Elizabeth Taylor spouse history is one of the most intriguing tales in Hollywood’s golden era. Known for her dazzling beauty, acting talent, and lavish lifestyle, Taylor’s love life captivated the world. She walked down the aisle eight times with seven different men, creating headlines with each wedding and divorce.
From young love to whirlwind romances and reconciliations, her marriages reflected both passion and complexity. This blog explores each of her spouses, the circumstances that brought them together, and the reasons they parted ways, offering a closer look at the personal life of one of cinema’s most legendary stars.
First Husband – Conrad “Nicky” Hilton Jr.
In 1950, at just 18 years old, Elizabeth Taylor married Conrad “Nicky” Hilton Jr., the hotel heir. Their wedding was a glamorous Hollywood event, attended by many famous faces. However, behind the scenes, the marriage faced challenges from the very beginning.
Hilton’s alleged drinking and gambling habits strained their relationship, leading to frequent arguments. Just eight months after their lavish wedding, Taylor filed for divorce. Despite its short duration, this marriage marked the start of her long and eventful romantic history, showing early signs of her pursuit of deep emotional connections and a longing for lasting love.
Second Husband – Michael Wilding
Elizabeth Taylor’s second marriage was to British actor Michael Wilding in 1952. Wilding was 20 years older than Taylor, offering her stability after her brief first marriage. They had two sons together and enjoyed a relatively calm life compared to her later relationships.
However, the difference in their lifestyles and ambitions began to take a toll. Taylor’s rising fame contrasted with Wilding’s slowing career, creating a divide between them. By 1957, the couple decided to divorce amicably, maintaining a respectful relationship afterward. This marriage demonstrated Taylor’s desire for a family life during the early stages of her career.
Third Husband – Mike Todd
In 1957, Elizabeth Taylor married film producer Mike Todd, a charismatic figure known for his larger-than-life personality. Their union was passionate and full of mutual admiration. Todd gifted Taylor with extravagant jewelry, and their love story was a favorite of the press.
Tragically, this marriage ended abruptly when Todd died in a plane crash in 1958, just one year after their wedding. Taylor was devastated by his death and considered Todd one of her great loves. This loss deeply impacted her, shaping her future relationships and leaving her with a profound sense of grief that lasted for years.
Fourth Husband – Eddie Fisher
Taylor’s marriage to singer Eddie Fisher in 1959 caused a major scandal at the time. Fisher was married to actress Debbie Reynolds, one of Taylor’s close friends, when he left her for Taylor. The media frenzy surrounding their relationship was intense, and they quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples.
However, their marriage lasted only five years. Fisher’s career suffered due to the controversy, and Taylor’s growing closeness to actor Richard Burton led to their breakup. The Fisher-Taylor marriage remains one of the most infamous Hollywood love triangles of the 20th century, remembered for its drama and public backlash.
Fifth Husband – Richard Burton (First Marriage)
Elizabeth Taylor’s first marriage to actor Richard Burton began in 1964 after they fell in love on the set of Cleopatra. Their romance was fiery, filled with passion, arguments, and lavish gifts. The couple became a media sensation, with their every move followed by paparazzi.
They married in a private ceremony and continued working together on films. Despite their deep love, the relationship was tumultuous, marked by constant public scrutiny and personal conflicts. In 1974, after a decade together, they divorced, though their connection was far from over. Their love story became one of Hollywood’s most legendary affairs.
Sixth Husband – Richard Burton (Second Marriage)
Just 16 months after divorcing, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remarried in 1975. Their second wedding was more low-key, but their passion remained as intense as ever. Unfortunately, their same issues resurfaced arguments, jealousy, and lifestyle differences.
This second marriage lasted less than a year, ending in divorce in 1976. Despite the breakup, Burton and Taylor remained connected until his death in 1984. Their relationship is remembered as one of cinema’s most iconic romances, inspiring books, documentaries, and endless speculation about whether they might have found lasting happiness together under different circumstances.
Seventh Husband – John Warner
Elizabeth Taylor’s marriage to U.S. Senator John Warner in 1976 marked a shift in her life. She stepped away from Hollywood to support Warner’s political career in Washington, D.C. At first, Taylor embraced her role as a political wife, but she soon found the lifestyle unfulfilling.
The social expectations and slower pace clashed with her vibrant personality and need for creative expression. She struggled with depression during this period and eventually returned to acting. The couple divorced in 1982, parting on good terms. This marriage highlighted Taylor’s adaptability, but also her need to remain true to herself.
Eighth Husband – Larry Fortensky
In 1991, Elizabeth Taylor married construction worker Larry Fortensky, whom she met during a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic. Their wedding took place at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, attracting global media attention. Fortensky was 20 years younger, and the relationship faced constant public scrutiny.
Although Taylor described him as kind and supportive, their differences in background and lifestyle became apparent. After five years, they divorced in 1996 but remained friends until her death. This final marriage reflected Taylor’s ongoing belief in love, despite the heartbreak and challenges she had faced in previous relationships.
Why Elizabeth Taylor Married So Many Times
Elizabeth Taylor’s multiple marriages were often the subject of speculation. She believed in the sanctity of marriage and often chose to wed rather than engage in long-term affairs. Taylor admitted she was deeply romantic and sought lasting love, even if it meant taking risks.
Her marriages reflected different stages of her life youthful passion, stability, grief, scandal, and companionship. She was unafraid to follow her heart, regardless of public opinion. In many ways, her marital history offers insight into her resilience, vulnerability, and determination to live life fully, without regret, even when faced with repeated heartbreak.
The Public’s Fascination with Her Love Life
From the 1950s to the 1990s, Elizabeth Taylor’s relationships were a constant source of headlines. Each marriage brought new intrigue, fueling the media’s obsession with her. Photographers and journalists followed her around the world, documenting every romantic gesture, fight, or reconciliation.
She was often portrayed as a symbol of glamour and excess, but also as a hopeless romantic searching for happiness. The public’s fascination with her love life was partly due to her openness she never hid from the press. Her story remains a timeless example of how celebrity romances can captivate audiences across generations.
Legacy of Elizabeth Taylor’s Marriages
Elizabeth Taylor’s marriages are now remembered as part of her larger legacy. Beyond her film career and humanitarian work, her love life remains an enduring topic of discussion. She redefined what it meant to be a Hollywood star bold, unapologetic, and willing to take chances in love.
Her relationships inspired books, films, and documentaries, ensuring that her romantic history will be studied and celebrated for years to come. While her career earned her awards and accolades, her personal life gave her story depth, drama, and humanity, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable figures.
