Elizabeth Taylor is an icon when it comes to classic Hollywood movies. Even after her death, she has continued to be an important name in the entertainment industry, and her legacy has continued to inspire people to this day. Taylor was a well-versed actress, dedicated businesswoman, and heartfelt humanitarian. She grew up quickly while working in the film industry, as much of her life was broadcast to the public eye. Taylor quickly found stardom due to her extreme perseverance and tenacity, as well as her unique and gorgeous looks.
Although some people in the industry were not too fond of the rising star, Taylor continued to make waves in the land where people’s dreams come true. Her unique look caused her to appear much older than other child stars she was competing against at the time, which hurt her career at first, but ultimately helped the star when it came time to land more critical and challenging roles later on.
Taylor is no longer with us today, but her legacy has continued to live on through countless works in the entertainment industry and, most importantly, through her family. Taylor was a mother of four, and her family has since grown to include plenty of grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. Even though her whole family is absolutely beautiful, one granddaughter, in particular, looks incredibly like Taylor. Laela Wilding, daughter of Taylor’s son Michael Wilding, Jr., is the perfect reincarnation of the late iconic movie star. Through her own work with Taylor’s foundation and her stunning good looks, Laela has helped carry on her grandmother’s legacy.
Moving To California
Elizabeth Taylor (circa 1955), (Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
Taylor was born on Feb. 27, 1932, in the Hampstead Garden Suburb of London, England. She was granted dual British-American citizenship as her parents were citizens of the United States, originally from Arkansas City, Kansas. Her father, Francis Lenn Taylor, was an art dealer, while her mother, Sara Sothern, was a retired stage actress. The family had moved to London in 1929 to open a new art gallery on Bond Street in the West End of London. The area is notorious for its prestigious and high-end fashion retailers. Also this year, Taylor’s parents welcomed their first child into the world, a son named Howard.
During Taylor’s childhood, the family continued to live in London and surrounded themselves with notable people, including Augustus John and Laura Knight, who were artists. Another one of their family friends, Colonel Victor Cazalet, played an important role in Taylor’s life, as he was her unofficial godfather and had a strong influence on the young girl.
Taylor and her family decided to return to the United States in 1939 due to the fear of impending war in Europe. Sara and the children left before Francis and moved in with Sara’s father in Pasadena, California, in April that year. Francis joined them many months later, in December that same year. Although he had to leave his art gallery in London behind, he was able to open a new one in Los Angeles, California, in 1940. Shortly after, the family was able to live in their own home in Beverly Hills.
