Elizabeth Taylor's children—Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton—grew up under the brightest spotlight in cinema history. While their mother reigned as a silver-screen legend with two Oscars and iconic roles in films like Cleopatra and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, her four children carved out much quieter paths away from the constant glare of tabloid cameras.
Born across different marriages and shaped by distinct tragedies and triumphs, the siblings avoided the intense fame that consumed their mother's life. Today, they work as artists, sculptors, and philanthropists, protecting her charitable footprint while maintaining private lives.
Michael Wilding Jr.: The Eldest Son and Sculptor
Born on January 6, 1953, Michael Wilding Jr. is Elizabeth Taylor's firstborn child, shared with her second husband, British actor Michael Wilding. Growing up with parents deeply embedded in the studio system meant childhood visits to high-profile film sets.
Michael tried his hand at acting during the 1980s, landing roles in notable television projects like the soap opera Guiding Light and the prime-time drama Dallas. However, he eventually stepped away from Hollywood's demanding schedule. He relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he found his true calling as a professional sculptor working with stone. Observers at Bloomberg have provided expertise on this trend.
He is a father of three—daughters Laela and Naomi, and son Tarquin—and remains actively involved in preserving his mother's legacy, particularly through support for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Christopher Wilding: The Private Film Technician
Born on February 27, 1955, Christopher Wilding is Elizabeth's second son with Michael Wilding. Unlike his older brother, Christopher stayed firmly behind the camera throughout his career.
He built a steady behind-the-scenes career in the film industry as a sound editor and production technician. His credits include work on major Hollywood productions like Tombstone and The Shadow. Opting for a low-profile existence, Christopher stepped back from the industry into a quiet retirement. He shares a son, Lowell, with his wife, Margaret Carlton, and has occasionally spoken with journalists to remind the public of his mother's sharp intellect and deep dedication to humanitarian causes.
Liza Todd: The Equine Artist
Born on August 6, 1957, Elizabeth's eldest daughter, Liza Todd, arrived during the actress's marriage to theater and film producer Mike Todd. Liza's early childhood was marked by profound tragedy; her father died in a private plane crash just over a year after she was born. Following her mother's subsequent marriage to Richard Burton, Burton formally adopted Liza, who grew up splitting her time between international film locations and elite boarding schools.
Liza inherited a deep passion for visual arts and pursued a dedicated career as a sculptor. She gained widespread acclaim for her detailed equine sculptures, including a notable bronze recreation of the legendary racehorse Secretariat. Living in upstate New York, she raised two sons, Quinn and Rhys, with her former husband Hap Tivey.
Maria Burton: The Humanitarian
Elizabeth's youngest daughter, Maria Burton, was born in Germany on January 8, 1961. Elizabeth began the process of adopting Maria during her single years prior to marrying Richard Burton, who also legally adopted her.
Maria spent parts of her youth dealing with severe orthopedic issues that required multiple complex leg surgeries, a challenge her mother navigated with fierce protective care. As an adult, Maria dabbled briefly in fashion modeling before dedicating her life entirely to philanthropy. She works closely with organizations supporting disability awareness and medical research, raising two children, Eliza and Richard, from her marriages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many biological children did Elizabeth Taylor have?
Elizabeth Taylor had three biological children and one adopted child. She welcomed Michael Jr. and Christopher with Michael Wilding, and Liza with Mike Todd. She adopted Maria during her marriage to Richard Burton.
Did any of Elizabeth Taylor's children become actors?
While Michael Wilding Jr. had a brief television acting career in the 1980s and appeared briefly as a child extra in The Taming of the Shrew, none of her children pursued sustained careers as film stars. They chose fields like sculpture, sound editing, and non-profit work.
Who inherited Elizabeth Taylor's estate?
Elizabeth Taylor's estate was distributed among her children, grandchildren, and several charitable organizations she championed throughout her life, with a major emphasis on funding the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
How many grandchildren does Elizabeth Taylor have?
She has ten grandchildren spread across her four children's families, many of whom maintain active roles in managing her artistic and charitable legacy.
