How Many Times Was Elizabeth Taylor Married? Unpacking A Hollywood Icon's Relationships

Samir Nicolas 17 Aug 2025

Elizabeth Taylor, a name that still sparkles with Hollywood glamour, really lived a life that felt larger than any movie screen. People often wonder about her personal story, especially her many trips down the aisle. It's almost as if her romantic life became as famous as her acting roles, you know?

Her dazzling presence and captivating performances left a huge mark on cinema, that's for sure. Yet, it was her series of marriages, each one a public spectacle, that truly captured the world's attention. So, it's quite natural that folks still ask, "how many times was Elizabeth Taylor married?"

This question gets at the heart of a fascinating life, filled with intense love and very public heartbreaks. Her approach to relationships was, in a way, quite passionate and truly her own. We'll look closely at each of her unions, giving you a clear picture of this iconic star's romantic journey.

Biography: The Early Years of a Star
Personal Details & Bio Data
The Marriages: A Detailed Look

Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr.
Michael Wilding
Mike Todd
Eddie Fisher
Richard Burton (Twice!)
John Warner
Larry Fortensky

Understanding the "Many" in Her Life
FAQs About Elizabeth Taylor's Marriages
The Enduring Legacy of Her Love Stories

Biography: The Early Years of a Star

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor came into the world on February 27, 1932, in London, England. Her parents were American art dealers, so she had a bit of an international start, actually. The family moved back to the United States just before World War II, settling in Los Angeles. It was there that her extraordinary path to stardom began, pretty early on.

She began acting as a child, quickly becoming a well-known face in films like "National Velvet." Her transition from child star to adult actress was, in a way, quite smooth, unlike some others. She possessed a rare beauty and a talent that really shone through in every role she took on. This made her a consistent presence in Hollywood for many decades.

Her life, both on and off screen, captivated audiences. She was known for her striking violet eyes and a personality that was just as vibrant as her looks. Her career was full of awards and critical acclaim, but her personal life, especially her marriages, always seemed to draw a lot of public interest, too.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Full Name	Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor
Born	February 27, 1932, London, England
Died	March 23, 2011, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress, businesswoman, humanitarian
Years Active	1942–2007
Spouses	8 (7 different men)
Children	4 (2 sons, 2 daughters)

The Marriages: A Detailed Look

Elizabeth Taylor was married eight times to seven different men. This number, "many," as we might say, truly stands out in Hollywood history. Each marriage had its own story, its own set of dramas and joys, you know. Let's explore each one, in order.

Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr.

Her first marriage happened on May 6, 1950, when she was just 18 years old. The groom was Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr., who came from the famous hotel family. This union was, for many, a very grand affair, a true Hollywood wedding that everyone watched. It was, however, a very short-lived marriage, lasting only about eight months.

The pressures of fame and different lifestyles seemed to cause problems for the young couple. They divorced in January 1951. This first experience with marriage, quite frankly, taught her a lot about the public eye and personal relationships.

Michael Wilding

Just a little over a year later, Elizabeth Taylor married British actor Michael Wilding on February 21, 1952. He was 20 years her senior, which was, in a way, a bit of a surprise to some. This marriage brought a calmer period to her life, and they had two sons together, Michael Howard Wilding and Christopher Edward Wilding.

Their relationship lasted for five years, a relatively long time for her early marriages. They seemed to enjoy a quiet family life away from the intense spotlight, at least for a while. They divorced in January 1957, with reports citing different priorities and the demands of their careers.

Mike Todd

Her third husband was the flamboyant film producer Mike Todd. They married on February 2, 1957, and it was, in some respects, a very passionate and intense union. Many considered Todd to be the love of her life at that point. They had one daughter, Elizabeth Frances "Liza" Todd.

Tragically, this marriage ended in a way no one expected. Mike Todd died in a plane crash in March 1958, leaving Elizabeth a widow. This loss devastated her, and it was a very public and painful moment in her life. She often spoke about him with deep affection for years afterward.

Eddie Fisher

In the wake of Todd's death, Elizabeth found comfort with singer Eddie Fisher, who was married to her close friend, Debbie Reynolds. This relationship caused a huge scandal, you know, across the country. It was, quite frankly, one of the biggest celebrity controversies of its time.

They married on May 12, 1959. The public reaction was intense, with many condemning the affair and the breakup of Fisher's previous marriage. This period was very difficult for her, despite finding a connection with Fisher. The marriage lasted five years, ending in March 1964.

Richard Burton (Twice!)

Her most famous and tumultuous marriage was to Welsh actor Richard Burton. They met on the set of "Cleopatra" while she was still married to Eddie Fisher. Their passionate affair became legendary, leading to their first marriage on March 15, 1964. This was, in a way, the start of a truly epic love story.

Their relationship was marked by intense love, public arguments, and lavish gifts. They adopted a daughter together, Maria Burton. After ten years of a very public and often dramatic marriage, they divorced in June 1974. However, their connection was just too strong to completely break, it seemed.

They remarried on October 10, 1975, in Botswana. This second attempt at marriage lasted a little over a year, ending in divorce for the final time in July 1976. Their bond, though, remained a significant part of both their lives until Burton's death. It's almost as if they were meant to be together, despite the challenges.

John Warner

After her second divorce from Burton, Elizabeth Taylor married politician John Warner on December 4, 1976. This marriage took her away from Hollywood life for a bit, as she supported his political career. He later became a U.S. Senator, so she was, in a way, a political wife for a time.

Life in Washington D.C. was quite different from her usual glamorous world. The marriage lasted six years, ending in divorce in November 1982. It was a period where she experienced a different kind of public scrutiny and expectation, which was, quite frankly, a new challenge for her.

Larry Fortensky

Her eighth and final marriage was to construction worker Larry Fortensky. They met at the Betty Ford Center, a rehabilitation facility, which was, in some respects, a very unexpected place to find love. They married on October 6, 1991, at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, which was, you know, a very unique wedding venue.

This marriage seemed to bring her a sense of peace and normalcy, at least for a while. It was her longest marriage since her union with Richard Burton. They remained together for five years, divorcing in October 1996. Even after the divorce, they reportedly remained friends, which is, in a way, quite lovely.

Understanding the "Many" in Her Life

When we ask "how many times was Elizabeth Taylor married," the answer is eight times to seven different men. The word "many," as we use it, refers to a large but indefinite number, you know? In her case, it certainly points to a significant quantity of relationships, a whole series of them.

My text tells us that "many" is used for a large number of countable things. Here, we are counting marriages, and eight is certainly a large number for one person. It indicates a plural or multiple existence of something, suggesting that there is a considerable quantity of that particular thing. Her life, quite frankly, was full of these significant connections.

Her approach to love was, in a way, quite open and passionate. She often said she married for love, and when love ended, so did the marriage. This perspective, though perhaps unusual for some, was very much a part of her personality. She truly sought deep connection in each relationship, which is, in some respects, quite admirable.

Her "many" marriages weren't just numbers; they were chapters in a very public and very human story. They showed her desire for companionship and her willingness to commit fully, even if it didn't always last forever. It was, in a way, a testament to her hopeful spirit. Learn more about Elizabeth Taylor on our site for more insights into her remarkable life.

FAQs About Elizabeth Taylor's Marriages

Who was Elizabeth Taylor's true love?

Many people, including Elizabeth Taylor herself, often pointed to Richard Burton as the great love of her life. Their two marriages and intense connection truly defined a significant part of her romantic story. Their bond was, quite frankly, legendary for its passion and complexity, you know.

Did Elizabeth Taylor marry the same person twice?

Yes, she did. Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton twice. Their first marriage lasted from 1964 to 1974, and then they remarried in 1975, divorcing again in 1976. This unique situation really highlights the powerful connection they shared, even through their ups and downs, that's for sure.

How old was Elizabeth Taylor when she first married?

Elizabeth Taylor was just 18 years old when she first married. Her first husband was Conrad "Nicky" Hilton Jr., and their wedding took place on May 6, 1950. It was, in a way, a very young age to begin such a public life of marriage, and it set the stage for her future romantic adventures.

The Enduring Legacy of Her Love Stories

Elizabeth Taylor's life was, in some respects, a grand tapestry woven with threads of fame, talent, and, yes, many marriages. Each relationship added a layer to her public persona and her personal growth. Her willingness to love openly, despite the constant scrutiny, made her a very relatable figure to many, you know.

Her romantic journey, with all its twists and turns, really showed her resilience and her deep desire for connection. It reminds us that even Hollywood legends experience life's ups and downs, sometimes very publicly. Her story, quite frankly, continues to fascinate people today, offering a glimpse into a truly extraordinary life.

What do you find most captivating about Elizabeth Taylor's life and her unique approach to love? Share your thoughts on her incredible journey. Find out more about Hollywood legends here and explore other captivating stories from cinema's golden age.

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