From Vanity Fair · Estrella Albendea Ruiz · · 50s
Elizabeth Taylor's Mother Shaped Her Life
Elizabeth Taylor's mother controlled her career and personal life from childhood.
In brief
Elizabeth Taylor's mother controlled her career and personal life from childhood. Elizabeth Taylor's mother Sara Sothern shaped her early career and life choices. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Early Life
Elizabeth Taylor was born in England to an American family in 1932.
Hollywood Beginnings
Taylor started ballet lessons at age three and made her film debut in 1940.
Mother's Influence
Sara Sothern pushed Taylor into Hollywood to fulfill her own unfulfilled acting dreams.
Early Career
Taylor landed her first film role at age 10 in There’s One Born Every Minute.
Family Tensions
Taylor's father became abusive, causing her lifelong TMJ issues.
Personal Rules
Sothern taught Taylor she could not sleep with any man until married.
Childhood Struggles
Taylor described her childhood as lonely after her parents spent all her earnings.
The takeaway
Elizabeth Taylor's mother Sara Sothern shaped her early career and life choices.
