Liza Todd: Unveiling the Artist’s Journey

Liza Todd, born August 6, 1957, is widely known for her Hollywood lineage as the daughter of legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor and her third husband, Mike Todd. Tragedy marked her early life when her father died in a plane crash when she was just a little over one year old, leaving Elizabeth Taylor to raise her alone. Later in her mother’s life, Liza was adopted by Taylor’s fifth husband, the equally iconic Richard Burton.

While many children of famous Hollywood actors and actresses end up following in their parents’ footsteps, Liza Todd has been an exception to this rule. Her personal life has been largely kept away from the public eye, and she has primarily focused her attention on her career as an American sculptor. She used her artistic talent with a dedication toward helping African wildlife.

Despite the inevitable attention that comes with being part of a famous family, Liza has managed to carve out her own destiny away from the spotlight that defined her parents’ lives. The story of Liza Todd illustrates the determination and resilience of someone who has remained true to her passions and values amidst the fame and glamour of her legendary Hollywood lineage.

Early Life

Liza Todd was born on August 6, 1957, in New York, New York, USA. Her full name is Elizabeth Frances Todd. She is the only child of legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor and theatrical impresario/movie producer Mike Todd. Liza’s birth was a difficult one, involving a cesarean section and premature labor. Due to these complications, Mike Todd instructed the doctors to sterilize his wife after the procedure.

Her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, is considered one of the greatest actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with a career spanning over six decades. Liza’s father, Mike Todd, was a successful producer, known for Broadway hits and movies. He tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1958, leaving Liza to be raised by Elizabeth and her next husband, singer Eddie Fisher.

Liza Todd’s early life was surrounded by her mother’s fame and the complexities of growing up in a high-profile Hollywood family. Despite these challenges, she managed to carve her path away from the spotlight and later dedicated her life to helping African wildlife.

Family Lineage

Liza Todd, born as Elizabeth Frances Todd on August 6, 1957, is the only child of the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor and her third husband, Mike Todd. Despite having a famous lineage, Liza chose to steer clear of the spotlight and instead pursued a life as a sculptor and animal lover.

Growing up, Liza was part of a rather colorful family. Her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, married eight times in total. Richard Burton, a prominent figure among Liza’s stepfathers, married Taylor twice. Throughout her life, Liza had the opportunity to form connections with multiple paternal figures and embraced a diverse family setting.

While Elizabeth Taylor had four children, her grandchildren grew up numbering in the double digits. Vanity Fair reported that Taylor loved having her ten grandchildren visit her at her Bel Air mansion. Taylor’s other children include Michael Wilding Jr., Chris Wilding, and Maria Burton.

Maria Burton was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and her fifth husband, Richard Burton, in 1964. As the only adopted child in the family, she added another dimension to the rich family history. Despite any differences in upbringing, Taylor’s children formed strong bonds with one another.

Liza Todd went on to marry Hap Tivey in 1984, and they had two children together. However, they later divorced in 2003. Liza’s personal life transitioned her into the role of a divorced mother of two but maintained her connection with her famous family.

In summary, the Family Lineage section helps to understand how Liza Todd is connected to her famous family members, including her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, father, Mike Todd, and various stepfathers like Richard Burton. Despite the many marriages of her mother, Liza Todd grew up forming relationships with a dynamic array of family members and continues to cherish these connections.

Private Life

Liza Todd, born Elizabeth Frances Todd in 1957, is the daughter of the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd. Despite her famous heritage, Liza has chosen to maintain a private life and stray away from the limelight that accompanied her mother’s illustrious career.

As a talented sculptor and animal lover, Liza Todd resides in a secluded area a few hours north of Manhattan. The area offers tranquility, allowing her to focus on her passion for sculpting and raising her two children, who she had with her now ex-husband, Hap Tivey. Liza and Hap married in 1984 and divorced in 2003.

Nowadays, Liza Todd leads a typical life of an ordinary citizen. She maintains her privacy, preferring to keep her personal life out of the public eye. As she navigates through her 60s, Liza’s decision to adopt a low-profile lifestyle provides her with a sense of autonomy and identity away from the fame and glamour of her iconic mother.

Rather than pursuing a career in acting, Liza chose to follow her own path in the world of art and sculpture. Her choice to prioritize privacy illustrates her desire for independence and the importance she places on developing her own distinct identity, separate from the legacy of her famous parents.

Career

Liza Todd, the daughter of Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and theatrical impresario/movie producer Mike Todd, opted for a different path in the world of art. Instead of following in her mother’s footsteps to pursue acting or film production, Liza chose a unique and creative career in sculpture.

Graduating from Hornsey College of Art in London, Liza furthered her education at the Otis Institute in Los Angeles. Inspired by her love for horses, she began working as a sculptor in 1979, focusing on equestrian bronze sculptures. This passion formed her distinctive niche in the art world, allowing her to establish herself independently.

Though Liza’s career primarily revolves around sculpture, she has also made meaningful contributions by working towards the conservation of African wildlife. Through her art and personal interests, she has managed to make a positive impact on the environment.

While Liza Todd may not have entered the acting or film production realm like her parents, her career in sculpture and wildlife conservation demonstrates that she successfully carved her path away from the limelight of Hollywood.

Art and Sculpture

Liza Todd Tivey, born in 1957, is an accomplished American artist known for her passion and expertise in creating bronze sculptures. Her roots in the art world began during her childhood in England and Switzerland and further developed during her education at renowned institutions, such as the Hornsey College of Art in London and the Otis Institute in Los Angeles.

Focusing primarily on horses and wildlife, Tivey’s sculptures capture the essence and movement of her subjects with precision and grace. As the daughter of iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor and producer Mike Todd, it is evident that a strong creative lineage exists within her work. In fact, she is one of the only two modern sculptors to be included in John Fairley’s influential book, Great Racehorses in Art, first published in 1984.

Among her most notable pieces are bronze sculptures of racehorses, such as Nashua and Northern Dancer. These works demonstrate her commitment to detail, as she deftly brings her equine subjects to life through her sculptural practice. Tivey’s sculptures have been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from 300 USD to 22,500 USD.

In addition to her renowned bronze sculptures, Liza Todd Tivey has also completed many private commissions, further exemplifying her talent and range as an artist. Her artwork has been well-received and appreciated, making her an important figure in the world of contemporary sculpture.