Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy isn’t just about her on-screen talent, but also the fortune she built throughout her life. Elizabeth Taylor net worth continues to be a topic of fascination, especially considering how her acting career skyrocketed her wealth.
From starring in iconic films to launching a perfume empire, she proved to be a savvy businesswoman. In this article, we’ll explore how she amassed her wealth, the influence of her acting roles, and the financial moves that solidified her as one of Hollywood’s richest actresses.
At AndoMoney, we’re dedicated to providing in-depth insights into the financial aspects of notable figures like Elizabeth Taylor, offering a full picture of her career’s impact on her wealth.
Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor |
Popular Name | Elizabeth Taylor |
Gender | Female |
Birth Date | February 27, 1932 |
Age | 79 (Died: March 23, 2011) |
Parents | Francis Lenn Taylor, Sara Sothern |
Siblings | Howard Taylor |
Birthplace | Hampstead Garden Suburb, London |
Nationality | British-American |
Ethnicity | White (American descent) |
Education | Byron House School |
Marital Status | Married 8 times |
Spouse | Conrad Hilton Jr., Michael Wilding, Mike Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton, John Warner, Larry Fortensky |
Children | Liza Todd, Maria Burton, Christopher Edward Wilding, Michael Wilding Jr. |
Dating | N/A |
Net Worth | $600 million to $1 billion |
Source of Wealth | Acting, Business Ventures (Perfumes) |
Height | 5 ft 2 in (1.55 m) |
What is the Net Worth of Elizabeth Taylor in 2024?
As of 2024, Elizabeth Taylor‘s net worth is estimated to be between $600 million and $1 billion. This fortune is attributed to her illustrious acting career, which included box office hits like Cleopatra, along with her successful perfume empire.
When compared to other celebrities, Taylor’s financial success is still considered remarkable, putting her in line with other influential figures in Hollywood. Below are some notable individuals who have played similar roles in their respective fields:
- Richard Burton
- Michael Wilding
- Conrad Hilton Jr.
- Larry Fortensky
- Mike Todd
- Eddie Fisher
- Rock Hudson
- Montgomery Clift
- Sophia Loren
- Katharine Hepburn
To learn more about how Elizabeth Taylor compares to other prominent actresses, check out our full list of the wealthiest female stars on our website.
Elizabeth Taylor Salary and Finance Overview
The Impact of Her Acting Career on Her Wealth
Elizabeth Taylor’s acting career was the bedrock of her financial empire. Early on, she starred in the 1944 classic National Velvet, a film that catapulted her into stardom.
However, it wasn’t until films like Cleopatra (1963) that her earnings truly began to soar. She became the highest-paid actress of her time, reportedly earning a then-unprecedented $1 million for her role in Cleopatra.
Her box-office hits like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? not only brought her critical acclaim but also hefty paychecks. During the peak of her career, Taylor’s salary for a single film could rival what entire productions made in profit.
This established her as a bankable star, and studios were willing to pay top dollar for her performances, solidifying her place among Hollywood’s elite.
Success Beyond Acting: Perfume Empire and Business Ventures
While her acting roles were a primary source of income, she was a shrewd businesswoman who saw opportunities outside of Hollywood. In 1991, she launched her signature fragrance, White Diamonds, which became one of the most successful celebrity perfume lines in history.
By 2024, her fragrance line alone had generated over $1 billion in sales, contributing significantly to her overall wealth.
Her business ventures weren’t limited to perfumes; Taylor also endorsed luxury brands and engaged in real estate investments, demonstrating her ability to expand her wealth beyond acting.
The Influence of Her Jewelry Collection on Her Wealth
She was known for her extravagant jewelry collection, which included iconic pieces like the Taylor-Burton Diamond. Her jewelry collection, valued at over $150 million, became a crucial part of her wealth.
Taylor often wore these stunning pieces to high-profile events, and after her death, many of them were auctioned off for record-breaking prices.
Her collection remains one of the most famous in Hollywood history, showcasing her penchant for luxury and investment in appreciating assets.
Her Legacy in Philanthropy and Its Financial Impact
Elizabeth Taylor was not only a Hollywood star but also a devoted philanthropist. She co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and later established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
While these efforts were driven by her commitment to helping others, they also cemented her reputation as a global icon with a far-reaching impact.
Though philanthropy doesn’t directly contribute to wealth, Taylor’s efforts in this area boosted her public image and brought attention to her brand. Even after her passing, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation continues to be supported, showing how her financial legacy is intertwined with her charitable work.
Financial Benefits from Marriages and High-Profile Relationships
Her marriages and relationships played a role in her financial journey. She was famously married eight times, with two of those marriages to actor Richard Burton.
Burton and Taylor were known for their passionate romance, but their union also resulted in financial benefits. Together, they starred in several films, and their relationship helped boost the box office returns of these movies.
Taylor also benefited financially from settlements following her divorces, which added to her overall fortune.
Real Estate and Other Luxury Assets
Throughout her life, Elizabeth Taylor invested in prime real estate properties, contributing to her net worth. She owned luxury homes in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Switzerland, among others.
These properties not only provided her with opulent living spaces but also appreciated over time, adding substantial value to her estate.
Her luxury lifestyle, combined with savvy investments in real estate, ensured that her financial portfolio remained diversified and robust throughout her career and beyond.
Posthumous Financial Gains and Estate Valuation
After her death in 2011, her estate was valued between $600 million and $1 billion, making her one of the wealthiest actresses in history.
Posthumously, her brand continued to generate income through the sales of her perfumes, jewelry auctions, and the use of her likeness in various media. Her enduring legacy ensures that her estate remains financially prosperous, even years after her passing.
FAQs About Elizabeth Taylor
How Did Elizabeth Taylor Amass Her Fortune?
Elizabeth Taylor accumulated her wealth through her successful acting career, business ventures, and perfume line.
What Were Her Most Successful Movies?
Some of her most successful films include Cleopatra, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
How Many Times Was Elizabeth Taylor Married?
She was married eight times to seven men, including Richard Burton, Conrad Hilton Jr., and Mike Todd.
What Charitable Work Was Elizabeth Taylor Known For?
Elizabeth Taylor was a leading advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and co-founded the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
What Was Her Jewelry Collection Worth?
Her jewelry collection was valued at over $150 million, including iconic pieces like the Taylor-Burton Diamond.
What Was Elizabeth Taylor’s Perfume Line?
Her most famous fragrance, White Diamonds, became one of the best-selling celebrity perfumes of all time, generating over $1 billion in sales.
How Did Her Philanthropy Impact Her Legacy?
Taylor’s dedication to HIV/AIDS activism greatly enhanced her legacy, making her a beloved figure both in Hollywood and the global philanthropic community.
Where Was She Born?
She was born in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, on February 27, 1932.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Taylor’s life was filled with achievements both on and off the screen. I encourage you to dive deeper into her remarkable financial journey and legacy. Feel free to explore more content or leave your thoughts in the comments on AndoMoney.