Myths About Elizabeth Taylor That Refuse to Die

The Myth of the Violet Eyes

Elizabeth Taylor ’s eyes were so mesmerising that they developed their own mythology. People still swear she had natural purple eyes, as if she was some kind of Hollywood unicorn. The truth? Her eyes were an incredibly rare shade of deep blue, enhanced by the lighting, makeup, and clever wardrobe choices that played up the violet tones. The legend of her hypnotic gaze remains, but no, she wasn’t born with actual purple irises—just a particularly stunning optical illusion. Her eyes, framed by famously thick double rows of eyelashes (a rare genetic trait called distichiasis), only added to the mystery.

Even her most iconic films seemed to be built around their hypnotic power. Cinematographers adjusted the lighting to make them appear even more dazzling, and costume designers draped her in shades of lavender and deep blue to enhance the effect. Hollywood understood the power of a visual legend, and Elizabeth Taylor’s eyes were a cinematic spectacle in their own right. They weren’t just eyes; they were an event.

Elizabeth Taylor: The Hollywood Star Who Wasn’t American

Elizabeth Taylor is one of the most iconic names in American cinema, but she wasn’t technically born in the U.S. She arrived in the world in Hampstead, London, to American parents who happened to be living abroad. This meant she held dual citizenship—a fact that often confuses people who assume she was pure Hollywood from birth. Later in life, she was even granted the title Dame Elizabeth Taylor, because when you’ve had a life as dramatic as hers, a damehood is the only logical outcome.

Taylor had a deep fondness for her British roots and often spoke of her childhood in England with great affection. Even after achieving superstardom in America, she maintained close ties with Britain, embracing the elegance, charm, and grandeur associated with her London upbringing. She could switch between her American and British sensibilities effortlessly—one moment a high-glamour Hollywood icon, the next a charming, tea-sipping dame with impeccable English manners.

Eight Husbands or Just Seven?

Yes, she walked down the aisle eight times, but only with seven different men. Richard Burton, the love of her life (and possibly the bane of her existence), was both her fifth and her sixth husband. Their passion was the stuff of legend, complete with diamonds the size of fists and arguments that could have set the Hollywood Hills on fire. They divorced, remarried, and then divorced again, proving that some relationships just refuse to be neatly wrapped up in a happy ending.

Taylor was famous for her intense, all-consuming relationships, and her marriages were no exception. Each of her husbands brought something different to her life—some brought scandal, some stability, and some heartbreak. Despite the jokes about her multiple weddings, Taylor believed deeply in love and never shied away from chasing it. Her famous quip about marriage? “I don’t regret any of my husbands. At the time, I loved them all.”

But it wasn’t just about romance—her marriages reflected the eras of her life. From young and hopeful to defiant and dramatic, each husband was a new chapter in the Elizabeth Taylor story, one that the public followed with as much fascination as her films.

Elizabeth Taylor: Just a Pretty Face? Hardly

Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty was so otherworldly that people assumed that must have been the reason for her success. But long before she was melting cameras with those famous eyes, she was a child prodigy. She stole hearts in National Velvet, then spent the next few decades proving she was more than just a stunning face. She won two Academy Awards, gave some of the most intense, memorable performances in cinema history, and could hold her own against the most powerful men in Hollywood.

Her portrayal of Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Martha in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? cemented her status as one of the greatest actresses of her time. She had undeniable range, shifting from fiery seductress to tormented wife with ease. Directors respected her, co-stars adored her, and audiences couldn’t take their eyes off her. Taylor didn’t just survive in Hollywood—she dominated it. She had the rare ability to bring vulnerability, strength, and sheer magnetism into every role she played. Even in films that weren’t critically beloved, Taylor’s performances remained unforgettable.

The Ultimate Diva? Not Quite

If you believe the headlines, Elizabeth Taylor spent her life surrounded by diamonds, lounging in silk robes, and making extravagant demands. While she certainly knew how to live large, those who knew her best described her as loyal, hilarious, and deeply generous. She stood by her friends, took up causes when it wasn’t fashionable to do so, and was one of the first major stars to fight for AIDS awareness.

Her legendary friendship with Michael Jackson showcased her fierce loyalty—she stood by him through every scandal, proving that her devotion to those she loved was unwavering. Even in Hollywood, where friendships are often fleeting, Taylor’s kindness and genuine warmth set her apart. She would throw lavish parties, not just for the sake of excess, but to create spaces where her loved ones felt completely at ease.

Sure, she had a jewellery collection worth over $100 million, but she also dedicated much of her fortune to charitable causes. Diamonds were fun, but making a difference? That was priceless. And despite her opulence, she had a wicked sense of humour about it all—often poking fun at her own reputation for indulgence.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Legacy Bigger Than the Screen

Elizabeth Taylor lived more lives than most people could fit into ten lifetimes. The myths about her only add to her legend, but the truth is even more fascinating. She was dazzling, flawed, bold, brilliant, and entirely unforgettable. Whether she was fighting for a cause, stealing the show in a film, or falling in and out of love in the most dramatic fashion possible, she was never, ever boring.

Her influence still lingers in fashion, film, activism, and the way celebrities leverage their fame for change. She wasn’t just a star; she was a movement. And that’s what made her truly iconic. No matter how many myths surround her, the real Elizabeth Taylor was always more legendary than the stories about her. She was a woman who lived life on her own terms, embraced every joy and heartbreak with open arms, and left a legacy that, much like those famous eyes, will never fade.