Growing up in the absolute glare of mid-century Hollywood meant dodging flashbulbs before you could even tie your shoes. For Christopher Wilding, the younger son of silver-screen icon Elizabeth Taylor and British actor Michael Wilding, the spotlight was an unwelcome constant. While his mother commanded global adoration and relentless media scrutiny, Christopher carved out a remarkably quiet, grounded existence behind the scenes of the film industry.
Most retrospective pieces skim the surface of his upbringing, repeating generic trivia about his famous parents. This account digs deeper, examining what it actually meant to navigate childhood under the constant microscope of Taylor's fame, his quiet career as a film editor, and his perspective on the complex legacy of one of cinema's greatest legends.
Early Life and the Weight of Iconic Parents
Born on February 27, 1955, Christopher Edward Wilding entered a household defined by immense star power and equally immense turbulence. His parents divorced in 1957, leaving him and his older brother, Michael Wilding Jr., to split their time between conflicting parental environments.
Childhood didn't look normal when your mother was arguably the most famous woman on earth. School days brought unique friction. Peers weaponized tabloid headlines against him on the playground, leaving him to field taunts about his mother's high-profile romances.
- The Golden Globe Rule: While Christopher and his brother were permitted to play with Elizabeth Taylor's Golden Globe awards, her Oscars remained strictly off-limits.
- Boarding School Isolation: Sent away to school, Christopher often caught up on his own family news by reading gossip magazines alongside his classmates.
- Early Film Appearance: At age eleven, he briefly stepped in as an extra alongside his brother in the 1967 film The Taming of the Shrew, an experience that solidified his preference for staying off camera.
Choosing the Editing Room Over the Red Carpet
Unlike siblings or children of celebrities who chase fame, Christopher gravitated toward solitude. He found his professional home in post-production, working for years as a film editor.
The nature of film editing suited his introverted temperament perfectly. Instead of facing cameras or press junkets, he received raw footage, technical instructions, and the quiet space to assemble a narrative. He even worked behind the scenes as a cameraman on The Mirror Crack'd (1980), a mystery film starring his mother. By keeping his head down, he bypassed the performative nature of Hollywood society.
Marriage, Family, and Private Struggles
In 1981, Christopher married Aileen Getty, granddaughter of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty. The marriage placed him once again near the nexus of immense wealth and public interest. Together, they adopted their son Caleb in 1983 and welcomed a biological son, Andrew, the following year.
The marriage faced immense strain, concluding after Aileen contracted HIV. Christopher later found long-term stability with his second wife, Margaret (Margie) Carlton, with whom he welcomed a son, Lowell, in 1991. Opting for a peaceful life in Southern California, he eventually retired to focus on quiet personal projects, though chronic health issues like arthritis later altered his active hobbies.
Reframing the Elizabeth Taylor Narrative
In recent years, Christopher has stepped forward to offer nuanced recollections of his mother. Rather than painting a picture of an untouchable goddess, his accounts humanize Taylor. He acknowledges her genuine warmth and fierce loyalty to friends, while remaining candid about her struggles with chronic pain, prescription medication dependency, and the chaotic nature of her marriage to Richard Burton.
He recalls instances where he had to set strict boundaries with her, reflecting a reversal of typical parent-child dynamics. Yet, his overriding description of her centers on heart and deep humanity, noting that her true lasting triumph lies in her pioneering AIDS advocacy through the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation rather than just her box-office receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Christopher Wilding do for a living?
Christopher spent his career working behind the scenes in the film industry, primarily as a film editor. He preferred a low-profile lifestyle away from acting and public performance.
How many children did Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding have?
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding had two sons together: Michael Wilding Jr. (born 1953) and Christopher Wilding (born 1955).
Was Christopher Wilding married to an oil heiress?
Yes. He married Aileen Getty, granddaughter of billionaire oil industrialist J. Paul Getty, in 1981 before their marriage ended later that decade.
Where does Christopher Wilding live now?
He lives a quiet, retired life in Sierra Madre, a small city located in Southern California.
