Elizabeth Taylor Husbands In Order: A Look At A Hollywood Legend's Loves

Libby Bode 17 Aug 2025

Elizabeth Taylor, a name that still echoes with the grandeur of old Hollywood, was, as a matter of fact, a true icon, known not just for her stunning violet eyes and incredible movie career, but also, it's almost, for her famously intricate personal life. She was, you know, married an astonishing eight times, a detail that often fascinates fans and historians alike. This remarkable series of unions, including a very notable double marriage, really tells a compelling story of passion, loss, and the ever-changing landscape of celebrity culture in America.

Her romantic journey, quite frankly, was followed with as much fervor as her acclaimed film roles. Each marriage, in a way, added another layer to her public persona, shaping the narrative of a woman who lived life, very much, on her own terms, often in the public eye. The world watched, fascinated, as she navigated the joys and sorrows of love, all while maintaining her legendary status. So, this article aims to lay out the full story, detailing each of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in the precise order they appeared in her life.

From her earliest steps into matrimony to her final union, her romantic experiences saw, you know, so many highs and lows. There was, for instance, the intense, sometimes rather stormy, connection with Richard Burton, and then, too, the heartbreaking loss of a husband in a tragic incident. Her life, honestly, was a vivid tapestry of emotional experiences, reflecting, in some respects, the very essence of Hollywood drama. We'll explore all eight of Elizabeth Taylor's marriages here, offering a clear breakdown of the men who shared her life.

Elizabeth Taylor: A Brief Look at Her Life
Personal Details and Bio Data
The Marriages of Elizabeth Taylor: Husbands in Order
Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Taylor's Marriages

Elizabeth Taylor: A Brief Look at Her Life

Elizabeth Taylor, a figure of immense renown, became, you know, a legend for a multitude of reasons, not least of which were her striking violet eyes and her extraordinary career in motion pictures. Her life story, in a way, unfolded on the grandest of stages, with every triumph and challenge playing out under the intense glare of public scrutiny. She was, quite literally, born into the spotlight, and her journey through the entertainment world was nothing short of remarkable, captivating audiences for decades. Her talent, as a matter of fact, was undeniable, securing her place among the greatest actors of her time, and really, she was just, so, a force of nature.

Beyond her cinematic achievements, Taylor's personal life, particularly her numerous marriages, captured the imagination of the world, perhaps even more so than her on-screen roles. It was, you know, a story that unfolded with all the drama and emotion of any Hollywood script, filled with passionate connections, unexpected turns, and, sadly, moments of profound loss. The public, quite frankly, was deeply invested in her romantic escapades, following each development with keen interest. Her ability to love so openly, and to commit so fully, even repeatedly, made her, arguably, a very human figure, despite her larger-than-life celebrity. She was, in some respects, a symbol of resilience, always seeking happiness, no matter the cost.

Her passing on March 23, 2011, marked the end of an era, but her legacy, you know, certainly endures. By the time of her death, she hadn't, in fact, been married since 1996, indicating a period of quieter personal life in her later years. Yet, the memory of her seven husbands and eight marriages, the Hollywood drama that surrounded them, and the sheer force of her personality, remains very much a part of her enduring appeal. Her life, to be honest, was a testament to living fully, experiencing both immense joy and deep sorrow, all while captivating the world. She was, simply put, a star in every sense of the word, whose personal narrative was as compelling as any film she ever made.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor
Known For	Violet eyes, movie career, multiple marriages
Number of Husbands	Seven
Number of Marriages	Eight (married Richard Burton twice)
Date of Death	March 23, 2011
Last Marriage Ended	1996

The Marriages of Elizabeth Taylor: Husbands in Order

Elizabeth Taylor's romantic journey was, in a way, a public spectacle, with each marriage adding another chapter to her compelling life story. Her love life, you know, was followed as closely as her film career, generating countless headlines and fueling Hollywood gossip. It was, quite frankly, a saga of seven husbands, eight marriages, and a whole lot of drama that unfolded over several decades. The sequence of these unions, very much, tells a story of evolving personal desires and the pressures of being a global celebrity. Let's take a closer look at each man who, in some respects, shared a piece of her extraordinary life, in the order they came.

1. Conrad Hilton Jr.

Elizabeth Taylor first stepped into the world of matrimony with Conrad Hilton Jr., a hotel heir, in 1950. This initial union, you know, marked her entry into adult life and was, perhaps, her first taste of the intense public interest in her romantic affairs. The marriage, however, was, to be honest, quite brief, lasting less than a year. It was, in a way, a quick beginning and end to her marital adventures, setting a pattern of passionate, yet sometimes fleeting, connections that would characterize her future relationships. This early experience, you know, certainly hinted at the dramatic romantic path she would ultimately tread.

The short duration of this marriage, in some respects, showed the challenges of being a young star, very much, under constant observation. For a woman as famous as Elizabeth Taylor, even her first marriage, quite frankly, became a significant event, widely discussed and analyzed. It was, you know, a very public start to what would become a series of high-profile unions, each one adding to her legend. This union, though brief, was, actually, the very first chapter in the long and often complicated story of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, establishing a precedent for the public's fascination with her personal life.

2. Michael Wilding

Following her brief first marriage, Elizabeth Taylor found love again with Michael Wilding, an English actor. This relationship, you know, represented a different phase in her life, moving from a hotel heir to someone deeply immersed in the world of film, much like herself. Their connection, arguably, offered a sense of shared understanding, given their similar professional paths. It was, in a way, a more mature step for Taylor, who was still quite young but growing into her immense fame. The dynamic of this marriage, you know, was, perhaps, a bit calmer than some of her later, more tempestuous unions, providing a period of relative stability for the blossoming star.

Their time together, while not without its own set of challenges, really helped shape Taylor's public image as someone who, you know, truly sought deep connection and companionship. This marriage, as a matter of fact, was another significant step in her journey, demonstrating her willingness to commit fully to relationships, even as her celebrity continued to grow. The public, naturally, continued to follow her every move, including this union, which, in some respects, was seen as a more conventional Hollywood pairing. So, Michael Wilding became the second entry in the compelling list of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, contributing to the unfolding narrative of her romantic life.

3. Michael Todd

Elizabeth Taylor's third husband was Michael Todd, a dynamic and flamboyant film producer. This marriage, you know, brought a different kind of energy to her life, characterized by a whirlwind romance and, frankly, a larger-than-life presence. Their connection was, arguably, very intense and passionate, often making headlines for its sheer vibrancy. Todd, in a way, matched Taylor's own fiery spirit, creating a powerful partnership that captivated the public's imagination. It was, you know, a period of immense happiness and creative collaboration for her, as she found a partner who seemed to understand her drive and ambition.

However, this particular chapter in her life, sadly, ended in profound tragedy. The loss of her third husband, Michael Todd, in a very sudden and tragic accident, deeply impacted Elizabeth Taylor. This devastating event, you know, marked a significant low point in her romantic life, bringing immense sorrow and grief into her world. It was, in some respects, a moment that truly tested her resilience, forcing her to confront an unimaginable loss publicly. The public, quite frankly, mourned with her, recognizing the depth of her pain. This heartbreaking end to her third marriage, you know, remains a poignant part of the story of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and love.

4. Eddie Fisher

The marriage to Eddie Fisher, a popular singer, followed the tragic death of Michael Todd and, you know, became famously controversial. This union, as a matter of fact, involved a very public love triangle, which captivated and, arguably, shocked the world. Fisher was, in fact, married to Taylor's close friend, Debbie Reynolds, at the time, making their sudden romance a subject of intense scrutiny and widespread public discussion. It was, you know, a period of immense media frenzy, with every detail of the unfolding drama dissected by tabloids and news outlets. The controversy, in some respects, only amplified Taylor's already considerable fame, cementing her image as a woman who followed her heart, no matter the societal norms.

This particular relationship, quite frankly, showcased the immense power of Hollywood gossip and the public's insatiable appetite for celebrity scandal. Taylor, already a superstar, found herself at the center of a moral debate, yet she pressed on with the marriage. The union with Eddie Fisher, you know, added another complex layer to her public narrative, demonstrating her willingness to defy expectations and pursue love on her own terms. It was, in a way, a tumultuous period, further illustrating the highs and lows of her romantic journey. So, Eddie Fisher became the fourth name on the list of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, a relationship forever linked to one of Hollywood's most talked-about love triangles.

5. Richard Burton (First Marriage)

The relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton was, quite simply, legendary, a passionate and, frankly, stormy affair that began on the set of a film. They fell in love, you know, while working together, and their immediate, undeniable chemistry ignited a spark that would define a significant portion of both their lives. Their first marriage, which lasted from 1964 to 1974, was, in a way, a whirlwind of intense emotion, grand gestures, and very public arguments, all played out under the relentless glare of the world's media. It was, you know, a partnership that often seemed to burn with an almost uncontrollable intensity, fascinating everyone who witnessed it.

This Welsh actor and Taylor, you know, created a dynamic that was both intoxicating and, arguably, tumultuous. Their love story became, in some respects, the epitome of Hollywood romance and drama, characterized by deep affection intertwined with dramatic conflict. They were, frankly, two colossal personalities who found an equally colossal love, which, to be honest, was both their greatest joy and their biggest challenge. This first union with Richard Burton, you know, stands out as a pivotal chapter in the saga of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, demonstrating the profound impact one person can have on another's life, even amidst the chaos of immense fame.

6. John Warner

Following her initial separation and divorce from Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor married John Warner, a prominent political figure. This marriage, you know, represented a shift in her romantic landscape, moving away from the intense, often volatile, world of Hollywood actors to the more structured, albeit equally public, sphere of politics. It was, in a way, a different kind of challenge for Taylor, as she adapted to the demands of a political spouse's life. The union, arguably, brought a period of relative calm after the dramatic highs and lows of her relationship with Burton. She was, you know, trying a different path, perhaps seeking a different kind of stability.

Her time with John Warner, you know, certainly put her in a new kind of spotlight, interacting with a different set of public expectations and responsibilities. While her film career had, in some respects, slowed down, her public profile remained incredibly high, now intertwined with the political arena. This marriage, to be honest, showed another facet of Taylor's adaptability and her ongoing quest for companionship and connection. So, John Warner became the sixth name on the list of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, marking a distinct phase in her storied romantic history, away from the immediate glare of the movie sets she knew so well.

7. Larry Fortensky

Elizabeth Taylor's seventh and final husband was Larry Fortensky, a construction worker. This marriage, you know, was, in a way, quite different from her previous unions, particularly given Fortensky's background outside the glitzy world of Hollywood or politics. It was, arguably, a relationship that surprised many, demonstrating Taylor's willingness to connect with people from all walks of life, and, frankly, to follow her heart wherever it led. Their union, which began later in her life, was, in some respects, a testament to her enduring belief in love and companionship, regardless of societal expectations or celebrity status. She was, you know, still very much seeking a partner to share her life with.

This particular marriage, you know, showed a more private side of Elizabeth Taylor, as she entered a relationship that was, perhaps, less about public spectacle and more about personal connection. It was, in a way, her last official walk down the aisle, concluding a long and very public journey through matrimony. By the time she died in 2011, she hadn't been married since 1996, indicating that this union was her final attempt at finding lasting marital happiness. So, Larry Fortensky holds the distinction of being the seventh and last individual on the comprehensive list of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, bringing her remarkable marital saga to a close.

8. Richard Burton (Second Marriage)

In a truly remarkable turn of events, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, you know, married each other twice. After their first passionate, yet stormy, marriage ended in 1974, they rekindled their romance and, frankly, tied the knot again in 1975. This second union, which lasted until 1976, was, in a way, a testament to the undeniable and powerful bond they shared, a connection that, arguably, transcended the usual boundaries of love and divorce. It showed, quite clearly, that despite their previous struggles, they were drawn back to each other, unable to fully let go of their profound connection. Their decision to remarry, you know, certainly fascinated the world, adding another layer of intrigue to their already legendary love story.

Their second marriage, while brief, further cemented their status as one of Hollywood's most iconic and tempestuous couples. The Welsh actor and Taylor, you know, had a love that was so intense, so consuming, that even a divorce couldn't completely sever the ties between them. It was, in some respects, a final attempt to make their extraordinary relationship work, a very public display of their enduring affection and their inability to stay apart. This unique double marriage, to be honest, makes their story particularly compelling, highlighting the deep emotional currents that ran between them. So, Richard Burton appears twice on the list of Elizabeth Taylor's husbands in order, a singular distinction that truly underscores the unique nature of their shared history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elizabeth Taylor's Marriages

How many times was Elizabeth Taylor married?

Elizabeth Taylor was, you know, famously married eight times throughout her life. This included, as a matter of fact, two separate marriages to the same man, Richard Burton. So, while she had eight marriages, she actually wed seven different men, which, you know, is quite a number for anyone, let alone a global superstar. Her marital history is, arguably, as well-known as her film career, captivating the public for decades.

Who was Elizabeth Taylor's first husband?

Elizabeth Taylor's first husband was, you know, Conrad Hilton Jr., who was, in fact, a hotel heir. They were married in 1950, when she was still very young. However, this union was, to be honest, quite short-lived, lasting less than a year. It was, in a way, her first foray into matrimony, setting the stage for a very public and complex romantic life that would follow. This initial marriage, you know, certainly kicked off her long journey through love.

Did Elizabeth Taylor marry Richard Burton twice?

Yes, Elizabeth Taylor did, in fact, marry Richard Burton twice. They were first married from 1964 to 1974, and then, after a brief separation and divorce, they remarried in 1975, with that second union lasting until 1976. This unique double marriage, you know, really highlights the intense and passionate connection they shared, making their relationship one of the most famous and, arguably, dramatic in Hollywood history. Their love, to be honest, was so powerful, it drew them back together, even after a split. Learn more about Elizabeth Taylor's life on our site, and for more celebrity stories, you can always check out our other articles.

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Elizabeth Taylor Husbands In Order: A Look At A Hollywood Legend's Loves

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