Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1962 on the set of Cleopatra. At the time, Taylor was married to Eddie Fisher, but had begun a tempestuous (and highly public) affair with Burton.
Paul Schutzer—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Richard Burton and his daughter Kate in 1962.
Not originally published in LIFE. In February 1964, on the set of a Broadway production of Hamlet, a surprised Elizabeth Taylor cuts her birthday cake, as Richard Burton (starring in the show) leans in for a kiss.
Not originally published in LIFE. In February 1964, on the set of a Broadway production of Hamlet, a surprised Elizabeth Taylor cuts her birthday cake, as Richard Burton (starring in the show) leans in for a kiss.
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Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor on vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 1963
Not originally published in LIFE. In costume, Richard Burton and Liz Taylor share a look on the set of Cleopatra. The two passionate, larger-than-life stars would marry not once, but twice.
Not originally published in LIFE. In costume, Richard Burton and Liz Taylor share a look on the set of Cleopatra. The two passionate, larger-than-life stars would marry not once, but twice.
Paul Schutzer—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Liz Taylor plays with Liza, her daughter by Mike Todd, while filming Cleopatra in Rome in April 1962. On the set, Taylor famously fell for co-star Richard Burton, who married her and adopted Liza.