Elizabeth Taylor's Feuds: The Greatest Rivalries of Her Career
Elizabeth Taylor, a legendary Hollywood actress, was known not only for her remarkable talent and elegance but also for the notable feuds she engaged in throughout her life. These rivalries were often sensationalized and consumed public attention, revealing the complex and often bitter side of her persona.
The Feud with Debbie Reynolds
The most famous and publicized feud of Elizabeth Taylor's career was with actress Debbie Reynolds. This conflict was primarily fueled by Taylor's relationship with Eddie Fisher, who was Reynolds' husband at the time. In 1959, Fisher left Reynolds for Taylor, leading to a highly publicized scandal. This event not only damaged the relationship between Taylor and Fisher but also strained Reynolds' marriage and career.
The media coverage of the scandal did nothing to mitigate the tension. Both actresses' careers were affected, and the feud remained a topic of public interest long after the initial fallout. Although both parties eventually reconciled in later years, the intense drama of the time marked one of the most significant feuds in Taylor's life.
The Feud with Richard Burton
Another notable and infamous feud was with her second husband, Richard Burton. The couple had a volatile relationship, filled with arguments and dramatic incidents. Their on-screen affair in the film The V.I.P.s in Rome only intensified the public's scrutiny and the tension between them.
One of the most well-known instances of their conflict occurred during the filming of The V.I.P.s. When Taylor discovered Richard's affair with Sybil Burton, she flew back to London, where she was filming another film, Butterfield 8. Written about later in the magazine Motormouths, the incident involved a tumultuous confrontation between Taylor, Burton, and Sybil Burton. It is a testament to the drama and intensity of their relationship.
Other Notable Feuds
Elizabeth Taylor's feuds extended to other actresses as well. She had disagreements and tension with Natalie Wood and Ava Gardner, but these conflicts did not receive the same level of media attention as her feud with Debbie Reynolds and the subsequent one with Richard Burton.
Despite these tumultuous periods in her life, Elizabeth Taylor's talent and flare kept her at the forefront of Hollywood. Her personal life was often more exciting than her screen roles, making her a true icon of the entertainment industry.