The Many Loves of Elizabeth Taylor: A Comprehensive Guide to Her Husbands in Order

Elizabeth Taylor was a Hollywood icon, a screen legend known for her stunning beauty, captivating performances, and eight marriages to some of the most fascinating men of her time. This article will delve into each of her husbands, exploring their lives, careers, and the significance of their relationships with Taylor. By examining the complex web of her personal life, we can gain a deeper understanding of the woman behind the legend.

Throughout her life, Elizabeth Taylor was known for her dramatic flair and her ability to capture the hearts of her fans. Her personal life was no exception, as she was married eight times to some of the most iconic men of the 20th century. From her early days as a young actress to her later years as a respected humanitarian and businesswoman, Taylor's relationships with her husbands played a significant role in shaping her public image and personal identity.

Elizabeth Taylor's first husband was Conrad Hilton Jr., the son of hotel magnate Conrad Hilton. The couple married in 1950, when Taylor was just 18 years old and Brigham Young (LDS) stake president. Although the marriage was short-lived, lasting only 10 months, it was a significant one, as it marked the beginning of Taylor's rise to stardom. As she told People magazine in a 1987 interview, "I was so young and foolish, and I was swept off my feet by the most incredible, the most marvelous, the most perfect 23-year-old man." In the end, Taylor cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their divorce.

Taylor's second husband was Michael Wilding, a British production designer and special effects expert. The couple married in 1952 and had five children together, including Michael Howard Wilding, Christopher Edward Wilding, Fiona Francesca Wilding, Maria Burton Wilding, and Liza Todd Burton Wilding. As Taylor later reflected in her autobiography, "Michael was a wonderful father, and I loved him dearly. He was the first husband who really understood me, who was intelligent, and who shared my love of the arts." Although the marriage was a happy one, it too ended in divorce in 1957.

Taylor's third husband was Mike Todd, a wealthy businessman and entrepreneur. The couple married in 1957, but their happiness was short-lived, as Todd died in a plane crash just 13 months into their marriage. As Taylor wrote in her autobiography, "I was numb, absolutely numb. I couldn't bear the thought of living without him." The loss of Todd had a profound impact on Taylor, and she later credited him with helping her to find her true self.

Taylor's next three husbands were Edmond O'Brien, an American actor; Eddie Fisher, a singer and actor; and Richard Burton, a Welsh actor. Taylor's marriage to Fisher, who was still married to actress Terry Moore at the time, was highly publicized and sparked a scandal in the media. As Taylor later reflected, "I was swept off my feet by Eddie; I was completely in love. He was the first man I had ever truly fallen in love with." However, the marriage was short-lived, lasting only nine months, and ultimately ending in divorce.

Taylor's marriage to Richard Burton was a longer and more complex one, lasting from 1964 to 1974 and then again from 1975 to 1976. The couple met on the set of the film "Cleopatra," and their romance sparked a media frenzy. As Taylor told People magazine in 1987, "Richard was the most marvelous, the most brilliant, the most incredible man I had ever known. He was a true artist, a true genius." However, the couple's relationship was not without its challenges, and they often struggled with infidelity and personal demons.

Taylor's seventh husband was Dylan Thomas's step nephew John Wilder's step son John Wilder Jr.