This man, the grandson of a celebrated star, entered the spotlight not for fame, but for a far more meaningful reason. Raised away from Hollywood’s glitz and glamor, he shares his grandmother’s striking eyes and is her look-alike in more ways than one.
This guy’s grandmother, the first female actress to earn $1 million after her role in “Cleopatra,” was an outstanding entertainer, known for her striking beauty, fashion sense, business acumen, philanthropy, and unique status as a sex symbol.
The actress in a scene from the movie “Love Is Better Than Ever,” circa 1952 | Source: Getty Images
Unlike Marilyn Monroe or Brigitte Bardot, her status as a sex symbol stemmed from her acting prowess. After years of dedication to the industry, she emerged as one of Hollywood’s most powerful matriarchs.
Another interesting fact about the star was her marriage to seven men. Her romances often topped the headlines — she was married eight times, twice to the same man, Richard Burton.
The actress sits on a sofa kissing her fifth husband while he leans over her on their first wedding day, on March 15, 1964 | Source: Getty Images
Despite what the world saw, her loved ones described her differently. The “Giant” star was a fantastic mother to four kids: Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.
The actress is sighted swimming with her husband and daughter, circa October 1963 | Source: Getty Images
She also had ten grandkids, including Laela, Naomi, Caleb, Andrew, Tarquin, Lowell Wilding, Rhys and Quinn Tivey, Elizabeth Carson (adopted), and Richard McKeown, all of whom she loved and inspired with her style.
When the world celebrated Women’s History Month in March 2021, two kids of Taylor’s first child, Michael Wilding Jr., who witnessed their grandmother’s love, revealed their fond memories of her.
The actress and her husband with their children Michael, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Maria while on vacation on the French Riviera in 1965 | Source: Getty Images
While speaking to TODAY correspondent Dylan Dreyer, one of the granddaughters, Naomi, reminisced about sitting on the floor of her grandmother’s dressing room and looking at her while she got dressed.
The actress sitting at the dressing table, circa 1950 | Source: Getty Images
According to Naomi, Taylor’s fame did not limit her from being the best grandmother. She was hospitable and loving. The actress loved her real-life role as much as the ones played on the big screens.
The actress on the set of “Cleopatra” with one of her co-stars, circa 1963 | Source: Getty Images
Being a grandma, the renowned star did not spoil or indulge her grandkids. Her granddaughter admitted that she loved to teach them family values. In her words:
“[My grandma] had an idea that she was responsible for raising the younger generations in the family, you know. It was important to her that she instilled those values in us too.”
The actress pictured with kids on April 11, 1961 | Source: Getty Images
The entertainer was as passionate at home as she was in front of the cameras. Naomi confirmed her grandmother’s principles involved the “idea of following your heart and being true to whatever love you have — not to be afraid of being hurt.”
The “Elephant Walk” alum showed love to her family and conveyed her feelings to her lovers. Her granddaughter later discovered love letters and never-before-seen photos, which were included in her biography.
The Hollywood diva posing on a sofa at her home in Los Angeles, California, circa April 1987 | Source: Getty Images
Besides treating those around her with an open heart and compassion, the seasoned actress reached out to the sick and needy. Her values were reflected in her activism, as she dedicated herself to making the world a better place.
The Actress’s Devastating & Sudden Demise & Her Family’s Reaction
On March 23, 2011, the groundbreaking actress passed away at the age of 79. The sad news came after she had spent six weeks in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in Los Angeles. She battled complications from congestive heart failure, diagnosed in 2004.
A fan places flowers on the actress’s star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California on March 23, 2011 | Source: Getty Images
For many years, she suffered health problems, including a brain tumor, osteoporosis, a stroke, scoliosis, and respiratory illness, and was admitted to the hospital many times.
The actress, suffering from staphylococcus pneumonia, is being carried into the exclusive London clinic on March 4, 1961 | Source: Getty Images
Despite these past challenges, the British-American star persevered, recovering after each hospital visit. In 2009, she boldly assured fans that she was hale and hearty, irrespective of what the tabloids said. According to her:
“Dear friends, my heart procedure went off perfectly. It’s like having a brand new ticker.”
The actress is sighted sitting in a car in Glendale, California, on September 3, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, six months before her death, her condition got the better part of her physically. She became frail and moved around in a wheelchair, but surprisingly, the actress maintained her wits. Her mind remained sharp, and during an early birthday party in her Bel-Air home, she raised the glass and exclaimed, “I’m not dead yet!”
The actress in a wheelchair for a performance of the stage play “The Little Foxes,” circa 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Even though the star felt weak, she declined further surgery, and two months later, she passed away. This death devastated her friends and family, as they believed she would beat the illness.
Sally Morrison, a close friend, and final publicist shared, “She’d come back from the brink so many times. We all expected her to do it again. So in that sense it was a shock when she didn’t.”
Sally Morrison in Beverly Hills, California, on March 20, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
In a sincere tone, the actress’s son, Michael, confirmed they were sad about the loss. However, he resounded his mother’s achievements in film, business, and activism, claiming that her legacy would live on. In his words:
“Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts.”
Michael Wilding Jr. and Brooke Plance sighted on May 19, 1986, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The Actress’s Grandson Inherited Her Eyes and Heart
The Hollywood star we’re referring to is none other than the iconic Elizabeth Taylor. Quinn Tivey is one of the late actress’s ten grandkids. Even though he did not inherit his grandma’s acting prowess, they have much in common: their eyes and passion for charity.
Actress Elizabeth Taylor in 1955 | Source: Getty Images
Quinn, the eldest son of Liza Todd, grew far away from Hollywood in a rural town but enjoyed family time with Taylor, who loved having everyone around during the holidays.
Quinn Tivey on December 13, 2018, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Like his cousin, Naomi, he never struggled for attention from the famous movie star; at home, she was just his grandma, charming everyone around with love. One of his fond memories involved them watching TV.
Quinn Tivey and Naomi Wilding on October 24, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Quinn recounted, “We would lay in bed together, watching movies, chatting — she would give me advice. Those are some of the ways I remember her most.”
Quinn Tivey on September 15, 2022, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the years that have gone by since her death, Quinn feels inspired by the notable figure. To him, his grandmother was “a strong, trailblazing, rule-breaking woman who got what she wanted and did things on her own terms.
Elizabeth Taylor at the 42nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 27, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
He added, “[She was] never afraid to speak her mind, while always acting with courage and compassion. That’s inspiring to me.”
Elizabeth Taylor in New York on July 22, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
Quinn has proved this by being dedicated to activism — he is the trustee of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, has carried on her legacy, and is confident that she would be proud of him.
