Meet Elizabeth Taylor’s Eldest Granddaughter, Who Has Carried On Her Legacy & ‘Looks Like’ Her
Elizabeth Taylor, a Hollywood icon, left behind four children and ten grandchildren. One of her eldest grandchildren has inherited her grandmother’s striking beauty.
Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned child star of Hollywood’s golden age, was not only an icon but also a devoted mother and grandmother.
Elizabeth Taylor pictured on January 1, 1950 | Source: Getty Images
Off-screen, the actress led a remarkable life, marrying eight times to seven men and becoming a mother of four, including sons Michael Jr. and Christopher, with her second husband, Michael Wilding.
Michael Wilding and Elizabeth Taylor photographed on January 1, 1955 | Source: Getty Images
With her third husband, Mike Todd, she welcomed daughter Liza in 1957. In 1961, Taylor began the process of adopting Maria Burton, who was born that year. When she married Richard Burton in 1964, he joined in formally adopting Maria as their daughter.
Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd during a press conference on January 1, 1957 | Source: Getty Images
As her children started families of their own, Elizabeth’s legacy grew to include ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Here’s a look at her grandchildren, including one of whom fans believe inherited her grandmother’s striking beauty.
Naomi Wilding
Elizabeth’s influence extends deeply into her family, especially her second eldest grandchild, Naomi Wilding. She co-owns the Wilding Cran Gallery with her husband, Anthony Cran, and is an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Naomi Wilding at the AmfAR and the Diamond Information Center event honoring Elizabeth Taylor with the First-Ever Diamond Icon Award on March 18, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
In 2021, Naomi, 48, described her grandmother as both a glamorous superstar and a warm, loving grandmother who always made her family feel welcome.
Naomi Wilding at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS on September 26, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Andrew Wilding
Elizabeth’s artistic legacy is also carried on by her grandson Andrew Wilding. An actor, cinematographer, and producer. Andrew has contributed to projects such as “Freestyle” and “Everything Carries Me to You,” showcasing his creative talents across multiple fields.
(L-R) Caleb Wilding, honoree Aileen Getty, Alexandra Wilding, and Andrew Wilding attend the 2013 amfAR Inspiration Gala on December 12, 2013, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Caleb Wilding
Andrew’s creative pursuits are complemented by the unique path of his cousin, Caleb Wilding. Adopted by Christopher Wilding and his wife, Aileen Getty, in 1983, Caleb has a passion for motorcycles, reflecting his adventurous spirit while staying connected to Elizabeth’s enduring legacy.
Caleb Wilding attends the Sophie Caby and Ken Ehrlich artist reception and launch of Wilding Cran Gallery’s Unit B on December 13, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Tarquin Wilding
Caleb’s adventurous nature is mirrored by his cousin Tarquin Wilding’s artistic career. Known for his roles in “In Between” and “Shameless,” the actor spoke in 2017 about his grandmother’s lasting impact.
Tarquin Wilding and Vivian McMurray attend the Actor’s Funds 2018 Looking Ahead Awards on October 28, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
“We admire my grandmother for her boundless generosity,” he shared, adding that the family feels “grateful to be able to honor and continue her legacy. Especially together.”
Tarquin Wilding at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS on September 17, 2021, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rhys Tivey
Tarquin’s cousin, Rhys Wilding, a musician and songwriter who studied Jazz Performance, admired their grandmother’s boldness. Reflecting in 2017, he noted her drive to tackle the toughest challenges first.
Rhys Tivey attends the 4th Annual Town & Country Philanthropy Summit on May 9, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Quinn Tivey
Rhys’s reflections on Elizabeth’s determination are complemented by Quinn Tivey’s memories of her warmth. For Quinn, a trustee of Elizabeth’s estate, she wasn’t just a Hollywood icon but simply “Grandma.” He fondly recalled, “She was the woman I could lie in bed with to chat and watch movies.”
Quinn Tivey at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS on September 26, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Elizabeth Carson
Quinn’s personal memories of Elizabeth’s warmth are echoed by her namesake granddaughter, Elizabeth Carson. Raised in New York City, Elizabeth graduated magna cum laude from NYU in 2004 with a degree in Applied Psychology.
Elizabeth Carson at the 25th Anniversary of Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds on April 5, 2016, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Now working for New York’s Administration for Children’s Services, she continues her grandmother’s mission through the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. “The most meaningful part of our work with the foundation is that we are helping to save and improve lives,” she shared.
Rhys Tivey, Elizabeth Carson, and Quinn Tivey during the New York Fall Gala on November 7, 2017, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Lowell Wilding
Elizabeth’s dedication to her grandmother’s mission is paralleled by her cousin Lowell Wilding’s work. Based in Los Angeles, Lowell is creating an Elizabeth Taylor Archive for the Elizabeth Taylor Trust, preserving the legacy of the first globally recognized celebrity HIV/AIDS activist.
Richard McKeown
Lowell’s work preserving Elizabeth’s legacy is complemented by that of Maria’s son, Richard McKeown. Richard has built a dynamic career, holding roles such as Creative Director at Bethesda and CEO of The Gaming World Inc., showcasing his creativity and leadership in the digital realm.
Laela Wilding
Richard’s innovative career is balanced by the quiet yet impactful life of Laela Wilding, Elizabeth’s eldest grandchild and first granddaughter. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she works as a graphic designer and maintains a private life.
(L-R) Anthony Cran, Naomi and Laela Wilding at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball To End AIDS on September 17, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Laela also serves as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, inspired by her grandmother’s tireless advocacy. “Continuing her legacy is important to us. She really wanted to break down stigma,” Laela divulged in a 2016 interview.
(L-R) Naomi and Laela Wilding with Daniel Franzese at the Positive Leadership Award reception on April 13, 2015, in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images
She also reflected on her grandmother’s memorable gesture at the 1992 Oscars, where she wore a red ribbon to highlight the fight against AIDS. “She wore it proudly and she wore it the rest of her life,” said Laela in 2017.
(L-R) Finn McMurray, Laela and Caleb Wilding attend The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Art Auction Benefit on February 27, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Her sister Naomi added that the ribbon represented Elizabeth’s dedication to raising awareness and destigmatizing AIDS, highlighting her lifelong commitment to advocacy.
Elizabeth Taylor during the BAFTA/LA Cunard Britannia Awards on November 10, 2005, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Laela’s role as an ambassador reflects not only her professional dedication but also her deeply personal connection to the “Cleopatra” star’s legacy. In interviews, she fondly recalled her grandmother’s warmth and love for family. The graphic designer revealed that family was Elizabeth’s top priority, fostering a close-knit bond among her children and grandchildren through her efforts to keep everyone connected.
Elizabeth Taylor at the Macy’s Passport Gala 2006 on September 28, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Elizabeth’s vibrant personality shone through in intimate moments, like snuggling during movies or trying on jewelry from her legendary collection, including the famous 33.19-carat Krupp diamond. Yet, what stood out most to Laela was Elizabeth’s generosity and passion. “Her heart was huge,” she said, adding, “She made a big impact on us,” through her activism, love, and zest for life.
Elizabeth Taylor attends the Macy’s Passport 2008 Gala on September 26, 2008, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
In a 2022 social media tribute, Laela shared a heartfelt message about her grandmother for TCM’s Summer Under the Stars. This prompted a wave of admiration from followers who couldn’t help but notice her striking resemblance to the legendary actress.
Laela Wilding in a tribute video for Elizabeth Taylor, dated August 2022 | Source: Facebook/tcm.com
One wrote, “You’re as beautiful as your grandmother. What a great tribute to one of my favorite actresses!” Another exclaimed, “Wow! She looks like Elizabeth Taylor!”
Observing the family resemblance, someone else added, “Wow — The Eyes — her gran and her dad!” Another admirer commented, “Thank you. I always wondered if any of the grandchildren inherited her violet eyes.” And finally, one person simply marveled, “Oh my gosh… she looks like Liz…”
Dame Elizabeth Taylor attends Macy’s Passport 2009 Fashion Show on September 24, 2009, in Santa Monica, California.
Elizabeth Taylor’s impact extends far beyond her Hollywood career, inspiring her family and fans alike through her dedication to advocacy and love for life. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, who continue to honor her memory and keep her spirit alive for future generations.