Who Was Elizabeth Taylor, The Hollywood Icon Whose Life Inspired Taylor Swift’s Song

Taylor Swift has finally released her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Friday, October 3. Released through Republic Records, the 12-track album marks the beginning of a new era for the singer.

Ever since she debuted her new music, fans have been trying to decipher the meaning of the lyrics in her songs. One track that has particularly caught the attention is Elizabeth Taylor, a nod to one of Hollywood’s most legendary stars.

In her song, the pop star appears to address the actress as if she were a friend who had experienced similar heartbreak while living under constant scrutiny. Fans speculate that Elizabeth Taylor reflects the singer’s own journey, navigating the pressure of being a celebrity. And if you are wondering who Elizabeth Taylor was, look no further. We have got you covered.

Who Was Elizabeth Taylor?

Elizabeth Taylor was a British-American actress known for her striking beauty, impressive acting skills and tumultuous personal life. Born in 1932 in London, she began her acting career as a child in the 1940s, much like Taylor Swift, who began her music career at a very young age. She was catapulted to fame in the 1950s after starring in films such as Father of the Bride and A Place in the Sun. Elizabeth became the world’s highest-paid actress by the 1960s.

She even won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in Butterfield 8 (1960) and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). Apart from these, the actress, whose career spanned over six decades, is also remembered for playing Egyptian queen Cleopatra in the film of the same name. The role cemented her name as one of the best in the industry.

Besides her career, Elizabeth Taylor’s personal life, especially her tumultuous marriage to actor Richard Burton, was constantly in the public eye. Called Liz and Dick by the media, the pair starred together in 11 films and led a lavish lifestyle, spending on diamonds, designer clothes, travel, food, liquor, and more. Besides Richard, Elizabeth’s seven other marriages with hotel heir Conrad Hilton, actor Eddie Fisher, and politician John Warner, among others, also garnered public attention.

Later in her life, Elizabeth emerged as a passionate activist, co-founding the American Foundation for AIDS Research and establishing The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Survived by four children, the actress passed away in 2011 in Los Angeles.

Taylor Swift’s “Showgirl” Connection To Elizabeth Taylor

The singer appears to draw spiritual inspiration from the late actress in the song Elizabeth Taylor. The word “Showgirl” reflects the intense, unrelenting and often lonely existence of celebrities, who are always performing in front of the public. Through the track, Taylor Swift appears to draw a connection across generations of women in the show business, highlighting their struggles living under the spotlight.