Elizabeth Taylor: Weight Struggles & Hollywood's Reaction!

Was the iconic Elizabeth Taylor, a symbol of Hollywood glamour, immune to the pressures and insecurities that plague even the most celebrated figures? Absolutely not. Her journey with weight fluctuations, scrutinized and sensationalized by the media, reveals a surprisingly human side to the legendary actress.

The world watched Elizabeth Taylor transform from a slender, enchanting young star into a woman whose weight became fodder for relentless tabloid headlines. This shift, particularly pronounced during her marriage to politician John Warner from 1976 to 1982, marked a significant turning point in how the public perceived her. No longer the ethereal beauty of "Cleopatra" or "A Place in the Sun," she became a subject of ridicule, with comedians like Joan Rivers making her weight a central theme of their acts. The narrative shifted from admiration to judgment, highlighting the often-cruel standards imposed on women in the public eye. While many remember her for her violet eyes and unmatched talent, those closest to Taylor also recall her persistent struggles with her weight and the often-vitriolic reaction it provoked.

Life in Washington, D.C., away from the bright lights of Hollywood, proved isolating for Taylor. While Warner dedicated himself to his senatorial duties, Elizabeth found herself increasingly alone and adrift. This isolation, coupled with the pressures of a high-profile marriage, led her down a path of seeking solace in food and other substances. The contrast between her glamorous past and her increasingly sedentary and unhappy present was stark. It was during this period that her weight gain became most noticeable, fueling the media frenzy that followed.

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But Taylor, ever resilient, fought back. In the 1980s, she embarked on a weight-loss journey, shedding an impressive 55 pounds. This transformation wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about regaining control of her life and pushing back against the relentless scrutiny she faced. In 1987, she documented her experiences and shared her strategies in a diet book titled "Elizabeth Takes Off." The book became a bestseller, offering readers a glimpse into her personal struggles and providing practical advice for those seeking to manage their own weight. The book reflected her daily schedule and would be easy to rearrange to suit your own.

The book, published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, wasn't just a collection of recipes and exercise tips; it was a deeply personal account of her battles with weight, self-esteem, and the pressures of fame. Taylor's honest reflections on her struggles and triumphs made the book relatable and motivational for many. She didn't shy away from discussing her vulnerabilities and the emotional challenges that often accompany weight gain and loss. In many ways, "Elizabeth Takes Off" was a form of defiance, a way for her to reclaim her narrative and offer hope to others facing similar struggles.

While Taylor eventually regained her health and lost a significant amount of weight, her struggles continued. During her fifth marriage, she once again experienced weight gain, ballooning to over 180 pounds before dieting down to 122. At one point, she even reached 118 pounds, but, as she famously declared, she "put on some flesh in a hurry!" after realizing she was losing her bust. This anecdote encapsulates her pragmatic and self-aware approach to her image. She understood the power of her physical presence and wasn't afraid to manipulate it to her advantage. In an unmissable 1987 interview with Elizabeth Taylor by Anne Taylor Fleming, originally published in the October 1987 issue of Vogue, Taylor openly discussed her weight and the media's obsession with it.

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The media's treatment of Taylor during her weight fluctuations was often harsh and unforgiving. Kim Kardashian, Sharon Stone, and other contemporary celebrities have spoken out about the "fat shaming" that Taylor endured, highlighting the damaging effects of such public scrutiny. The jokes and comments, while seemingly harmless on the surface, contributed to a culture of body shaming that continues to plague society today. They reinforced the idea that a woman's worth is tied to her appearance and that any deviation from societal norms is grounds for ridicule.

Taylor's experience underscores the complex relationship between fame, body image, and public perception. Her weight gain was not simply a personal matter; it became a public spectacle, dissected and judged by millions. The constant pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards took a toll on her, both emotionally and physically. But Elizabeth Taylor, the rebel superstar, refused to be defined solely by her weight. She continued to act, advocate for important causes, and live life on her own terms. She was a force to be reckoned with, defying expectations and challenging the status quo.

It's important to remember that when overweight, each type of beauty changes its physiognomy in a completely different way. With romantic women, body fat is accumulated in all the round lines of the body. However, the waist is still narrower and defined. In Taylor's case, even with weight fluctuations, her inherent beauty and charisma shone through. She possessed a unique combination of vulnerability and strength that captivated audiences for decades. Her struggles with weight, while often exploited by the media, ultimately revealed her humanity and made her even more relatable to her fans.

The 1950s and 60s marked the peak of Taylor's career. She began her career as a child actress in the early 1940s and was one of the most popular stars of classical Hollywood cinema in the 1950s. In 1957, Taylor met producer Michael "Mike" Todd, the man who would become her third husband when she was 24 and he was 45. Many biographers of Taylor name Mike Todd as her soulmate. Their whirlwind romance and lavish lifestyle captivated the world. He showered her with jewels and affection, and she seemed genuinely happy during their brief time together. His tragic death in a plane crash in 1958 devastated Taylor, leaving her heartbroken and vulnerable.

In the wake of Todd's death, Taylor found solace in the arms of Eddie Fisher, Todd's best friend and husband of Debbie Reynolds. Their affair caused a major scandal, tarnishing Taylor's image and leading to widespread condemnation. She was labeled a "homewrecker" and faced intense public scrutiny. However, she seemed unrepentant, driven by a deep emotional connection to Fisher. They married in 1959, but their relationship was short-lived, ending in divorce in 1964.

First came Cleopatra in 1963, a role that further cemented her status as a screen icon. For the first time, Elizabeth felt the textile spanning dangerously around her curves, and the first signs of wobble made it a bit difficult to play the role as an Egyptian goddess. It was during this period that her personal life became increasingly intertwined with her professional life. Her tumultuous relationship with Richard Burton, her co-star in "Cleopatra," became one of the most highly publicized romances of the 20th century. They married in 1964, divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again in 1976. Their passionate and volatile relationship captivated the world, and their on-screen chemistry was undeniable.

After her marriage with Richard busted up in 1976, Elizabeth married senator John Warner on the rebound that same year. Already a household name in Hollywood, Elizabeth Taylor's reign on the big screen was beginning to fade by the late '80s and '90s. Her career peaked between the '40s and '70s, however, 30 years of hard work and dedication had taken a toll. Her struggles with weight, combined with the changing landscape of Hollywood, contributed to her gradual decline in popularity. However, she remained a beloved figure, admired for her talent, beauty, and philanthropic efforts.

Elizabeth Taylor passed away in 2011 at the age of 79. Her legacy extends far beyond her filmography. She was a trailblazer, a survivor, and an advocate for causes she believed in. Her struggles with weight, while often exploited by the media, serve as a reminder that even the most glamorous figures are not immune to the challenges of body image and self-esteem. Her honest reflections on her struggles and triumphs make this book both relatable and motivational.

There were many jokes about Elizabeth and her weight. Joan Rivers, a legendary comedian known for her sharp wit and biting humor, once posed the question, is elizabeth taylor fat? Her favorite food is seconds. on the surface, this quote may seem like a simple joke, poking fun at taylor. For a period in the 1980s, jokes about elizabeth taylors midlife weight gain were joan rivers bread and butter. Her favorite food is seconds.) Rivers would make many jokes about Elizabeth.

There were also other jokes that were in poor taste, such as: Mosquitoes see elizabeth taylor and scream buffet! elizabeth taylor pierced her ears and gravy ran out. Elizabeth taylors so fat, she puts mayonnaise on her aspirins. Elizabeth taylor was so fat that whenever she went to london in a red dress, thirty passengers would try to board her. Elizabeth taylor is so fat, she puts mayonnaise on aspirin. If kate winslet had dropped a few pounds, the titanic would never have sunk. You want to get cindy crawford confused? I'm looking foriiiiward to getting fat. Her favorite food is seconds.

Her story remains relevant today, reminding us to be more compassionate and understanding towards those who struggle with their weight and body image. She was, and remains, an icon. She was a woman of immense talent and beauty who lived life on her own terms, defying expectations and leaving an indelible mark on the world.