In the midst of glitz and glamour, Elizabeth Taylor found solace in her roles as a grandmother and a philanthropist. Despite being a legendary actress, Taylor’s true passion lay in helping others and inspiring the younger generations. She had ten beloved grandchildren, whom she instilled with her values and love. Among them was her look-alike grandson, Quinn, who inherited her charitable spirit and continues her work today.
Elizabeth Taylor was an extraordinary woman with many accolades to her name. As the first female actress to earn $1 million for her role in “Cleopatra,” she was known for her beauty, fashion sense, business acumen, philanthropy, and her unique portrayal of female power on screen.
Unlike other sex symbols of her time, such as Marilyn Monroe or Brigitte Bardot, Taylor’s allure was rooted in her talent and acting prowess. Through her dedication to the industry, she became a formidable figure in Hollywood, earning the title of its powerful matriarch.
One fascinating aspect of Taylor’s life was her multiple marriages. She walked down the aisle a total of eight times, even marrying the same man, Richard Burton, twice. While her romances often made headlines, it was her role as a mother that truly defined her. Taylor was a wonderful mother, raising four children: Michael Wilding Jr., Chris Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.
Taylor’s love extended beyond her children to her ten grandchildren, including Laela, Naomi, Caleb, Andrew, Tarquin, Lowell Wilding, Rhys and Quinn Tivey, Elizabeth Carson (adopted), and Richard McKeown. She adored her grandchildren and played a significant role in shaping their lives.
During Women’s History Month, two of Taylor’s grandchildren, Naomi and Quinn, shared their cherished memories of their beloved grandmother. Naomi fondly recalled sitting on the floor of Taylor’s dressing room, watching her get ready for the spotlight. Despite her fame, Taylor never let it hinder her ability to be a loving and hospitable grandmother. She taught her grandchildren the importance of family values and instilled in them a sense of responsibility for the younger generations:
“She had an idea that she was responsible for raising the younger generations in the family, you know. It was important to her that she instilled those values in us too.”
Taylor’s passion for her family was as strong as her dedication to her career. Naomi shared that her grandmother believed in following one’s heart and not being afraid of love or getting hurt. Taylor’s love extended not only to her family but also to those in need. She was an activist who championed various causes, striving to make the world a better place.
The news of Taylor’s passing on March 23, 2011, devastated her friends and family. She had spent six weeks in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, battling complications from congestive heart failure. However, Taylor’s health struggles didn’t define her spirit. Throughout the years, she faced numerous health problems, yet repeatedly bounced back, even assuring her fans of her resilience. Sadly, her condition worsened in the months leading up to her death, and she became frail, moving around in a wheelchair. Nevertheless, her wit remained sharp, and during an early birthday celebration, she famously declared, “I’m not dead yet!”
Although Taylor’s departure left a void, her son Michael emphasized that her legacy would endure. He celebrated her achievements in film, business, and activism, declaring that her love would live forever in their hearts.
One of the people who carries on Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy is her grandson, Quinn Wilding. While he may not have inherited her acting talent, he shares her mesmerizing eyes and her dedication to charity. Despite growing up away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Quinn fondly remembers spending time with his grandmother, especially during holidays when the entire family would gather. She wasn’t just a movie star to him; she was his grandma, showering him with love. One of his most cherished memories is lying in bed together, watching movies and engaging in heartfelt conversations that shaped him as a person.
Even years after her passing, Quinn remains inspired by his extraordinary grandmother. He admires her fearlessness in speaking her mind and her unwavering courage and compassion. Quinn has carried on her legacy as the trustee of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and he is confident that she would be proud of his commitment to activism.
In the end, Elizabeth Taylor was more than a star; she was a loving grandmother, an influential philanthropist, and a cherished figure in the hearts of her family and fans alike. Her impact lives on through the lives she touched and the causes she championed.
