In the authorized biography "Elizabeth Taylor: The Grit and Glamour of an Icon," author Kate Andersen Brower reveals how Elizabeth Taylor's "romantic friendship" with Colin Farrell, who was 40 years her junior, reignited her passion for love and inspired her recovery from addiction.
Elizabeth Taylor's life in 1982 was a tumultuous one. Her marriage to Senator John Warner was crumbling, and she faced a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol. These struggles are vividly depicted in the final episode of the BBC documentary, "Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar," executive produced by Kim Kardashian.
Elizabeth Taylor's Healing Friendship: Colin Farrell's Impact on the Screen Icon
Taylor's loved ones recalled her addiction issues: abusing alcohol and pain medications, including injectables. Her son, Christopher Wilding, explained that her reliance on pain medication was initially justified due to physical ailments, especially back problems. However, her dependence grew out of control with time.
Concerned family members decided to stage an intervention, a difficult and emotional experience as they confronted Taylor about her addiction. According to a recording quoted in the documentary, Taylor was taken aback by the intervention, realizing the extent of her self-destruction.
Elizabeth Taylor's Healing Friendship: Colin Farrell's Impact on the Screen Icon
Taylor agreed to seek help at the Betty Ford Clinic, where she had to share a room and participate in domestic chores. Despite the humbling experience, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face her demons and break free from exploitation.
After completing treatment, Taylor publicly shared her experience to encourage others to seek help. She revealed that during her marriage to Warner, her drinking and drug use worsened due to boredom and loneliness in Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth Taylor's Healing Friendship: Colin Farrell's Impact on the Screen Icon
Moving back to Los Angeles did not resolve Taylor's addiction, as she surrounded herself with individuals who enabled her behavior and manipulated doctors for prescriptions. Despite Carter's subsequent intervention, Taylor struggled to completely overcome her reliance on pills.
However, Taylor found solace and inspiration in a surprising relationship. Author Kate Andersen Brower writes in her biography that Taylor's "romantic friendship" with Colin Farrell, significantly younger than her, reminded her of the great love she shared with her husband Richard Burton. This connection reignited Taylor's passion for life and helped her rediscover her strength.
Elizabeth Taylor's Healing Friendship: Colin Farrell's Impact on the Screen Icon
Despite her struggles, Taylor remained close to both Warner and Fortensky, her eighth and final husband, until her death in 2011. The authorized biography and the documentary "Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar" provide a comprehensive and nuanced account of the screen icon's personal triumphs and tribulations, highlighting the resilience and hope that defined her life journey.
