Wednesday, 4 September 2024

Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar - Sharon Stone and Paris Jackson join Kim Kardashian and a host of stars for new BBC Arts documentary

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Elizabeth Taylor was always more than just a Hollywood icon. Her life was full of glamour, drama, and a whole lot of passion, but beyond the headlines and the films, there was a woman who was fiercely independent and unafraid to break the rules. In the new BBC Arts documentary series Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, we get to see the real Elizabeth through the eyes of those who knew her best, along with some never-before-heard recordings of Taylor herself.

This three-part series is all about peeling back the layers of her public persona to reveal the woman underneath. It features interviews with a fascinating mix of people, including her son Chris Wilding, her granddaughter Naomi Wilding, and even her former stepson Todd Fisher. They all share personal stories and insights that help us understand who Elizabeth really was, not just as a star but as a person.

Among the many famous faces contributing to the series are Sharon Stone and Paris Jackson. Stone, who became close friends with Elizabeth through their shared activism for HIV/AIDS, speaks warmly about their relationship. She talks about Elizabeth's incredible acting talent and their shared experiences as women navigating the tough world of Hollywood. There's a particularly touching moment where Stone remembers how Elizabeth was the first person to send her a hundred roses after she had a stroke, showing just how thoughtful and caring she could be.

Paris Jackson, who was Elizabeth's goddaughter, also has a lot to say. Although she was only 12 when Elizabeth passed away, Paris has clearly been influenced by her godmother's legacy. She talks about how Elizabeth paved the way for others with her strength and integrity, calling her a "badass" who wasn't afraid to stand up for what she believed in.

The series doesn't just focus on Elizabeth's personal life; it also looks at her impact on Hollywood and beyond. With contributions from people like her personal photographer Gianni Bozzacchi, her stylist and friend Jorjett Strumme, and her long-time hair stylist José Eber, we get a sense of just how much Elizabeth Taylor changed the game in every aspect of her life. Even people who didn't know her personally, like Kim Kardashian and Dame Joan Collins, share their admiration for her.

What makes this series stand out is the way it shows Elizabeth Taylor as a trailblazer who wasn't afraid to challenge the status quo. From her work in the fight against AIDS to her determination to live life on her own terms, Elizabeth was always pushing boundaries. The series explores the toll this took on her but also celebrates the incredible impact she had on the world.

With Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, we're reminded that Elizabeth Taylor wasn't just a movie star, she was a force of nature who used her fame for good and left an indelible mark on the world. The series, produced by Passion Pictures and distributed internationally by Fremantle, is set to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer this autumn. If you think you know Elizabeth Taylor, think again, this documentary is sure to surprise and inspire.

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