Old Hollywood Inspiration: Elizabeth Taylor

She was born in 1932, in Hampstead, England.

Although born in the UK, her parents were American and moved back to the USA when Taylor was 7.

A family friend suggested that Taylor be taken for a screen test, as he though she was beautiful enough to be in the pictures. It worked, and she was signed to Universal soon after.

She was dropped by Universal after only one film, but MGM recognised her potential and signed her to be in 'Lassie Come Home', on the strength of the success of this movie, they extended her contract to a full year.

Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s she starred in hits such as 'National Velvet', 'Life With Father', 'Rhapsody' and 'The Last Time I Saw Paris'

In 1955 she made 'Giant' with James Dean who died before the films release.

In 1958 came 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof', which saw Taylor nominated for an academy award.

After this time Taylor had a break from movie making following her oscar win in 1960, eventually returning in 'Cleopatra' which boasted being the most expensive movie production at that time.

She won her second oscar in 1966 in 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' but soon after her following roles never seemed to live up to her awarding winning performance.

Her health began to fail during the 1990's and into the millenium, after the removal of a brain tumor, several hip replacements, a form of skin cancer, heart failure and pneumonia.

Taylor died in March 2011.