Father and daughter's tenderness, Liza Todd Burton and Richard Burton

Pictures added on 4th January 2025

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As a child, when Liza Burton, daughter of Elizabeth Taylor, referred to Mike Todd, she called him "Father". She used to call Richard Burton, her stepfather, "Dad". 

In his diaries, Richard Burton is happy to write the moment she stopped calling him "Richard": " "1968, October, Wednesday 9th -Liza seems to have decided ever since Kate was here to call me ‘dad’ while baby Maria still calls me Richard or Rich. [. . .]

Their moving links started in 1962 with the movie Cleopatra when he met his greatest and forever love, her mother, Elizabeth Taylor.

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Life Magazine 18 December 1964 - The most beautiful pictures of father and daughter

The journalist from Life Magazine came to Puorto Vallarta to interview Elizabeth Taylor. 

Among other great pictures of the family's happiness, he took the cutest pictures of Liza Todd and Richard Burton (below). 

However, one of his comments was wrong - or the whole family was, if we are to believe Life Magazine:

"It is a familiy joke that Liza, Taylor seven-year-old daugther by Mike Todd, will someday own the movie industry."

But his next comment on the "three pictures" looks accurate: "Here she uses her formidable wiles to soothe the prentented anger of Richard Burton."  

Liza's sight of pure love for her stepfather Richard Burton... As a reward, he gives her an exclusive actor's representation! (photo Life December 1964)

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The Producer Mike Todd, Liza's father

Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, the producer of Around the World in 80 Days, married on February 2, 1957.

Elizabeth Frances Todd, "Liza",​​​​​ was born prematurely on August 6, 1957.

Third wedding of Elizabeth Taylor, with Mike Todd, in Acapulco, Mexico, February 2, 1957. Eddie Fisher was the Best Man, and Debbie Reynolds the matron of Honor. Mike Todd and Elizabeth Taylor, at the opening of Cannes Film Festival, May 8th 1957, for his movie "Aroung the World in 80 Days".- Elizabeth Taylor with her two sons Michael and Christopher Wilding, and Mike Todd.

The birth of Liza Todd, in August 1957, with her mother Elizabeth Taylor, makes the front cover of Life Magazine, November 4, 1957.

Elizabeth Taylor and the toddler Liza Todd, Mother and daughter first intimacy in front of the eyes of Life Magazine in its November 4 1957 issue.

Mike Todd introduces to her brothers Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding their new-born sister Liza Todd in Elizabeth Taylor's hospital room. (photograph Toni Frissell, August 1957) - Such happy family!

August 1957. Complicity between a father and daughter, Mike Todd admiring his new born Liza, with Christopher Wilding.

The violet eyes of total love of Elizabeth Taylor for her husband Mike Todd, embracing their daughter Liza Todd, August 1957.

1957, September 3, AP wire release: - New York - Liza makes camera debut - Mike Todd lends a helping hand as little Liza Todd leaves Harkness Pavilion hospital here today in the arms of her mother, actress Elizabeth Taylor. The parents came here from their Connecticut home to pick up Liza, born prematuraly August 6. (AP Wirephoto)

First intimate times between a father and daughter : Liza Todd and Mike Todd (The Lost Tapes 2024).

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Death of Mike Todd, greatest love of Elizabeth Taylor and father of Liza

Seven months later, Liza's father Mike Todd died when his plane "The Liz" crashed on March 22, 1958, over Grantz, North Mexico. Horrible loss from which Elizabeth Taylor never recovered. 

Burial of Mike Todd, at Forest Park, Illinois, April 5th 1958. (Paris-Match April 5th,1958, n°469) -

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Eddie Fisher, Liza first stepfather

Liza Todd had a first stepfather, Eddie Fisher, singer and friend of Mike Todd, who married Elizabeth Taylor on May 12, 1959.

Sad Elizabeth Taylor, after the death of her beloved Mike Todd, and their daugther, Liza Todd.

Mother and Daughter, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd - On the set of Suddenly Last Summer, with Montgomery Clift -

1959 May 29, London, Heathrow Airport - Christopher and Michael Jr. Wilding, and baby Liza Todd, in a car after Elizabeth and Eddie Fisher have flew in for making a movie. -

Mother and daughter, pure profiles of Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd, on the cover of Esquire Magazine and on Motion Picture (1960)

Liza Todd safely in the arms of her mother Elizabeth Taylor while her son Christopher (?) is holding her hand.

1959 11th September, New York, at Idlewild Airport. Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher have just returned from a four-month honeymoon in Europe. With two-years-old Liza, Christopher and Michael Wilding.

Liza Todd as cute as a china doll, and her stepfather Eddy Fisher.

The family Taylor/Fisher - 1959, in Cannes, Eddie Fisher holding Liza Todd in his arms - Elizabeth Taylor and her sons Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding. 1960 16th August, in New York, Madison Square Garden, at the Ringling Brothers circus: Eddie Fisher, Elizabeth Taylor, and Liza Todd entertained by the clown of the circus Paul Young. (photo Bettmann)

Moments of intimacy between Eddy Fisher and his stepchildren : Liza Todd, Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding, and.. the cat.

1960 November 30 – “Liza Todd wears a turban as a baby Cleopatra to pose for her stepfather Eddie Fisher, at their London home. Liza’s mother is starred as the famed queen of the Nile in a film but her illness has held up part of the production in England. She is expected back on the set next week.” (AP Wirephoto Nov 30 1960)

1961 April 11, Los Angeles: Christopher and Michael Jr. Wilding arrive from London to see their mother Elizabeth Taylor who has just recovered from her fatal-illness.

April 1961. Liza admire a golden sculpture (she will become later a talented sculptor herself.) It is the Oscar for Best Actress her mother Elizabeth Taylor has just be given by the 37th Academy Awards for her role in BUtterfield 8.

On 1961, August 18, AP wire cable release:: "Fisher adopts Todd's daughter - Los Angeles, California: Actress Elizabeth Taylor and her husband singer Eddie Fisher, appear in court August 17th where Fisher adopted four-year-old Liza Todd, daughter of Elizabeth Taylor's late husband. The actress said their family will go to Rome August 25th where she will complete her work on the film Cleopatra. (credit UPI Telephoto)

1961, October 1, London, the family Taylor / Fisher go to the Bertram Mill's Circus. Mother and daughter wear matching Christian Dior coats. (Photo by Express Newspapers) -

1961, September 6, Naples, Italy - Liza seems to wear a folkloric italian outfit,. With her brothers Michael Jr and Christopher.

Mother and children do window-shopping in Gstaad : Elizabeth Taylor with Liza, Christopher and Michael Jr - Another day with her mother and Liza, Elizabeth Taylor holds Maria in her arms.

The complicity and love between mother and daughter, mother and sons - In Gstaad, Elizabeth Taylor with her children, Michael, Christopher, and Liza who offers her a flower.

1962 December, London, Heathrow Airport - With their nanny, Liza, Maria, Christopher and Michael Jr will spend Christmas with their mother.

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Richard Burton, "en famille", at the head of six children from two reunited families

Then, in January 1962, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton shot their first scene together in Rome. 

The most passionate love affair of the century began. Even through two divorces and three later separate marriages with other spouses, their love remained deep in their hearts until Richard Burton's death in 1984, on the 5th of August.

Everything changed for two families and their children.

Richard Burton had two daughters with his first wife Sybill: Kate and Jessica. Jessica was born on 29 November 1959. Sadly, Jessica was trapped in the silent prison of autism and schizophrenia, and she had been put into a specialized institution.

Kate, born on 10 September 1957, is the same age as Liza Todd, He loved his genetic daughter dearly and kept the strongest fatherly tights with her until the end.  In July 1984 they shared the pleasure of acting together on "Ellis Island" He was very proud of her. At first, he was intimidated to shoot a scene with her because he was "seeing" himself when he looked at the actress opposite him! This was Richard Burton's last role before his death on 5 August 1984.

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor adopted a daughter together, Maria, born on 1st August 1961, a German baby. The adoption formalities were carried out though by Eddie Fisher and Elizabeth at the time of their marriage. 

Richard insisted on adopting Liza Todd, the daughter of Mike Todd. Therefore, she bears both names: Liza Todd Burton.

When she married Richard Burton, Elizabeth already had two other children of her own from her previous marriage to British actor Michael Wilding: Michael Wilding Jr, born on 6 January 1953, and Christopher Edward Wilding, born on 27 February 1955.

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Elizabeth Taylor has always granted Richard Burton to be the best stepfather ever for all her children. He loved them deeply and cared for them, far after their final divorce, until his end.

Liza Todd and Kate Burton - The children of the couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton proudly show their artworks : Maria Burton, Christopher Wilding, Michael Jr. Wilding, Liza Todd.

1965. Liza gaze in those two pictures is so expressive!. In their chalet of Gstaad, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, with their family: Liza Todd, Christopher and Michael Jr. Wilding, Kate Burton, and... their dog. photographer Bob Willoughby

The head of the family, the head of the dining table! Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, surrounding with their children: Liza Todd, Kate Burton, Christopher and Michael Jr. Wilding, and Maria Burton (hidden in the left corner of the image).

In the South of France, near Saint Raphael. while shooting the second part of The Comedians (after Dahomey), Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, embarked inside a jeep with their family: Liza Todd, Maria Burton, Christopher and Michael Jr. Wilding, and the dog. (Phograph Bob Penn)

En famille ! From left, Michael Wilding Jr., Richard Burton, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Burton, and... a dog. (photograph Bob Penn) That happy day's picture was used by the magazine Gaceta Illustrata, dated 4 August 1968, to title "Elizabeth won't be able to bear a baby anymore."

Another family's ride in a small jeep, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor are enjoying their day with their family : Liza, Maria, Michael Jr., Christopher. In a small car, Richard with a heavy beard, driving with Liza, Kate and Maria

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Richard Burton, mesmerized by Elizabeth Taylor's daughter

In Richard Burton's diaries in the 1965s, he writes that he is mesmerized by the beauty of the little child, and wonders why he loves her so much. He ends by concluding that it is probably because Liza is Elizabeth's child. 

“I cannot take my eyes off Liza. Her eyes are the most beautiful I've ever seen and I love her to the point of pain. Perhaps because she's so like her mother.” 

“This day is going to be a rough one but I shall be gentle. Liza is coming with me which is always a blessing. I love this child. I hope to Christ that she knows that I do. She must. She must. When this creature says something nice to me, un-asked for, I blossom like a cherry-tree. In spring. I mean Spring. And now the child-monster has arrived and is kissing her mother and it's time go to work.”

 

Liza Todd as a child: the eyes of her father Mike Todd, the intensity of the Elizabeth Taylor's gaze.

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March 30, 1962 - On the set of Cleopatra : Liza Todd

It happened one day, on 30 March 1962, in Rome, on the stage of Cleopatra. 

Elizabeth Taylor's children, Liza, Christopher and Michael Jr. came to visit their mother who was filming with Richard Burton. Elizabeth's mother might have been the one who was in charge of that visit because she is in the background of one of these pictures. Baby Maria was not there..

Paul Schutzer, the photographer, spent some time on the set for his magazine LIFE. All pictures shown here are by him / LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock.

"A memo from LIFE reporter George Caturani in Rome to the LIFE offices in New York, dated 30 March 1962, reads in part: "Herewith seven rolls of undeveloped black and white taken by [Paul] Schutzer ... on the set of "Cleopatra" and in Burton's dressing room. ... . . Liz looks completely relaxed on the set. Whatever the relationship between Liz and Burton [their affair during the filming of "Cleopatra" is now the stuff of Hollywood legend], they've decided to make the fact that they enjoy each other as obvious as the famous nose on the famous Cleopatra's face". (LIFE website, https://www.life.com/arts-entertainment/elizabeth-taylor-photos-from-a-legendary-life/)

Before taking photographs of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton playing Cleopatra on stage, Paul Schutzer photographed them during a break. Elizabeth still - already? - wearing part of her dress and jewellery. Richard Burton wears a robe before putting on his Roman uniform.

Paul Schultzer emphasized his interest in Liza Todd, the daughter of Mike Todd and Elizabeth Taylor. Probably because he found that the little girl with her big eyes and sweet face was captivating. 

Liza's mother is very affectionate with her, playing with her hair, covering it with a scarf, and cuddling her on her knees. 

Richard Burton joins them. The photographer Paul Schutzer has the talent to capture the birth of a sweet relationship between the little girl and the man who would become her stepfather. The actor looks already fascinated by Elizabeth Taylor's child.

In one of the first pictures below, you can see that it is Liza who pulls her mother's friend by his arm, because she wants to see the dragon!  

There are so many pictures of the Cleopatra film on the internet that I have collected the ones where Elizabeth Taylor's children come to see their mother off stage, especially the day of the visit by the Life magazine journalist. I have tried to reconstruct the shooting in chronological order. 

Mother / daughter sweet relationship: Elizabeth Taylor plays with Liza Todd while her two sons, Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding are playing on a ladder.

Mother / daughter sweet relationship: Elizabeth Taylor plays with Liza Todd while her two sons, Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding are playing on a ladder. Richard Burton comes and joins them.

While Liza Todd is seated on her mother's lap, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton chat together.

What an intense gaze Richard Burton and Elizabeth exchange on that picture! While he is bending towards Elizabeth, Liza Todd looks mesmerised by her mother's friend Richard Burton.

While talking to Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton holds Liza Todd on his lap.

Liza Todd pulls Richard Burton's arm to push him to stand up.

Liza Todd and Richard Burton are on their way to discover the dragon of Cleopatra.

Richard Burton is the personnal tourist guide of Liza Todd for explaining the decor of Cleopatra movie.

1962, March 30, on Cleopatra set: Richard Burton, Liza Todd and the dragon.

Richard Burton, as Mark Antony, chats with Liza Todd. Life Magazine, April 13, Blazing new page in the Legend of Liz - Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor on Cleopatra set.

On the set of Cleopatra, in Roma - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, surrounded by the children: Liza Todd, Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding.

Liza Todd seated at the right of Cesar, leaded by Marc Antony - who talks to Cleopatra! Liza, Rex Harrison, Richard Burton and Elizabeth with their costumes, on the set of Cleopatra. (The picture has been slightly "corrected" for hiding letters written in the middle.)

On the set of Cleopatra, in Roma - Richard Burton carries Liza in his arms and laughs with Elizabeth Taylor

On the set of Cleopatra, in Rome: Liza Todd, a well-behaved little girl, shakes hand with the Director of the movie, Joseph Mankiewicz. The boys Michael and Christopher are impressed by the boss of their mother - Joseph Mankiewicz chats with Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher, while Liza is seated on her stepfather's lap.

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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, From September 22 1963 

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were still married to their spouses when they arrived to Mexico, coming from Toronto, to spend some time in the house which would become, for a long time, the "nest love".

Richard Burton was there to film The Night of Iguana, directed by John Huston. 

Their emotional and physical passionate tights reached summits under the sun of Puorto Vallarta.  

Liza was staying with her mother. Her sons came later. Probably Maria was there too. 

September 22 1963, brief stop in Toronto before flying to Mexico. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Liza Todd on his lap - September 23 1963, Mexico airport: Elizabeth Taylor keeps her arm tightly around Richard Burton as Liza Tood clings to his neck on arrival at the airport. The stars were besiged by a pressing throng. Arrival at Mexico airport. From one plane to another: Liza Todd with her mother Elizabeth Taylor.

Puerto Valarta - Supported by her lifebuoy and surrounded by her mother Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Todd has fun challenging Richard Burton with her eyes.

Mother and daugher under the sun's heat. Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd,. The magazine Woman's day, dated August 24 1964, used that moment of happiness at the beach, with Liza and her mother for titling : "Liz fights to give her daughter Burton's name".

Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Liza Todd, Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding have fun on the beach in Mexico, October 1963 or Early 1964.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, end of 1963. Liza Todd enjoys a ride on a dunkey under the watchful eye of Richard Burton.

Puerto Vallarta, end of 1963. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton take a break in a small café. Liza Todd is happy and relaxed on Richard Burton's lap. Richard Burton feeds Liza Todd with a spoon, but she does not look to appreciate this exotic food.

For Richard Burton, Liza Todd is the greatest star of The Night of the Iguana on this picture, surrounded by Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr and Sue Lyon. (photograph Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures / Diltz )

In their hourse of Puerto Vallarta: Liza Todd is watching Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor playing cards.

Masterpieces of artistic photographs enhancing Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd's beauty! - French magazine Elle in 1964

Richard Burton having a "serious" conversation with his stepdaughter Liza Todd Burton.

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Complicate relationships between Richard Burton and Liza Todd Burton

When he officially adopted Maria in 1964, bearing his name, Maria Burton, he also adopted Liza, whose official name turned to be Liza Todd Burton. 

But Liza Todd was not the real daughter of Richard Burton, and sometimes he made it known in a harsh way.

In his diaries, at the time he was shooting the movie "The Battle of Sutjeska" about Tito in Yugoslavia, he ended up to be cruel with Liza's feelings.

This is recalled in the book "Furious Love" by Sam Kashner: 

 "Trying to stay away from drinking was difficult around Elizabeth. He was feeling the strain of sobriety, the boredom of the shoot, and noticing with concern how Elizabeth seemed to give in to a deep lassitude now that she wasn’t working. One day, he just snapped when fourteen-year-old Liza asked him if they could keep the dog they were using in the film."

Comments on that episode in "Richard Burton Diaries":

Here is what he writes about it in his diaries: " I had been very cruel to Liza this morning – viciously so. She had said that I ought to keep the film dog with me at all times while I was doing the work.  I said the bloody dog was so infatuated by his master that he would whine and scratch all night and in any case I said the bloody master was reluctant even to have me tickle his ears. Liza said ‘But he’s your dog.’ And out of that cesspool of cold cruelty which some people call a brain came ‘Don’t be bloody stupid. He’s no more my dog than you are my daughter.’ Liza was as brave as hell and said with a strained little laugh ‘That was very nice.’ E was quite rightly livid and I wanted to cry or slit my jugular. I did neither except compound the crime by snarling at E upstairs that Liza was so insensitive that she was probably impervious to such an insult. I am so ashamed of myself for saying such a terrible thing to a creature that I love so blindingly and love her in a crazily compounded fashion. I love her for being Elizabeth’s alter ego, for being lovely and so loving, for her pretty ruthless determination to get what she can get away with, for her genuine and occasionally staggering beauty and for the fact that though like me she cannot express it in so many words from some inborn refusal to give herself away I am pretty certain that she loves me. I could have cut out my vile tongue with a blunt razor. From what twisted root did that bastard tree grow? I do it again and again. In most cases where I maul and savage a victim I can generally account for it in some way. How can I attack myself so unbelievably – it is I who insists that she be Liza Todd Burton. It is I who boast about her beauty, her horsemanship, her good reports at school and even her bad ones. ‘Her spelling is sometimes amusingly phonetic.’ Just like her bloody mother to the T.
Eventually, I made it up with them both. But ’taint good enough."

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The relationship between Richard Burton and Liza Todd analyzed by Roger Lewis in "Erotic Vagrancy"

The inspiration and imagination of the great novelist and biographer Roger Lewis, in his book published by Riverrun in 2023, "Erotic Vagrancy", goes too far in a twisted kind of way, in my opinion, , but I give you his text below, even if it adds worthless hints to a deep and natural relationship between a father and a child, identical to the ones Richard Burton had with his other children - by blood, Kate, or adoption, Maria - and of course Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding. 

Hereunder is the full text of Roger Lewis in Erotic Vagrancy:

"In his diaries, the references to Liza Todd are, if candid aberrant: "I have developed a love for that child that is in danger of becoming obsessive" ; I cannot take my eyes off Liza. Her eyes are the most beautiful I've ever seen and I love her to the point of pain." (June 1969 when she was twelve.)"  

"When she's fourteen, he has a conversation with her about masturbation, "a perfectly normal part of growing up". At Christmas 1971, "Liza is a bundle of energy and I spoil her with shamelessness though I have to mentally belt her now and again."

"At Taylor's fortieth birthday party in Budapest, the following February, Liza "gave me thounderous goodnight kisses, several to each side of the face". 

"When Ivor dies, Burton writes, on 23 March 1972: "Sweet Liza is here which makes up for a great deal of the pain."

"What are we being asked to accept? In 1979, he bought her a car and an apartment, Kate Andersen Browner informs us in her Taylor biography." (full citation of Roger Lewis' text in "Erotic Vagrancy", Riverrun edition.).  

Full text by Kate Anderson Brower, in The Grit and Glamour of an Icon, on this subject:

"Even though she wasn't talking about him as much, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard were still in each other's lives, much like any couple trying to coparent their children. In response to a letter from their lawyer, Aaron Frosch, explaining that Richard had bought Liza a car, paid for an apartment, and given her a weekly allowance, Elizabeth wrote, "if Richard wants to be the "Big Daddy" to Liza (and it seems to me he already has by presenting these items), it's O.K. by me."

"In a separate letter from her lawyer to Richard she wrote in the margins: "I'd like to see Richard's reply to this - He does tend to go ahead and do things for my kids without letting me know- which is very generous- but rather confusing." (end of citation of Kate Anderson Brower, The Grit and Glamour of an Icon, Harper Collins Publishers.

Roger Lewis, in Erotic Vagrancy, ended this topic on Elizabeth Taylor's comment:" Quite so." 

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Roger Lewis seems to forget that this was the natural behaviour of Richard Burton with his family.

He was a generous man and bought houses for all his siblings as soon as he could afford it.

Most of all, he was a dedicated father equallyfor all his children or stepchildren. There is no doubt that he also bought apartments and cars for his biological daughter Kate and his adopted daughter Maria. He was probably also very generous to his stepsons Michael Jr and Christopher Wilding.

As for his other daughter Jessica lIving in a special institution,  there is a very well-endowed trust fund that is believed to have grown to well over $10 million to provide for 65-year-old Jessica’s care. (I have not been able to find the exact source of that info though.)

1964 Richard Burton holding Liza on his lap on the sofa. The picture was taken at Elizabeth Taylor's parents house in late 1964 when they were in the Los Angeles area filming exteriors for The Sandpiper.

Arriving at an unknown airport, Richard Burton is carefully holding the arm of Liza Todd Burton, who looks like a princess in her fancy pretty dress.

1963, England, Surrey - On the set of "Becket" at Shepperton Studios: Elizabeth brought her daughter Liza and her sons Christopher and Michael Jr. to see Richard Burton in rehearsals. The stage hairdresser takes care of her. Richard Burton hugs one of his stepsons. He put Christopher on his film's horse. Liza sounds to worry for her brother because her forehead is furrowed.

1963, England, Surrey - On the set of "Becket" at Shepperton Studios: sweet "mother and daughter" moment, captured by the photographer Eve Arnorld.

The artistic maestria of the photographer Eve Arnold enhancing the sweetness of motherhood : Elizabeht Taylor, Liza and Michael in 1963 in Surrey, England while Richard Burton was shooting Becket.

Liza Todd is playing like all little girls while her famous mother Elizabeth Taylor is talking with someone about her script.

In a restaurant, Richard Burton taks to the Chef while Liza holds her father's both hands.

1964 December 22, Gstaad, Family walk in the town centre, with Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton holding Liza Todd's hand.

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Letter from Richard Burton to his young child Liza Todd

In The Grit and Glamour of an Icon, Kate Anderson Brower says: 

"Richard wrote to Liza when she was a young girl and told her how he felt: "I love you because I love Kate and I miss her and you are the perfect reply. I love you simply because I love you, and if anybody except me or Mamma hurts you I will strangle them with my bare hands."

(Extract from The Grit and Glamour of a an Icon, by Kate Anderson Brower, Harper Collins Publishers.)

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Helpful father : Richard Burton is carrying Liza Todd on a balcony. In the first picture it looks like he is holding a flower in his left arm, probably one that Liza has just picked up.

Richard Burton and his daughters Liza and Maria.

The Burton/Taylor's family arrives at Cannes' Airport, France, with Liza, Maria, Christopher and Michael Jr.

On the set of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, off-stage. Liza Todd looks on as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor cut the birthday cake.

On the set of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, off-stage. Liza Todd, pictured with her mother Elizabeth Taylor, brings the softness of chilhood inside that tense story.

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Waltz of planes for the children during holidays

How heartbreaking it must have been for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's children to see them only for short holidays and then to return to their private schools in Switzerland or England! 

Some of the siblings have nicknamed themselves "the children of suitcases" (approximate words). 

Purto Vallarta, Mexico, January 6 1964. Heading back to school – Liza listens attentively as her father explains, but the pain of having to leave her parents is painted on her face. « Richard Burton chats with two of Elizabeth Taylor’s children, Christopher Wilding and Liza Todd, at the lunch counter at Puerto Vallardo airport yesterday before putting the two youngsters and Michael on a plane bound for Los Angeles. The children spent the Christmas holidays with their mother and are coming back to Los Angeles to return to school. Meanwhile laywers for Richard Burton and Miss Taylor have left for New York, hopeful of getting matters settled so the two can wed. » (AP photo and comment).

Waltz of planes for the children during holidays: 1966 March 26: Rome, while Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are shooting The Taming of the Shrew: Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding arriving from Geneva at Rome airport. Maria and Liza already arrived 10 days before - 1966 July 3: Kate arriving from London at Rome airport. Liza and Maria arrived earlier.

Waltz of planes for the children during holidays: 1966 Rome, while Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are shooting The Taming of the Shrew: Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding arriving from Geneva are greeted by their sister Liza already arrived days before, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. -

Italy, Liza Todd running - Rome (probably): Liza Todd and Maria Burton, carrying their schoolbag, go to school.

It seems that Liza has discovered a "treasure" on the antique chest because her siblings, Christopher and Maria are as well as interested by it as their mother Elizabeth Taylor - 1967, on the set of "Candy" movie: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Liza Todd and Maria Burton -

During the Sandpiper - Mother and daughter, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd walking on the beach.

During the filming of The Sandpiper - family reunion. Elizabeth Taylor seems to be asking her daughters to calm down: Maria is playing around Richard Burton while Liza is about to sit on her father's lap. Michael Jr. and Christopher Wilding are also present.

1965, French Riviera, the Burton's family arrives at their hotel on a sunny day. Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Liza Todd Burton, Maria Burton, Christopher and Michael Jr. Wilding.

1965, French Riviera, the Burton's family, happy together, spotted in their car, with Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jr. and Richard Burton. On the back seat, Maria, Christopher and Liza.

1965 June 24, New York. Elizabeth Taylor children arrive in New York – Liza, Maria, Michael Jr and Christopher sit in suite, with their dog, after arriving in New York today aboard liner Michelangelo with their mother and Richard Burton. (AP Wirephoto)

May 12 1966. Richard Burton holds the hand of Liza Todd, while Elizabeth Taylor is doing the same with Maria."They are strolling through the set of Renaissance Padua, on their way to their dressing rooms to prepare for another day of filming on Colombia Pictures’ The Taming of the Shrew. The set as been constructed at the Dino Di Laurentiis studios outside Rome." (UPI telex)

On a movie' set: Liza smiling at her brother Michael Jr. Wilding. Paternal kiss, Richard Burton, and Liza Todd at 7 or 8 year-old - Probably on the set of The Spy who came in from the Cold -

1966, at the time of the shooting of Reflections in a Golden Eye : happy family in a café. Elizabeth is surrounded by their two daughers Maria and Liza. As usual, Liza holds tightly Richard Burton.

In 1966, during the period of shooting "reflections over a golden eye", sweet moment on a hammock for Liza, Elizabeth Taylor and Maria.

Relaxing time on the grass for a happy family. (Probably in Gstaad). Sunny yellow clothes for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Liza Todd and Maria Burton.

1967, Sardinia - On the set of "Boom" from Joseph Losey - Liza Todd and Elizabeth's niece Dorothy Taylor come to see her and Richard Burton on the stage. Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd are on the lap of Richard Burton, together with Dorothy Taylor.

1967, Sardinia - AP wire cable: "Beautiful Liza Todd, ten-year-old daughter of Elizabeth Taylor, is being introduced to the art of posing by film director Joseph Losey who is currently shooting "Goforth". And she is doing well by the look of these pictures." Liza' sister Maria and brothers Michael Jr. and Christopher are admiring the transformation of their sibling into a Japaneese beauty - Liza Todd Burton made Up by Emile Jutzeler for "The Tournesor" School Play.

All family watching attentively the TV: Elizabeth Taylor, Liza, Richard Burton, Christopher and Michael.

Probably in Gstaad's living room - Richard Burton, the caring stepfather, is commenting a book "Cars of the World" to Liza Todd, Michael and Christopher Wilding

December 8th 1968, in their Chalet in Gstaad, Swiss : As Elizabeth Taylor holds Liza tightly, Richard Burton tenderly leans his forehead against hers.

December 8th 1968, in their Chalet in Gstaad, Swiss. Proud Richard Burton looking at Liza, who wears her costume outfits after her appearance in her school play. Happy together with Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Liza Todd and Maria Burton.

December 8th 1968, in their Chalet in Gstaad, Swiss : Mother and daughter burst into laughter.

1968, december 14, in Paris studios of Boulogne billancourt, where Elizabeth Taylor is filming The Only Game in Town. Her two daughters Liza and Maria are spending their Christmas holidays with their mother, whilst on vacation from their school in Switzerland.

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June 22 1968, simple joy of a French marriage in Montpertuis

Far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood or the extravagance of their Kalizma yacht or private jet, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton share the joy of the villagers of Montpertuis, Seine et Marne, France, on June 22, 1968.  

They are guests of honor at the wedding of Elizabeth Taylor's hairdresser, Claude Ettori, and photographer Gianni Bozzachi.

They are first photographed in front of City Hall, where Richard Burton signs the official marriage register. He and Elizabeth burst with pride as Liza and Maria, in their beautiful maid of honor dresses, carry the bridal train at the head of the procession. Inside the church, both Elizabeth and Richard look solemn in front of the priest,  Then they attend the mass, Maria sitting next to her mother, Liza next her stepfather.

Montpertuis, Seine et Marne, France, on June 22, 1968. Entitled as Best Man, Richard Burton signs the official marriage register at the City Hall of Montpertuis.

Montpertuis, Seine et Marne, France, on June 22, 1968 - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton tenderly smile watching their daughters, Liza and Maria, seriously playing their role of maids of honor, during the cortege in the French village. In the back, their chauffeur look at them, proud of both girls too.

Montpertuis, Seine et Marne, France, on June 22, 1968 - Inside the church, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton attend with their daughters Maria and Liza, the wedding mass of Claude Ettori, and Gianni Bozzachi. Both Elizabeth and Richard look serious in front of the Priest, remembering perhaps their own wedding ceremony (ies) !

New York: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Liza Todd and Kate Burton leaving the cruise boat Queen Elizabeth II.

Gstaad, March1968 Liza putting on her ice skates - Liza skiing - Richard Burton, Liza Todd and Rex Harrison.

Richard Burton holding the hand of Liza while he is taking out her with her two friends, daugthers of his lawyer Aaron Forsch, for a theater performance of Noel Coward's "Present Laughter", in New York. (photos by Ron Galella)

Richard Burton taking out Liza and her two friends, daugthers of his lawyer Aaron Forsch, for a theater performance of Noel Coward's "Present Laughter", in New York. (photos by Ron Galella)

1968 July 24, London - Richard Burton leaves the hospital where Elizabeth Taylor is operated with his daughters Maria Burton, Liza Todd and Kate Burton. 1968 July 25, London - AP wire cable:" Children leave the London nursing home after visit to Elizabeth Taylor who is recovering from a operation today" - 1968 August 7: Elizabeth Taylor leaves the hospital with Richard Burton and his daughter Kate Burton.

During the time of the shooting of Anne of the Thousand Days : Liza Todd Burton talking to her mother. Elizabeth Taylor, holding her dog, is wearing her rubis ring, that she called her Christmas stocking ring, because Richard Burton gave it to her hidden inside a stocking.

1969, London - Richard Burton with his four "girls: Elizabeth Taylor, Liza, Kate, Maria - September 1969, London - Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Todd and Richard Burton leaving by car. (photos by Ron Galella). - 1969 September 1, Elizabeth Taylor with Liza Todd attend the Lands End Benefit (photo Ron Galella)

1969, London - Bearded Richard Burton holds his daughter Liza as his staff help his other daughter Maria disembark from a small boat after leaving their yacht Kalizma. Elizabeth Taylor has already disembarked just before.

6 October 1970, London, Caxton Hall - Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton attend Michael Jr. Wilding's wedding to Beth Clutter - Liza wears a fashionable mini dress.

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25th June 1971, Happy family flying to Switzerland

The shock of style:  Liza Todd's mum wears a modern mini skirt, while her daughter is already ready for Switzeland with a Tyrolean dress.

Both Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor hold Liza before embarking in their private jet from Heathrow to Gstaad. 

June 25th 1971. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor surrounding their daughter Liza Todd at Heathrow airport.

June 25th 1971. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor leaving London with Liza Todd for their chalet in Gstaad.

Another plane... 1971 March 3. AP wirecable: "The Burtons - Elizabeth Taylor, wearing a fur-trimmed coat, hooped earings, and a long trailing scarf, her husband Richard Burton - and Liza Todd, wearing a trendy travelling outfit, plus the latter's pet dog, leave Heathrow Airport here today on a flight to Geneva."

1971 end of July, London - Elizabeth Taylor, gorgeous in her mini dress, with Richard Burton, and their daughters Liza Todd and Maria Burton, walking in the street of London.

Rock stars Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd! Picture found in a french magazine. Here is the text attached: "1970. When Liza is here, Liz is younger. On the balcony of their Romanesque flat, dressed in the same leather suit, Liz Taylor (39) and her daughter Liza (14) pose. This is one of the few photos in which they are seen together. The entire Burton family gathered for the festivities at their chalet in Gstaad (Switzerland), including Richard Burton, Liz's current husband, who is in Rome finishing a Losey film in which he plays the role of Trosky. And Liz's grandson (15 months), born to her eldest son Michael Wilding. "

1971, December - Elizabeth Taylor, the modern mother in mini robe, posing on a stone with three of her four children: Liza, Michael and Christopher.

1972, Gstaad - Elizabeth Taylor holds her grandchild. Still a happy family: Richard Burton, Liza, Maria, Christopher, Michael and his wife.

1973, Visit at Disney Land: Elizabeth with Mickey Mouse, Liza, Maria and Christopher.

1973 November 19, Liza Todd, student in Art, proudly shows her drawing (photo Evening Standard) - Stepsisters Liza Todd Burton and Kate Burton. Stepsisters Liza Todd Burton and Kate Burton.

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The years after the family Taylor / Burton split

Richard Burton kept strong tights with his former stepchildren - But a whole world had changed...

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Liza Todd and Richard Burton at Marlene Dietrich' show, London, 11th September 1974 

Below: pictures taken shortly after the official divorce between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on 26 June 1974. At that time the latter started his (short) engagement with the Princess of Yugoslavia. Anne Baring is with them. 

One thing is certain: Richard Burton is beaming with pride as he takes Liza to see Marlene Dietrich in concert at the Grosvenor House, on 11th September 1974.

May I suggest that this was a way of soothing his pain of having lost her mother and his former family? (photos Tom Warganski)

Liza Todd and her former stepfather Richard Burton going to watch Marlene Dietrich in her show at Grosvenor House, London, 11th September 1974

Liza Todd and her former stepfather Richard Burton going to watch Marlene Dietrich in her show at Grosvenor House, London, 11th September 1974

Liza Todd and her former stepfather Richard Burton. It sounds like he is pinning a flower over her coat, before entering the Grosvernor House for watching Marlene Dietrich, 11th September 1974

Liza Todd and her former stepfather Richard Burton at Grosvenor cabaret, after Marlene Dietrich' show at Grosvenor House, London, 11th September 1974

1975, Mother and daughter tenderness: Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd ; Elizabeth Taylor and Maria Burton. 1975 July 10, London: Making a break of the shooting in Leningrad because she had been sick, Elizabeth Taylor went to the Odeon Leicester Square for attending the opening night of a new adventure "Royal Flash" with Liza Todd (and Henry Wynberg).

Liza Todd Burton with her former stepfather Richard Burton on the street in Gstaad, probably 1979.

27 February 1982, London, at Nightclub Mayfair - The first time Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had seen each other since 1976: Elizabeth celebrated her 50th Birthday, with Richard Burton, laughing, and Liza.

Those eyes which mesmerized Richard Burton... Would it be possible that Liza had carved the brooch with horses? She has been a well-known sculpor specialized in horses, so maybe... Maria Burton and her mother Elizabeth Taylor

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The artist Liza Todd Tivey

The daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, and stepdaughter of Richard Burton, has become a renowned artist, painter and sculptor, specialising in equine subjects. 

Love for horses, the same passion shared by mother and daughter, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Todd.

Paintings : Hunk Shadow 2021 ; Choco Shadow 2021 - Bronze sculpture : The mare and her foal. Some of the scuptures of Liza Todd Tivey were displayed in the last home of Elizabeth Taylor in Bel Air, Los Angeles.

Liza Todd Tivey

Portfolio work of artist Liza Todd Tivey

https://www.lizatoddtivey.com

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Author: Arlette Dambron.

#Richard Burton Elizabeth Taylor, #Elizabeth's daughters, #Richard Burton's daughters, #Liza Todd, #Richard Burton, #Elizabeth Taylor, #stepfather, #stepdaugher, #father's love, #daughther's love, #mother's love, #paternal love, #maternal love, #Elizabeth Taylor's children, #Richard Burton's children, #Liza Todd Elizabeth Taylor, #Liza Todd Richard Burton, #father daughter relationship, #mother daughter relationship, #Cleopatra 1962,

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Visit the other pages dedicated to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton 

(There will be more articles written, and the pages underneath will be updated regularly when new pictures or information are found on those topics)

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Oscar of the glamorous stars at the 42nd Academy Awards in 1970 - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Oscar for the most glamorous Hollywood Stars The 42nd Awards, which took place on 7 April 1970, marked an important date in the history of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton: the Welsh actor ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/05/the-stars-elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-won-the-oscar-of-glamour-at-the-42nd-academy-awards-of-1970.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, stolen gazes: adoration, fascination, lust, worry - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Pictures updated 13th April 2024 The 20th-Century love affair between fiction and reality Where is the line between reality and fiction, acting and spontaneity? For the most famous lovers of the ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/04/elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-stolen-glances-adoration-fascination-desire-uncertainty-anxiety.html

Elizabeth Taylor and the mini skirt, at the cutting edge of fashion from the '60s to the '70s - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

A proud Richard Burton is holding tight the hand of his wife Elizabeth Taylor. She is at the height of her blossoming, wearing a tiny blue mini dress. What was the outward symbol of women's sexual ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/04/elizabeth-taylor-and-the-miniskirt-at-the-cutting-edge-of-fashion-from-the-68s-to-the-70s.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, love until the end, their last encounter in London June 1982 - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, love until the end After their second divorce, two other marriages for him, one for her, but Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton loved each other until the end -

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/06/elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-love-until-the-end.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sing in Welsh Ar Lan y Môr, and What do Simple Folks Do in Sammy Davis Jr. show, 1966 - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at the Sammy Davis Junior Show, in 1966. In support of their long-time friend Sammy Davis Junior's new television show, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2024/03/elizabeth-taylor-and-richard-burton-sing-a-welsh-song-ar-lan-y-mor-in-sammy-davis-jr.show-1966.html

Listen to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor singing together, at the Sammy Davis Jr. Show: the Welsh song Ar Lan y Môr. the song from Camelot's play What do simple Folks do, together with Sammy Davis Jr. They whistle together. Then Richard Burton and Sammy Davis Jr. dance in front of Elizabeth Taylor. Richard Burton sings alone Camelot.

Camelot, and How to Handle a Woman, sung by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor in 1967, Paris Gala of Unicef - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

1967, Paris. Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor: "How to handle a woman" ooooOOoooo UNICEF Gala, Paris, December 15 1967 In 1967, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton participated in the Gala of ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/06/richard-burton-sins-to-elizabeth-taylor-how-to-handle-a-woman.html

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The love words of Richard Burton, written by Rhett Butler!
Chap .52 of my Gone with the Wind fanction, The Boutique Robillard:  Love letter

My own crossover of the two greatest stories: a fictional one, between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, and two real - so real - lovers Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. It only happens in one single chapter N°52 of my historical novel The Boutique Robillard: Rhett Butler writes a love letter to Scarlett O'Hara, using Richard Burton's words written in his diaries for Elizabeth Taylor. 
 

Chap .52. Love letter, my novel The Boutique Robillard, my Gone with the Wind fanfiction - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

The love letter from Rhett, with Richard Burton's verbartim.... Sunday, July 11, 1876 A ray of sunlight has managed to seep through the half-drawn curtains. It is bursting on the glass. And has fun

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/04/chap.52.love-letter-my-novel-the-boutique-robillard-my-gone-with-the-wind-fanfiction.html

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, or the fascination of a child of the 1970s - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Teenager's imaginary world (Graphic: A. Dambron) ooooOOoooo Three forgotten magazine cutouts How dreams can fulfill the mind of a teenage girl in the 1970s, so much so that they sound as intense ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2023/04/elizabeth-taylor-richard-burton-or-the-fascination-of-a-child-of-1970.html

Books: The Richard Burton Diaries, by Richard Burton - Erotic Vagrancy, by Roger Lewis - The Grit and Glamour of an Icon, by Kate Anderson Brower.

Summary of my novel, "The Robillard Boutique", my "Gone with the Wind" fanfiction - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

The Boutique Robillard, the other end of Gone With The Wind What will happen next? For eighty-five years, readers of Gone With the Wind, the masterpiece about the Civil War, by Margaret Mitchell ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2021/04/0-the-robillard-boutique-gwtw-fanfiction.html

Reviews of The Boutique Robillard novel by Readers from fanfiction.net and archiveofourown.org - Raconteuse d'histoires, Historical Romance

Updated October 24, 2024 Posting comments from readers of my historical novel "The Boutique Robillard", is an infinite gratification, and an encouragement to continue my first immersion in the ...

https://alarecherchedutempsperdu.over-blog.com/2022/02/reviews-of-readers-of-my-gwtw-fanfiction-the-robillard-boutique.html