On September 1, 1959, Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor signed on the dotted line with 20th Century Fox to make the film Cleopatra. She was paid $1 million. It was the culmination of a long road to stardom that began with her first appearance on screen at the age of 10!
Unlike the fate that befalls most child actors -- and a number of instances in Bollywood spring to mind -- Taylor retained her charm into her teens. From movies like Lassie, she moved to romantic roles. By 18, she was married -- her first of many lawful unions.
As for the making of Cleopatra, it was during this period that Liz began a long-term affair with co-star Richard Burton, whom she married in 1964 after divorcing her fourth husband.
By the late 70s, her career had begun to slow down, although she still starred in TV movies, launched a perfume line and involved herself in charity to fight AIDS.
Text: Preetee Brahmbhatt
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