Shining Through Scandal: The Incredible Life Of Elizabeth Taylor

How Her Reputation Went From Grieving Widow To Homewrecker

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During this time, Elizabeth Taylor found solace in Mike Todd’s best friend, singer Eddie Fisher. However, the shared grief led to an extra-marital affair, since Fisher and his then-wife, actress Debbie Reynolds, were considered America’s sweethearts. In an instant, Taylor was no longer seen as a grieving widow and instead, was viewed as a homewrecker. MGM capitalized on Taylor’s scandal by promoting Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with a poster that showed Taylor lying seductively while in lingerie. MGM’s decision to take advantage of Taylor’s personal life for sales set a precedent for the rest of her career.