When we talk about Elizabeth Taylor, it’s hard not to dive deep into her glamorous world. The legendary actress was more than just a Hollywood icon; she was a global sensation who captivated millions with her talent, beauty, and charisma. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there’s another side to her life that often gets overshadowed—her family. So, what happened to Elizabeth Taylor's children? Let’s uncover their stories, challenges, and triumphs in this detailed exploration.
Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t just known for her iconic roles on the big screen but also for her complex personal life, which included eight marriages and a legacy of children who grew up in the spotlight. Her kids have lived lives filled with both fame and struggles, much like their mother. If you’ve ever wondered about their journeys, you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll delve into the lives of Elizabeth Taylor's children, exploring their upbringing, careers, and personal challenges. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what happened to them after their famous mother passed away in 2011. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Biography of Elizabeth Taylor
- Overview of Elizabeth Taylor's Children
- Michael Wilding Jr.
- Christopher Finch
- Liza Todd
- Maria Burton
- Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy
- Family Life and Challenges
- Careers of Elizabeth Taylor's Children
- Trials and Tribulations
- Modern-Day Lives
- Conclusion
Biography of Elizabeth Taylor
Before we dive into the lives of Elizabeth Taylor’s children, let’s take a moment to understand the woman behind the legend. Born on February 27, 1932, in London, Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor became one of the most celebrated actresses in Hollywood history. Her career spanned over six decades, and she starred in iconic films like Giant, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.
Elizabeth wasn’t just a star on the screen; she was also a passionate humanitarian, particularly known for her work in raising awareness and funds for AIDS research. Her personal life was as dramatic as her films, with eight marriages and a string of high-profile relationships.
Throughout her life, Elizabeth remained a devoted mother to her children, even though her demanding career often placed her in the public eye. Now, let’s meet the kids who shared her last name and grew up under the spotlight.
Overview of Elizabeth Taylor's Children
Elizabeth Taylor had four children from her various marriages. Each child had a unique journey shaped by their famous mother and the pressures of growing up in Hollywood. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Michael Wilding Jr. – Born in 1950 from her marriage to Michael Wilding.
- Christopher Finch – Born in 1951, also from her marriage to Michael Wilding.
- Liza Todd – Born in 1954 from her marriage to Michael Todd.
- Maria Burton – Born in 1961 from her marriage to Eddie Fisher.
Now, let’s explore each child’s story in more detail.
Michael Wilding Jr.
Early Life and Upbringing
Michael Wilding Jr., Elizabeth Taylor’s firstborn, was born in 1950 during her first marriage to British actor Michael Wilding. Growing up, Michael Jr. was surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but he also faced the challenges of being a child of a celebrity.
Despite his mother’s fame, Michael Jr. pursued a relatively private life, staying out of the spotlight as much as possible. He worked in real estate and eventually moved to the UK, where he lived a quiet life away from the media frenzy.
Christopher Finch
A Creative Pursuit
Christopher Finch, born in 1951, followed a different path than his older brother. He developed a passion for art and design, eventually becoming a successful art director in the film industry. Christopher worked on several notable films, proving that he inherited his mother’s creative gene.
Christopher’s life wasn’t without its struggles, though. He battled substance abuse issues for many years, a challenge that many children of celebrities face. However, with the support of his family, he managed to overcome his addiction and focus on his career.
Liza Todd
Life in the Spotlight
Liza Todd, born in 1954, is perhaps the most visible of Elizabeth Taylor’s children. She embraced the limelight early on, appearing in several films and television shows. Liza’s career, however, wasn’t as illustrious as her mother’s, and she eventually stepped away from acting to focus on her personal life.
Tragically, Liza faced numerous health issues throughout her life, including struggles with obesity and substance abuse. Despite these challenges, she remained a loving mother to her own children and a devoted daughter to Elizabeth Taylor.
Maria Burton
A Quiet Life
Maria Burton, born in 1961, is the youngest of Elizabeth Taylor’s children. Unlike her siblings, Maria chose to live a quiet, private life away from the public eye. She worked as an art dealer and focused on raising her family.
Maria has been vocal about her love for her mother and has often spoken fondly of Elizabeth’s dedication to her children. Despite her low-profile lifestyle, Maria continues to honor her mother’s legacy through her charitable work.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Legacy
Elizabeth Taylor’s influence extends far beyond her acting career. She was a trailblazer in many ways, using her fame to bring attention to important causes. Her children, while not all following in her footsteps, have carried on her legacy in their own unique ways.
Each of Elizabeth’s children has faced their own set of challenges, but they’ve also experienced triumphs and successes. Their mother’s love and guidance played a significant role in shaping their lives, even as they navigated the complexities of growing up in the public eye.
Family Life and Challenges
Growing up as the child of a Hollywood legend wasn’t easy. Elizabeth Taylor’s children faced immense pressure from the media and society. They were often scrutinized and judged, which took a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
Despite these challenges, Elizabeth was a loving and supportive mother. She made sure her children knew they were loved and valued, regardless of what the outside world thought. Her influence can still be seen in the lives of her children today.
Careers of Elizabeth Taylor's Children
While none of Elizabeth Taylor’s children achieved the same level of fame as their mother, they each found success in their respective fields. From real estate to art direction, each child carved out a niche for themselves.
It’s worth noting that their careers weren’t always smooth sailing. Many faced setbacks and challenges, but they persevered and found ways to thrive. Their mother’s resilience and determination undoubtedly inspired them to push through difficult times.
Trials and Tribulations
Life hasn’t always been easy for Elizabeth Taylor’s children. They’ve faced numerous trials and tribulations, including health issues, substance abuse, and personal losses. However, they’ve also shown incredible strength and resilience in overcoming these obstacles.
Their mother’s example of perseverance and grace under pressure has undoubtedly played a role in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. Elizabeth’s legacy of strength and compassion continues to inspire her children and grandchildren.
Modern-Day Lives
Today, Elizabeth Taylor’s children lead fulfilling lives, each in their own way. Michael Wilding Jr. and Christopher Finch have found success in their careers and enjoy quiet, private lives. Liza Todd continues to focus on her family and health, while Maria Burton remains active in the art world and charitable endeavors.
While they may not be in the spotlight as much as their famous mother, Elizabeth Taylor’s children have made significant contributions to their communities and industries. Their lives are a testament to the enduring legacy of their beloved mother.
Conclusion
So, what happened to Elizabeth Taylor’s children? Each child has followed their own unique path, shaped by their upbringing and the challenges of growing up in Hollywood. While they’ve faced their share of struggles, they’ve also experienced triumphs and successes.
Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy lives on through her children, who continue to inspire with their strength, resilience, and dedication to their families and communities. If you’ve enjoyed this article, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family!
Until next time, keep shining bright like Elizabeth Taylor herself!

