overall, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Todd’s marriage in 1957 was marked by their whirlwind courtship, Taylor’s pregnancy, and their significant age difference. Despite the initial controversy, their union garnered substantial media attention due to their status as prominent public figures.
Tragically, Todd’s untimely death in 1958 deeply affected Taylor, leaving her widowed and with their unborn child. Their brief but intense relationship remains a significant chapter in Taylor’s life.
Elizabeth Taylor Admitted To Only Marrying Her Fourth Husband Eddie Fisher Due To Her Grief
Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage to Eddie Fisher was marked by controversy and scandal. Taylor, who was grieving the loss of her third husband, Mike Todd, later admitted that she married Fisher out of grief. This admission and her affair with Fisher fueled the perception that Taylor was a homewrecker, as Fisher was married to Taylor’s close friend and fellow actress, Debbie Reynolds, at the time of their affair.
The former couple got married on May 12, 1959, in a lavish ceremony held at the Temple Beth Sholom in Las Vegas. The ceremony was attended by numerous celebrities and was heavily publicized. It was a traditional Jewish ceremony, reflecting Fisher’s Jewish heritage.
Eddie Fisher was a popular American singer and actor. He rose to fame in the 1950s with hits like “Oh! My Pa-Pa” and “Wish You Were Here.” At the time of their marriage, Fisher was 31 years old, while Taylor was 27. The age difference was not significant, but considering the circumstances of their relationship, it added to the scandal surrounding their union.
Given that both Taylor and Fisher were well-known public figures, their marriage received extensive media coverage. The scandalous nature of their relationship and the fact that Fisher had left his wife and two young children to be with Taylor only intensified the media attention.
Although Taylor and Fisher were married for five years, their marriage did not produce any children. However, during their marriage, they adopted a daughter from Germany named Maria. Taylor had a deep love for children and would go on to adopt several more in her lifetime.
The marriage between Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher came to an end in 1964. The couple divorced due to numerous factors, including Fisher’s infidelity and Taylor’s growing interest in her co-star Richard Burton during the filming of “Cleopatra.”
The scandalous nature of their relationship and the subsequent divorce further cemented Taylor’s reputation as a Hollywood icon and a magnet for controversy.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s Marriage
Elizabeth Taylor’s fifth and sixth marriages were to handsome Welsh actor Richard Burton. Their first union as a married couple lasted around a decade from 1964 to 1974. Their second marital union was comparatively shorter, lasting less than a year from 1975 to 1976.
Elizabeth Taylor had a passionate and tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton beginning when they first met on the set of the film, Cleopatra in 1962.
Despite a rocky start, their chemistry was undeniable, and they soon fell in love. They started dating shortly after filming their first scene together, which took place on January 22, 1962.
They got married for the first time in Montreal on March 15, 1964. The ceremony was a grand affair, reflecting their status as international stars. However, the marriage was not without its challenges.
Richard’s reputation as a womanizer and Elizabeth’s own tumultuous personal life contributed to the intense media scrutiny they faced. Their relationship was often publicized and scrutinized by the press.
Elizabeth and Richard’s love for each other was undeniable. However, their relationship was marked by frequent arguments, excessive drinking, and infidelity. These factors ultimately led to their divorce in 1974, after about ten years of marriage.
After their divorce, Elizabeth and Richard remained in contact and eventually reconnected. They got married for the second time on October 10, 1975, in Botswana. This marriage, however, lasted only for a brief period and ended in divorce in 1976.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton did not have any children together, either biological or adopted. Their relationship was characterized by intense passion and drama, but it did not result in a lasting family unit.
The two marriages between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were highly publicized due to their status as beloved public figures. Their relationship was constantly in the spotlight, and their every move was scrutinized by the media. The intense media attention and public fascination with their relationship added to the complexities of their already stormy union.
Ultimately, the passionate love affair between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton came to an end. Their marriages were marked by intense emotions, volatility, and constant media attention. Despite the challenges they faced, their relationship remains one of the most iconic and memorable in Hollywood history.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Seventh Marriage Was To Republican Politician John Warner
Elizabeth Taylor’s seventh marriage to Republican Politician and former US Senator John Warner was a significant event in both their lives. The couple met in 1976 at a dinner party hosted by mutual friends in Washington, D.C.
At the time, Taylor was still reeling from the end of her tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton, and Warner was recently separated from his first wife, Catherine Conover Mellon.
Their romance began soon after they met, and they started dating in mid to late 1976. Despite their different backgrounds, Taylor, a glamorous Hollywood icon, and Warner, a conservative politician, found common ground and developed a deep connection. They dated for approximately nine months before deciding to take the plunge and get married.
On December 4, 1976, Taylor and Warner tied the knot in a grand ceremony held at Warner’s sprawling estate, “Marble House,” in Virginia. The ceremony was an extravagant affair, attended by numerous high-profile guests from both the entertainment and political worlds. Taylor, known for her glamorous style, looked stunning in a pale lavender gown designed by Halston.
John Warner, a prominent Republican politician, was born on February 18, 1927, in Washington, D.C. He served as the Secretary of the Navy under President Richard Nixon and later as a US Senator from Virginia. Warner was 49 years old, while Taylor was 44 at the time of their marriage. There was a slight age difference of five years between them, with Warner being older.
Given their status as public figures, both Taylor and Warner’s marriage attracted significant media attention. The press closely followed their relationship, scrutinizing their every move. The fact that they were both well-known personalities contributed to the public interest in their marriage.
Unfortunately, Taylor and Warner’s union did not result in any children, either biological or adopted. Taylor had previously been married and had several children from her previous relationships, while Warner had children from his first marriage.
The former couple’s marriage lasted for six years before they decided to go their separate ways. They divorced on November 5, 1982, citing irreconcilable differences.
The exact reasons behind their divorce remain private. Still, it is believed that their divergent lifestyles, which included Taylor’s boredom as a senator’s wife and her drug and alcohol abuse, may have contributed to the dissolution of their relationship.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Last Husband Was Larry Fortensky
Larry Fortensky was Elizabeth Taylor’s last husband, and their union lasted for approximately five years. They first met at the Betty Ford Clinic in 1988, where Fortensky was undergoing treatment for alcoholism.
Despite their significant age difference, a bond quickly formed between them, and they started dating soon after their meeting. After several years together, they decided to tie the knot in 1991 at a lavish ceremony held at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. The wedding was a grand affair, reflecting the glamorous lifestyles of both Taylor and Fortensky.
Larry Fortensky, a construction worker by profession, was 39 years old when he married Elizabeth Taylor, who was 59 at the time. Their marriage faced constant media attention, primarily due to Taylor’s fame and the stark contrast in their backgrounds. Despite this, they managed to maintain their relationship for a significant period.
Unfortunately, their marriage did not produce any children, either biological or adopted. However, they remained close friends even after their divorce in 1996, speaking on the phone for hours several times a month. The reasons for their divorce have not been explicitly discussed.
Elizabeth Taylor’s disillusionment with the institution of marriage began after her divorce from Larry Fortensky. She became more focused on other endeavors, such as her philanthropic work, including raising awareness and funds for AIDS research. Taylor’s dedication to these causes became a central focus of her life, overshadowing her relationships and personal life.
Overall, Elizabeth Taylor and Larry Fortensky had a unique and publicized relationship, characterized by their significant age difference and different backgrounds. Despite their eventual divorce, they remained close friends until Taylor’s death, and their union played a significant role in shaping Taylor’s later life and priorities.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Relationships
Aside from her eight marriages, Elizabeth Taylor was romantically or rumored to be romantically involved with several notable names, including Glenn Davis, William Pawley Jr., Howard Hughes, Anthony Geary, George Hamilton, Victor Luna, and Dennis Stein.
Elizabeth Taylor’s relationship with Glenn Davis was a short-lived romance. Glenn Davis was a football player and Heisman Trophy winner. They were rumored to be romantically involved in 1948 and there was even talk of marriage, but the relationship did not last long.
Elizabeth Taylor’s relationship with William Pawley Jr. was another brief romance. Pawley Jr. was the son of a wealthy businessman and diplomat. The two were romantically linked and even got engaged in 1949 but eventually went their separate ways.
Her relationship with Howard Hughes was surrounded by rumors and speculation. Hughes, a business tycoon, was known for his involvement in the aviation and film industries. It is believed that Hughes offered money to Elizabeth’s parents so he could marry her but the talented actress rebuffed his advances.
Anthony Geary was Elizabeth Taylor’s first boyfriend after her marriage to Warner ended, but it ultimately bore no fruit. Elizabeth Taylor’s relationship with George Hamilton was a highly publicized romance.
George Hamilton, an actor known for his tanned complexion, was Elizabeth Taylor’s companion for a period in the early 1960s. They were often seen together in public and attended various events as a couple.
The late actress was also briefly engaged to Mexican lawyer Victor Luna and American businessman Dennis Stein. Overall, Elizabeth Taylor had a colorful romantic life, with numerous high-profile relationships and marriages.
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson’s friendship was a unique and enduring bond that captivated the public’s attention. They first met in the early 1980s at a charity event organized by the legendary Rock Hudson. At the time, Taylor was already a renowned actress and humanitarian, while Jackson was on his way to becoming the “King of Pop.”
Their friendship blossomed quickly as they discovered common ground in their shared experiences as child stars and their passion for philanthropy. Both had experienced the intense pressures of fame from a young age, and they found solace and understanding in each other’s company.
Taylor and Jackson frequently spent time together, attending events, going on vacations, or simply enjoying private moments at each other’s homes.
They nurtured a sense of trust and loyalty that was evident in their public displays of affection and support for one another. Taylor even referred to Jackson as her “baby brother” and was one of the few people he allowed to call him “Mikey.”
Their Friendship Faced Intense Media and Public Scrutiny
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson’s friendship faced intense scrutiny from the media and the general public due to their immense popularity and iconic status. Rumors of a romantic relationship between the two persisted, although both vehemently denied such claims.
Despite the constant speculation, Taylor and Jackson remained steadfast in their friendship and continued to support one another through the ups and downs of their respective lives. The media’s obsession with their friendship often overshadowed their individual achievements and philanthropic endeavors.
Some critics argued that their close bond was merely a publicity stunt, while others expressed concern about the age difference and the influence they had on each other. However, both Taylor and Jackson maintained that their friendship was genuine and based on deep mutual respect and admiration.
They Remained Friends Until Jackson’s Untimely Death In 2009
Despite the challenges and controversies, Taylor and Jackson’s friendship endured until Jackson’s untimely death in 2009. Taylor was devastated by the loss and delivered a heartfelt eulogy at his memorial service, expressing her love and admiration for him.
She remained a staunch defender of Jackson’s legacy, staunchly supporting him against the allegations he faced during his lifetime and even after his death.
The friendship between Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson was a testament to the power of connection and understanding. They found solace and support in each other’s company, navigating the complexities of fame and public scrutiny together.
While their friendship may have raised eyebrows, it was ultimately a bond built on genuine affection and shared experiences. Despite the media’s fascination and the public’s judgment, their friendship remained a source of strength and comfort for both Taylor and Jackson until the end.
Ava Gardner and Elizabeth Taylor’s Relationship
Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner had a close friendship and shared a strong bond. They were both famous movie stars and their paths crossed multiple times throughout their lives. Taylor and Gardner first met in the 1950s and quickly became friends.
They were often seen together at parties and events, enjoying each other’s company. Their friendship was based on mutual respect and admiration. Despite the ups and downs in their personal lives, Taylor and Gardner remained supportive of each other.
They understood the struggles of being in the public eye and leaned on each other for support during difficult times. Their friendship lasted for many years, and they remained close until Gardner died in 1990.
FAQs
How Many Husbands Did Elizabeth Taylor Have?
Elizabeth Taylor had seven husbands even though she was married eight times. This is because she married Richard Burton on two separate occasions.
Was Elizabeth Taylor Married When She Died?
No, Elizabeth Taylor was not married at the time of her death. She was primarily focused on her health challenges and her humanitarian and philanthropic endeavors.
Who Was Elizabeth Taylor Married To Before Her Death?
Elizabeth Taylor was not married at the time of her death. Her last marriage to the late American construction worker Larry Fortensky ended in 1996, about fifteen years before she died in 2011.
Was Elizabeth Taylor Gay?
No, Elizabeth Taylor was not gay, a fact backed up by her eight heterosexual marriages and numerous heterosexual romantic dalliances.
Was Elizabeth Taylor Bisexual?
No, Elizabeth Taylor was not Bisexual, even though she had several close female friends like the late Ava Gardener.
