Shining Through Scandal: The Incredible Life Of Elizabeth Taylor

Taylor Got Her First Big Break At Twelve

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Elizabeth Taylor’s first big break came at the age of 12 when she was cast in the starring role for 1944’s National Velvet. Since 1937, MGM had searched tirelessly for a young actress with a British accent who could ride horses. Having spent her childhood in London where she began horseback riding, the newly signed Elizabeth Taylor finally fit the bill. However, producers still thought Taylor was a tad short for the role, so they postponed filming National Velvet to allow time for her to grow a little bit taller. Taylor spent the extra time working on her horseback riding skills. This was only the first step down the road of growing up too fast.