Elizabeth Taylor's First Love: The Turbulent Beginnings
Elizabeth Taylor's journey to fame and fortune was filled with complex relationships and turbulent marriages. While many attribute her first love to Nicky Hilton, a hotel heir, her complicated relationship with Hilton marked the beginning of a series of tumultuous unions that would shape her life.
From Innocence to Betrayal
When Elizabeth Taylor married Nicky Hilton in 1951, she was just 18 years old, while he was 23. The marriage was not the fairy tale it appeared to be from the outside. Geraldine Fitzgerald, Taylor's demanding stage mother, and the MGM publicity department played significant roles in the union. While it is suggested that the match was part of a publicity stunt to enhance Taylor's image, the reality was far from a "perfect" marriage.
Hilton was known for his abusive behavior, described as a "gambler, drunkard, and womanizer." Their honeymoon, though brief, set the tone for their troubled relationship. Taylor returned home after just two weeks, unable to tolerate Hilton's constant drunkenness and gambling. Despite this, she separated from him rather than filing for divorce, at least initially. This period marked a pivotal moment in Taylor's life, as she sought independence from her controlling mother.
Heidis of Hopes and Frustration
Following her brief marriage to Hilton, Taylor went on to marry several more men, each union filled with its own set of complexities. One such marriage was with the older British actor Michael Wilding. Despite his fame and success, the relationship was not a good fit. They eventually divorced amicably, marking a significant period in Taylor's life.
Then came the chance encounter with the 47-year-old producer Mike Todd. Their heated affair was evident, and they eventually married. It is widely noted that Taylor met her match in Mike Todd. While Todd was originally meant to be an actor, Richard Burton convinced him to take on a more serious role in the film industry. Even renowned actor Richard Burton acknowledged that Todd was indeed perfect for Elizabeth. However, Todd's untimely death in a plane crash mere months after their marriage cut their happiness short and left Taylor devastated.
A Surprising Return and a Scandal
Struggling to move on from Todd's loss, Taylor found solace in her grief. However, her life took an unexpected turn when Eddie Fisher, Todd's best friend and the father of Carrie Fisher, sought to reconnect with Taylor. Eddie Fisher, who was married to Debbie Reynolds at the time, divorced her to marry Taylor, leading to a scandal that made headlines in the 1950s. This event added another layer of turmoil to Taylor's personal life.
A Lasting Impact of Nicky Hilton
Regardless of the magnitude of her subsequent marriages, Nicky Hilton remains the starting point of Taylor's journey. He was not her ideal partner, but he was the first to challenge her and set the tone for the rest of her life. Hilton's abusive behavior and drinking problems set the stage for a series of more stable yet possibly less fulfilling marriages.
After the divorce from Hilton, Nicky went on to marry twice more and father two children. His life was ultimately wasted on alcohol-related causes, and he passed away at the young age of 42.
Despite the challenges, Nicky Hilton's role in Taylor's young life cannot be overlooked. It was a period of growing independence and a testament to the complex nature of her personal and professional life.