Elizabeth Taylor young captivated Hollywood with her striking violet eyes and extraordinary talent, becoming one of classical cinema’s most beloved child actresses. At the age of 12, she starred in “National Velvet” (1944), which marked her meteoric rise to stardom and established her as MGM’s brightest young talent.
Born in London in 1932, young Elizabeth Taylor began her journey in the early 1940s when she signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Her natural grace and remarkable screen presence quickly transformed her from a promising newcomer into a teen sensation. By the 1960s, she had achieved unprecedented success, becoming the world’s highest-paid movie star and securing her place among Hollywood’s greatest legends.
This article explores the fascinating early years of Elizabeth Taylor’s career before her financial success and children. Spanning from her first screen tests to her evolution into a leading lady, revealing the untold stories that shaped her remarkable journey to stardom until her death in 2011.
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Young Elizabeth Taylor’s Early Screen Tests
In 1941, young Elizabeth Taylor’s striking appearance caught Hollywood’s attention, particularly her mesmerizing violet-blue eyes rimmed by rare double eyelashes – a genetic mutation that would become her trademark. Initially, her mother Sara received numerous suggestions from strangers about having her daughter audition for films.
First MGM audition
Through strategic networking, Elizabeth Taylor young secured auditions at both Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Universal Pictures. Subsequently, both studios offered contracts, presenting Sara Taylor with a crucial decision. Universal Studios offered $200 per week, while MGM proposed $100 with no room for negotiation.
Universal Studios rejection
Sara chose Universal, believing the smaller studio would better suit her daughter. Elizabeth Taylor young made her screen debut in Universal’s “There’s One Born Every Minute” (1942). Notably, the experience proved challenging when forced vocal lessons damaged her voice. After just one year, Universal terminated her contract, with casting director Dan Kelly stating, “The kid has nothing… her eyes are too old, she doesn’t have the face of a child”.
Landing the Lassie role
Fortune smiled on young Elizabeth Taylor when MGM producer Samuel Marx, her father’s acquaintance, arranged an audition for “Lassie Come Home” (1943). The role specifically required a child actress with an English accent, making her a perfect fit. After impressing the studio with a three-month trial contract, MGM offered her a standard seven-year agreement in January 1943.
The transition proved transformative for Elizabeth Taylor young, as MGM’s prestigious reputation and resources provided the perfect platform for her emerging talent. Her performance in “Lassie Come Home” alongside Roddy McDowall marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship and her ascent in Hollywood. Furthermore, this role established her as a promising young actress at MGM, setting the stage for more significant opportunities ahead.
Breaking Through in National Velvet
The path to stardom for Elizabeth Taylor young took a decisive turn with “National Velvet,” a film that would define her early career. Her dedication to mastering horseback riding and developing an authentic connection with her equine co-star set new standards for method acting in Hollywood.
Preparing for the role
Elizabeth Taylor young undertook an intense preparation regimen that showcased her remarkable determination. For 90 minutes daily, she trained rigorously with King Charles, a 7-year-old thoroughbred descended from the legendary Man O’ War. The horse, acquired by MGM for $800, proved challenging for everyone except Elizabeth Taylor young.
Her preparation routine included:
- Daily riding sessions at Rivera Country Club
- Personal care and feeding of King Charles
- Building trust through extended bonding sessions
- Mastering advanced riding techniques
The connection between Elizabeth Taylor young and King Charles became legendary on set. Despite the horse’s reputation for being difficult—even seriously injuring a trainer who attempted to make him play dead—he formed an extraordinary bond with Taylor. This partnership proved so special that MGM gifted King Charles to Taylor on her 13th birthday.
Working with Mickey Rooney
The filming schedule faced unique challenges as Mickey Rooney had only one month to complete his scenes before reporting for military service during World War II. Nevertheless, this constraint led to an intensely focused collaboration between the two young stars. Rooney’s portrayal of Mi Taylor marked a departure from his usual energetic performances, revealing deeper dramatic abilities.
Their on-screen chemistry proved remarkable, with Rooney guiding Taylor’s character through the intricacies of horse racing. In one memorable scene, Rooney’s character checks Taylor’s forehead for fever as she passionately expresses her dreams of becoming a famous rider. The scene perfectly captured the mentor-student dynamic that would drive the film’s narrative.
Despite the rushed schedule, both actors gave compelling performances. Elizabeth Taylor showed enthusiasm and natural talent. She overcame physical challenges, including wearing a metal brace plate during filming. However, the experience had a cost. Taylor suffered a back injury during a racing scene. It affected her for the rest of her life.
The film’s success launched Elizabeth Taylor young into true stardom upon its release in 1945. In later years, she reflected on this pivotal time: “I always had people telling me to do this, do that. It was stifling. But I had a secret life. Every morning before I went to work I saddled up my horse, the one the studio gave me from National Velvet. Then I rode off into open country”.
Life as a Teen Star
Life at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer shaped Elizabeth Taylor young into a disciplined professional, albeit at the cost of a conventional childhood. The studio operated like a “big extended factory,” controlling every aspect of her developing career.
Balancing school and filming
Elizabeth Taylor young maintained a rigorous daily schedule that exemplified the demanding life of a teen star. Her typical day included:
- Three hours of mandatory schooling with a Los Angeles Board of Education teacher
- Eight hours of filming on set
- Evening sessions for dancing and singing classes
- Rehearsals for the following day’s scenes
This schedule proved particularly challenging during the filming of “Conspirator,” where Elizabeth Taylor young, at merely 16, had to alternate between classroom studies and passionate love scenes with Robert Taylor.
Studio control over image
MGM exercised unprecedented control over their rising star’s public persona. Accordingly, when Elizabeth Taylor young turned 15 in 1947, the studio orchestrated a calculated image transformation. The publicity department arranged strategic photo shoots and interviews, presenting her as a “normal” teenager attending parties and going on dates.
Essentially, the studio’s influence extended beyond professional matters. When executives attempted to alter her appearance by plucking her eyebrows, dyeing her hair, and changing her name to Virginia, Elizabeth Taylor young firmly refused. Her defiance reached its peak at age 15 when she confronted studio chief Louis B. Mayer, boldly telling him, “You and your studio can go straight to hell!” after he berated her mother.
First public appearances
The studio’s publicity machine carefully crafted Elizabeth Taylor young’s public image through orchestrated events and media coverage. Film magazines and gossip columnists began drawing comparisons between the teenage star and established actresses like Ava Gardner and Lana Turner. Additionally, MGM arranged “phony dates” to generate press coverage and maintain public interest.
Altogether, this period marked a significant transition as Elizabeth Taylor young evolved from child actress to leading lady. Time magazine featured her on its cover, declaring her the leader among Hollywood’s next generation of stars, describing her as “a jewel of great price, a true sapphire”. Simultaneously, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, refusing to conform to the few acceptable notions of femininity available to her at the time.
Behind the Scenes of Early Roles
Behind the scenes, Elizabeth Taylor young forged meaningful connections with Hollywood’s finest talents, shaping her evolution from child star to serious actress. Her early collaborations with veteran performers and visionary directors laid the foundation for an extraordinary career.
Working with veteran actors
Elizabeth Taylor young found a profound mentor in Montgomery Clift, who became her closest confidant and acting guide. Their first collaboration in “A Place in the Sun” marked a turning point, as Taylor admitted feeling like “a cheap movie star” alongside Clift’s method acting prowess. Indeed, their on-screen chemistry blossomed into a lifelong friendship, with Clift becoming one of her most trusted allies.
Spencer Tracy’s influence proved equally significant during the filming of “Father of the Bride.” Rather than treating her as merely a pretty face, Tracy helped Elizabeth Taylor young refine her craft through example. Moreover, their work together earned Tracy an Oscar nomination for his performance.
Learning from directors
Elizabeth Taylor young’s relationship with director George Stevens exemplified her growth as an actress. Their collaboration began harmoniously on “A Place in the Sun,” primarily focusing on character development. Certainly, Stevens recognized her potential beyond her striking beauty, guiding her through complex emotional scenes.
The young actress’s determination to prove herself as more than a “beautiful girl” became apparent under Richard Brooks’ direction. Her drama coach, Lillian Burns, emphasized the importance of properly interpreting and understanding characters. This approach aligned perfectly with Taylor’s own philosophy about acting, as she believed in reacting as the character would, rather than drawing from personal experiences.
Elizabeth Taylor young’s commitment to her craft showed in her willingness to challenge studio expectations. Otherwise dissatisfied with MGM’s role selections, she actively sought opportunities to showcase her dramatic range. Her persistence paid off when she delivered powerful performances in “Giant” and “Raintree County,” films that established her as a serious dramatic actress.
The transformation from child star to respected actress culminated in her work with Tennessee Williams’ material. Under skilled direction, Elizabeth Taylor young brought complex characters to life in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “Suddenly Last Summer,” earning consecutive Oscar nominations. These achievements validated her artistic growth and cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished performers.
Transformation into Leading Lady
The transformation of Elizabeth Taylor young into a leading lady marked a pivotal era in Hollywood history. Her evolution from MGM’s polished teen star to a sophisticated screen icon reflected both personal growth and changing industry standards.
First adult roles
Elizabeth Taylor young’s transition to adult roles began with “Conspirator” (1949), where she portrayed a woman suspecting her husband of being a Soviet spy. Primarily, her breakthrough came with “A Place in the Sun” (1951), which she considered the first time she truly acted instead of merely being herself. Throughout this period, she commanded increasingly complex roles, eventually earning unprecedented success with “Giant” (1956) and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” (1958).
Style evolution
The fashion journey of Elizabeth Taylor young reflected her growing independence and star power. Her early years showcased refined and polished looks, with subtle approaches to fashion that aligned with the trends of the day. As her career progressed, she developed signature elements:
- Iconic cinched waists
- Plunging necklines
- Sophisticated yet feminine ensembles
- Statement jewelry pieces
Presently, her style transformation coincided with her expanding collection of couture fashion and jewels. Undoubtedly, her marriages influenced her fashion choices, markedly during her relationship with Richard Burton, who encouraged her more daring style choices and introduced her to designer Vicky Tiel.
Media attention
The media’s fascination with Elizabeth Taylor young intensified as she secured more agency in her contracts. Soon, she became the first actress to negotiate a million-dollar contract for Cleopatra (1963). Straightaway, her business acumen emerged as she pioneered celebrity entrepreneurship, becoming the first celebrity to launch a successful fragrance brand.
Life magazine featured her as a cover girl fourteen times, more than any other person in the publication’s history. Her approach to fame evolved as she learned to harness her public image. Thereupon, she utilized her celebrity status strategically, wearing sophisticated yet feminine looks from designers like Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel for important occasions. Iconic Elizabeth Taylor young pictures from this era captured her transformation into a Hollywood legend, emphasizing her timeless beauty and commanding presence.
Elizabeth Taylor young’s transformation went beyond mere appearances. Altogether, she developed a unique understanding of her worth and power in the industry. Her journey from studio-controlled starlet to independent leading lady set new precedents for actresses in Hollywood, demonstrating how to maintain personal authenticity while embracing evolving public roles.
Elizabeth Taylor Young Frequently Asked Question
What did Elizabeth Taylor look like when she was young?
Young Elizabeth Taylor was known for her striking beauty, featuring violet-blue eyes, dark arched eyebrows, and flawless skin. Her signature look, combined with her graceful presence, made her one of Hollywood’s most captivating stars from an early age.
Where can I find pictures of young Elizabeth Taylor?
You can find pictures of young Elizabeth Taylor in classic Hollywood archives, fan websites, and books dedicated to her life and career. Many high-quality images are also available on platforms like Getty Images, Pinterest, and old film stills from her early movies.
What were Elizabeth Taylor’s most famous movies as a young actress?
As a young actress, Elizabeth Taylor starred in several iconic films, including National Velvet (1944), Little Women (1949), and A Place in the Sun (1951). These films showcased her incredible talent and helped establish her as a Hollywood legend.
How did Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty influence fashion and Hollywood?
Elizabeth Taylor’s beauty and glamorous style set new trends in Hollywood, influencing makeup, hairstyles, and fashion. Her bold eyeliner, luxurious jewelry, and classic outfits became an inspiration for generations, making her a timeless fashion icon.
