Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift: A Platonic Friendship that Defied Hollywood Norms
Were Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift ever married? The answer is no. They were, indeed, very close friends in the celluloid world of Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Their dynamic and the influence they had on each other cannot be understated. However, their relationship was platonic and never took the form of a romantic marriage or partnership. Clift, a prominent figure in Hollywood, was gay, and Taylor herself knew several closeted gay men, including Rock Hudson and Roddy McDowall.
Montgomery Clift: A Closeted Pioneer
Montgomery Clift was gay, a fact he kept hidden from the public during the era of Hollywood. Although many industry insiders knew the truth, Clift had to maintain the facade of heterosexual masculinity. This kept him dealing with the constant pressure of hiding his true self. Nevertheless, he found strong platonic bonds with several fellow actors, and Elizabeth Taylor was one of the most significant.
Elizabeth Taylor, known for her groundbreaking career and iconic status in cinema, was also aware of and close friends with other gay men in the industry. She often shared stories of these friendships in interviews and documentaries, affirming the bonds that existed beyond mere surface-level interactions.
A Deep Friendship with Romantic Subtext
When Taylor and Clift worked together on the film A Place in the Sun in 1949, both actors were deeply drawn to each other. Though Clift was exclusively homosexual, their relationship remained platonic. Clift mentioned to a friend that if he hadn’t been gay, he and Taylor would probably have been lovers. This insight into their intricate emotional bond underscores the complexity of their friendship.
The iconic A Place in the Sun (1951) featured a dancing scene directed by George Stevens that symbolized the mutual admiration and attraction between the two. This scene captured the intensity of their friendship, blending a romantic subtext with a platonic relationship.
Sustaining Their Friendship through Challenges
Over the years, Taylor and Clift's friendship withstood numerous challenges, including personal and professional crises. In 1956 during the filming of Raintree County, Clift was involved in a serious car accident. If not for Taylor's quick intervention, Clift might have choked to death from the broken teeth that got stuck in his windpipe. These incidents highlighted the deep trust and support they had for each other.
The Lasting Legacy of Their Friendship
Years later, Taylor's influence and star power helped Clift secure a role in the 1959 Tennessee Williams drama Suddenly Last Summer. This role significantly impacted Clift's career and demonstrated the long-lasting impact of their friendship on Clift's life. Their relationship ended with Clift's untimely death in 1966 at the age of 45, but their legacy lives on in the unique and powerful connection they shared.
Conclusion
Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor's relationship stands as a testament to the bonds that can form in the complex world of Hollywood. Though they never married, their friendship in the early 1950s was one of the most impactful and celebrated in the history of cinema.