In the annals of Hollywood history, few stories are as captivating as the scandalous affair between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor during the filming of the 1963 epic, Cleopatra. This tumultuous love story, which unfolded under the watchful eyes of the world, not only rocked their personal lives but also sent shockwaves through the film industry. The affair was so scandalous that it even drew the attention of the Vatican. Let’s delve into the dramatic saga that unfolded on and off the set of Cleopatra.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor: A Love Story Amidst the Ruins of Marriages
The sparks between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor ignited on the set of Cleopatra in Rome in December 1961. Both were married at the time – Taylor to Eddie Fisher and Burton to Sybil Williams. However, their magnetic attraction was undeniable, and soon, their affair was the talk of the town.
The affair had immediate repercussions, with their respective marriages crumbling under the strain and the film set becoming a hotbed of tension and drama. The scandalous affair was such enormous news that it consumed not just their lives but also the entire production of Cleopatra, creating a spectacle that the world watched with bated breath.
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The Scandal Amplifies: International Attention, Family Outrage, and Health Crises
The Burton-Taylor affair was not just a Hollywood scandal; it became an international sensation. The Vatican condemned their relationship, and the media couldn’t get enough of their passionate romance. Burton, known for his flamboyant personality, once brazenly declared,
“Gentlemen, I’ve just f***ed Elizabeth Taylor in the back of my Cadillac!”
The affair also incited fury in Burton’s brother, Ifor, who was so enraged that he physically assaulted Burton. A Cleopatra crew member stated,
“Ifor beat the living sh** out of Burton for what he was doing to Sybil. Beat him up so that Richard couldn’t work the next day. He had a black eye and a cut cheek.”
Amidst this turmoil, Taylor’s health deteriorated, leading to multiple hospitalizations and sparking controversy over the cause of her injuries. The scandalous affair was a whirlwind of passion, drama, and controversy that left no one untouched.
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The Aftermath and the Enduring Love: From Marital Breakdowns to an Unforgettable Romance
The affair led to the dissolution of their respective marriages, paving the way for Burton and Taylor to marry each other in 1964. However, their relationship continued to be tumultuous, marked by a passionate love, but also intense arguments. They divorced in 1974, only to remarry in 1975, but their second marriage also ended in divorce. Despite the tumult, their love for each other endured. Taylor once confessed,
“I was still madly in love with him the day he died. I think he still loved me, too.”
This saga of passion, scandal, and enduring love between Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor remains one of the most captivating stories in Hollywood history. Their affair, which began on the set of Cleopatra, not only changed their lives, but also left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Source: Express
