The Fiery Romance: Richard Burton And Elizabeth Taylor's Unforgettable Marriage
The world watched, captivated, as the tumultuous and passionate love affair between two of Hollywood's biggest stars unfolded. The story of the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor marriage is not just a tale of two actors, but a saga of love, luxury, and undeniable chemistry that captivated the globe for decades. Their union, often dubbed "the marriage of the century," was a whirlwind of dramatic highs and lows, cementing their status as Hollywood royalty.
From their scandalous beginnings on a film set to their two walks down the aisle, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s relationship was a public spectacle, yet intensely personal. It was a romance as fabled as the plots they acted out together on screen, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history and the public imagination. This article delves into the captivating journey of their legendary bond, exploring its origins, its defining moments, and its lasting legacy.
Table of Contents
- Biography: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
- The Fated Meeting on Cleopatra (1962)
- A Whirlwind Romance and Media Frenzy
- The First Marriage: March 15, 1964
- The Opulent Lifestyle and Shared Passion
- Challenges and the First Divorce (June 1974)
- A Brief Reunion: The Second Marriage (1975)
- The Legacy of Liz and Dick
Biography: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
Before their paths famously intertwined, both Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were already titans in their own right, celebrated for their immense talent and captivating screen presence. Their individual journeys to stardom laid the groundwork for one of the most iconic partnerships in Hollywood history. Elizabeth Taylor, born in London in 1932 to American parents, began her acting career as a child star. By the time she met Burton, she was already a colossal figure in cinema, known for her striking beauty and powerful performances in films like *National Velvet*, *A Place in the Sun*, and *Butterfield 8*, for which she won her first Academy Award. Her personal life, marked by several marriages, was as scrutinized as her professional one. She had walked down the aisle multiple times, and her previous relationships, such as her marriage to Michael Wilding, highlighted her strength as a primary financial provider, a role that sometimes challenged traditional norms. The profound grief she experienced after the death of her third husband, Mike Todd, even cast a cloud over her subsequent marriage, with Taylor famously refusing to part ways with Todd’s diamond ring, accepting an engagement bracelet from Eddie Fisher instead. Richard Burton, born Richard Walter Jenkins in Pontrhydyfen, Wales, in 1925, was a revered Welsh stage actor before achieving global fame in Hollywood. His powerful voice, commanding presence, and intense performances in films like *Look Back in Anger* and *The Robe* established him as a formidable dramatic actor. He was known for his intellectual prowess and his passion for literature, traits that would later deeply connect him with Taylor. Both actors were well-known and highly respected in their fields, setting the stage for a monumental collision of talent and personality.Personal Data: Elizabeth Taylor
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor |
| Born | February 27, 1932 |
| Birthplace | Hampstead, London, England |
| Died | March 23, 2011 (aged 79) |
| Occupation | Actress, businesswoman, humanitarian |
| Spouses | 8 marriages, 7 husbands (Richard Burton twice) |
| Children | 4 (2 biological, 1 adopted, 1 stepchild) |
| Notable Awards | 2 Academy Awards, Cecil B. DeMille Award |
Personal Data: Richard Burton
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Richard Walter Jenkins Jr. |
| Born | November 10, 1925 |
| Birthplace | Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot, Wales |
| Died | August 5, 1984 (aged 58) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Spouses | 5 marriages (Elizabeth Taylor twice) |
| Children | 2 biological, 2 adopted |
| Notable Awards | Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award |
The Fated Meeting on Cleopatra (1962)
The genesis of the legendary Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor marriage can be traced back to 1962, on the lavish and notoriously over-budget set of the epic film *Cleopatra*. This was where the world was introduced to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton as a couple. Both actors, already married to other people at the time, were cast in the leading roles – Taylor as the enigmatic Queen of the Nile and Burton as her Roman lover, Mark Antony. The chemistry between them, both on and off screen, was immediate and undeniable. Their initial interactions were reportedly tense, with Burton initially finding Taylor somewhat intimidating. However, this soon gave way to an intense attraction. The set of *Cleopatra* became the crucible for their burgeoning romance, a place where their characters' on-screen passion mirrored their real-life desires. The film, despite its troubled production, would forever be synonymous with the beginning of their extraordinary love story. The sheer scale of the production, combined with the star power of its leads, ensured that any developments in their personal lives would be magnified under the intense glare of the global spotlight.A Whirlwind Romance and Media Frenzy
As their love affair ignited on the set of *Cleopatra*, news soon got out, causing an unprecedented media frenzy. The public was utterly captivated by the scandalous romance between two of the most recognizable faces in the world. Headlines screamed, paparazzi swarmed, and the affair became a topic of global discussion, even drawing condemnation from the Vatican. This was more than just a celebrity romance; it was a cultural phenomenon. The duo, who met while filming 1961's *Cleopatra* (though the film was released in 1963), embarked on a relationship that defied conventions and shattered societal expectations. Both Burton and Taylor were still married to their respective partners – Burton to Sybil Williams and Taylor to Eddie Fisher. The intensity of their connection, however, proved stronger than any existing commitments. This period was characterized by dramatic public appearances, passionate arguments, and lavish displays of affection, all meticulously documented by an insatiable press. Their love was raw, public, and utterly compelling, setting the stage for what would become one of the most talked-about unions in history.The First Marriage: March 15, 1964
After a period of intense public scrutiny and eventually divorcing their respective partners, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton made their union official. On March 15, 1964, Elizabeth Taylor wed Richard Burton in Montreal. The ceremony was intimate, performed by a Unitarian minister, a stark contrast to the grand scale of their public personas. At the time, Elizabeth was 32 years old, and Burton was 38. Their wedding marked the union of two stars whose love was as legendary as their careers. When Elizabeth and Richard finally married in 1964, Hollywood was abuzz. This wasn't just another celebrity wedding; it was the culmination of a romance that had scandalized and enthralled the world. For nearly a quarter of a century, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were Hollywood royalty, and their fiery romance – often called "the marriage of the century" – was the most notorious, publicized, and celebrated love affair of its day. Their first marriage would last for a decade, a period filled with shared films, immense wealth, and a bond that, despite its challenges, was intensely devoted. Burton, who wrote in 1971, "I love Elizabeth to the point of idolatry," often presented Taylor with jewels, a testament to his profound affection and their shared love for opulence.The Opulent Lifestyle and Shared Passion
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were known for many things, and their opulent lifestyle was definitely one of them. Their combined wealth and lavish spending habits became as legendary as their acting careers. They accumulated an astonishing collection of art, yachts, and, most famously, jewels. Burton's gifts to Taylor, including the 69.42-carat Taylor-Burton Diamond and the La Peregrina Pearl, were not merely expensive presents but symbols of his deep adoration and their shared passion for beauty and luxury. These magnificent tokens of love further fueled the public's fascination with their extraordinary lives. Beyond the material wealth, their bond was strengthened by shared passions. They continued to collaborate on screen, appearing in films such as *The Sandpiper* in 1965, and the critically acclaimed *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* (1966), which earned Taylor her second Academy Award. Their performances in this film, portraying a warring couple, were so raw and believable that many speculated it mirrored their own tumultuous relationship. They shared a love for literature, intellectual conversation, and a mutual understanding of the pressures of fame. Their marriage wasn’t without challenges, but they remained intensely devoted to each other, often retreating to their private world of luxury and intellectual pursuits to escape the constant glare of the public eye.Challenges and the First Divorce (June 1974)
Despite the profound love and devotion that characterized the Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor marriage, their relationship was famously tumultuous. Their fiery personalities often clashed, leading to highly publicized arguments and periods of separation. The intensity that fueled their romance also contributed to its volatility. The pressures of constant media scrutiny, their demanding careers, and their own complex personalities created a whirlwind of emotions that was difficult to sustain. After a decade of marriage, the strain became too much. Burton and Taylor divorced in June 1974. This separation sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among their legions of fans, who had come to view them as an inseparable unit. The end of their first marriage marked the close of an iconic chapter, leaving many to wonder if such a passionate connection could ever truly be severed. It was a testament to the depth of their bond that even after ten years, their separation was met with widespread sadness, underscoring just how deeply ingrained they had become in the public consciousness as a single entity: Liz and Dick.A Brief Reunion: The Second Marriage (1975)
The story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, however, was far from over. The couple famously reconciled and remarried on October 10, 1975, in Kasane, Botswana. This second attempt at marriage was a testament to the unbreakable, almost magnetic pull they had towards each other. Elizabeth Taylor walked down the aisle eight times during her life, but the only man she married twice was fellow actor Richard Burton, highlighting the unique and unparalleled nature of their connection. Their remarriage, though celebrated by many, was brief. The same intense personalities and external pressures that had led to their first divorce resurfaced, proving that even the most profound love could not always overcome fundamental incompatibilities. While their reconciliation offered a glimmer of hope for a lasting union, it ultimately proved to be a fleeting one. In 1975, they married briefly again, but this second chapter lasted only a few months before they once again decided to part ways, filing for divorce for the second and final time in 1976. This second separation truly marked the end of their marital journey, but not the end of their enduring legacy.The Legacy of Liz and Dick
The tumultuous relationship between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, their marriages, and his legacy as a celebrated actor continue to fascinate audiences decades later. For well over a decade, they were the world's most talked-about couple, their lives a constant source of public intrigue and admiration. Their story is meticulously documented in works like Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger's definitive book, *Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century*, which documents the couple’s torrid and unforgettable journey. Their impact extends beyond their personal lives. Together, they represented an era of Hollywood glamour, excess, and raw emotion. Their on-screen collaborations are cinematic classics, and their off-screen drama provided endless material for the media, shaping the very concept of celebrity power couples. Even after their final divorce, their mutual respect and affection for each other remained evident. Elizabeth Taylor always spoke fondly of Burton, acknowledging the profound impact he had on her life. The Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor marriage remains a touchstone for discussions about love, fame, and the complexities of human relationships, a testament to a bond that was truly larger than life. Their story serves as a timeless reminder of how two powerful individuals can create a legacy that transcends their individual achievements, forever intertwined in the annals of history.The saga of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is a captivating exploration of love in the spotlight, a story that continues to resonate with its blend of passion, drama, and undeniable star power. Their journey, from the scandalous beginnings on *Cleopatra* to their two marriages and eventual separations, paints a vivid picture of a bond that defied norms and captivated the world. What aspects of their extraordinary relationship do you find most compelling? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore more articles about Hollywood's golden age on our site!
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Lady Be Good: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton photographed...
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, 1964
ELIZABETH TAYLOR; RICHARD BURTON. 1964 Stock Photo - Alamy
