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Liz Taylor: The First Paparazzi Magnet

New biography offers a 'yummy' look at the actress who truly mastered fame

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2009 10:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – Elizabeth Taylor, whose affair with Eddie Fisher was more scandalous than the Brad-Jen-Angelina triangle can ever hope to be, is “a pioneer for the Madonnas and Lindsay Lohans of today, women whose personal lives occupy more of the public imagination than does their creative work,” writes Laura Miller in Salon. As William J. Mann’s new biography How to Be a Movie Star makes clear, Taylor was—and still is, as evidenced by her use of Twitter—a master of the celebrity game.

The husband-stealing Taylor was one of the first stars to enjoy 24-hour publicity—and she did seem to enjoy it, flaunting her affair with Richard Burton. Mann’s “eminently yummy entry” in the Elizabeth Taylor canon is an enjoyable look at the woman who just wanted “to lounge around on yachts and in luxury hotels, chowing down on fried chicken with ‘lots of gravy’ and waking up to a Tiffany's box on her pillow on a fairly regular basis. Acting, fame and a few of her marriages were little more than means to those ends.”

Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher whilst on holiday in Venice.
Elizabeth Taylor with husband Eddie Fisher whilst on holiday in Venice.   (Getty Images)
1962:  Welsh actor Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) with his co-star and future wife, Elizabeth Taylor in the epic drama 'Cleopatra'.
1962: Welsh actor Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) with his co-star and future wife, Elizabeth Taylor in the epic drama 'Cleopatra'.   (Getty Images)
Elizabeth Taylor is an expert at being famous.
Elizabeth Taylor is an expert at being famous.   (Getty Images)
circa 1945:  Headshot promotional portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor.
circa 1945: Headshot promotional portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor.   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
jpsea1
Oct 20, 2009 1:40 AM CDT
she's great!
Rocket448
Oct 19, 2009 6:40 AM CDT
Ms. Taylor was a star among stars. Her violet-colored eyes snapped and glistened long before Photoshop was there to color them. Just as Marilyn was the queen of sex, Elizabeth was the queen of hearts. She's still able to draw attention like a magnet. What a woman.
schmidtkoff
Oct 19, 2009 4:48 AM CDT
i love dame elizabeth. from national velvet to the taming of the shrew and on and on she's one of the last biggest and greatest film stars. what a beauty. another national treasure.

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