Introduction
Some people are born into the spotlight. Liza Todd, daughter of Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and producer Mike Todd, could have easily lived her entire life in its glare. Instead, she chose a different path—one paved with clay, bronze, and a quiet passion for the natural world.
While her mother commanded the silver screen, Liza found her voice not in front of cameras, but in the dusty studios where equine forms emerge from molten metal. She became one of America’s foremost equestrian sculptors, crafting bronze masterpieces that capture the very soul of thoroughbreds, elephants, and even rescue dogs.
This is a story about carving your own identity—sometimes literally. Liza Todd’s artistic journey spans decades, from her childhood among Hollywood’s elite to her current life as a celebrated sculptor and wildlife advocate. Let’s explore the fascinating world of a woman who proved that being Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter was just the beginning of her story.
Quick Facts About Liza Todd
| Full Name | Elizabeth Frances Todd |
|---|---|
| Born | August 6, 1957, New York City |
| Parents | Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd |
| Adoptive Father | Richard Burton (adopted Liza after marrying Taylor) |
| Education | Hornsey College of Art (London), Otis Institute (Los Angeles) |
| Career | Sculptor specializing in equestrian and animal bronzes |
| Ex-Husband | Hap Tivey (m. 1984–2003) |
| Children | Quinn Tivey and Rhys Tivey |
| Known For | Bronze sculptures of Secretariat, Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew; 9/11 rescue dog monument; African wildlife conservation work |
| Current Focus | Wildlife conservation, particularly orphaned elephants in South Africa |
Early Life and Background
Born Into Hollywood Royalty
Liza Todd entered the world on August 6, 1957, at the height of her mother Elizabeth Taylor’s fame. She was born via cesarean section after a difficult premature labor, weighing just four pounds and fourteen ounces . Her father, legendary producer Mike Todd, was so concerned about Elizabeth’s health that he had doctors sterilize her after the birth—a decision that made Liza Taylor’s last biological child .
A Father She Never Knew
Tragedy struck when Liza was only six months old. On March 22, 1958, Mike Todd’s private plane, the “Lucky Liz,” crashed in New Mexico during turbulent weather . Elizabeth was supposed to be on that flight but stayed home with the children because she had a cold. Her last words to Mike were a promise to join him later—a promise that would never be fulfilled.
Liza never got to know her biological father, but she grew up surrounded by influential men. Her stepfathers included pop singer Eddie Fisher, actor Richard Burton, U.S. Senator John Warner, and Larry Fortensky . Among them, Richard Burton became her “real” father in the emotional sense, adopting her and sharing a close bond .
A Childhood in the Paparazzi’s Gaze
Growing up as Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter wasn’t easy. Liza and her siblings faced constant media attention. Her brother Michael Wilding once recalled how paparazzi would “crawl all over the walls” around their Italian residence, and the children once used a garden hose on telephoto lenses peering over the wall .
Despite the chaos, Liza’s early life included idyllic periods in England and Switzerland. It was there, surrounded by horses, that her lifelong passion for equestrian art first took root .
“An Actress? Urgh.”
When a reporter once asked 12-year-old Liza if she wanted to follow her mother into acting, she reportedly replied, “An actress? Urgh.” She did appear in one film—a small role as a beggar maid in Richard Burton’s 1969 movie “Anne of the Thousand Days”—but it was clear where her true interests lay .
Artistic Career and Major Achievements
From Art Student to Master Sculptor
Liza channeled her creative energy into formal art education at London’s Hornsey College of Art, followed by study at the Otis Institute in Los Angeles. After completing her studies in 1979, she launched a professional career as a sculptor .
Initially, she focused on bronze editions of famous racehorses for The Newmarket Gallery. Her innate understanding of horse anatomy quickly caught the attention of collectors and racing enthusiasts .
Commissions That Made History
What sets Liza apart is her roster of commissions—the who’s who of horse racing royalty:
- Secretariat: Commissioned by Penny Chenery herself to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the birth of the legendary racehorse
- Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, and John Henry: Private commissions from their owners
- Nashua: A half life-size memorial for Spendthrift Farm
These bronzes have been hailed as “the most important bronze racehorse sculptures since John Skeaping died in 1978” . John Farley, the English racing historian, included only two modern sculptors of the last 45 years in his authoritative book Great Racehorses in Art—one was John Skeaping, and the other was Liza Todd-Tivey .
Beyond Horses: The 9/11 Rescue Dog Monument
Following the September 11 attacks, Liza created something deeply personal: a life-size bronze of a rescue dog descending onto a base made of actual rubble from the World Trade Center . The sculpture exists in an edition of two—one in a private collection in upstate New York, and the second donated to the campus of Farmingdale State University on Long Island, where it serves as the centerpiece of a memorial garden .
A Swiss Calf Named Rosie
In 1999, the Swiss village of Gstaad commissioned Liza to create a life-size bronze calf for its town square. Today, “Rosie” has become one of the village’s most beloved tourist attractions .
Personal Life
Choosing Privacy Over Fame
Perhaps Liza’s most defining characteristic is her fierce commitment to privacy. When she moved to a quiet town in New York’s Hudson Valley, she initially denied her identity when neighbors asked if she was Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter .
“She made a decision early on never to be part of her mother’s world,” one friend told the New York Post. “She has never sought any publicity.”
Today, Liza lives on 55 acres of woodland in upstate New York, surrounded by her beloved animals—horses, goats, dogs, and chickens. She even affectionately nicknamed her farmhouse “Fecal Manor” .
Marriage and Divorce
In 1984, Liza married artist and teacher Hap Tivey. The couple had two sons, Quinn and Rhys, before divorcing in 2003. Despite the split, they remain on good terms and live just a few miles apart in upstate New York .
Family and Relationships
Siblings and Half-Siblings
Liza grew up with a large blended family. Her siblings include:
- Michael Wilding Jr. and Christopher Wilding: Taylor’s sons from her marriage to Michael Wilding
- Maria Burton: Adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
Her Sons: Keeping the Legacy Alive
Both of Liza’s sons have pursued careers in the arts while also honoring their grandmother’s legacy:
- Quinn Tivey graduated from USC’s film school and has worked as a producer on films like “The Company Men.” Since 2016, he has served as a co-trustee of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate and is involved with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation .
- Rhys Tivey is an accomplished jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter who studied at NYU. He performed “Amazing Grace” at his grandmother’s funeral and is also an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation .
The Elizabeth Taylor Connection
Despite her desire for privacy, Liza did collaborate with her mother on a jewelry line that they both enjoyed working on. “She thoroughly enjoyed doing projects with her mother,” said her longtime representative Jeanne Chisholm .
When Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011, Liza was at her bedside. Afterward, she sent thank-you cards featuring an old photograph of Taylor lying on the grass looking up at her young daughter .
Net Worth and Financial Success
While Liza likely inherited a significant portion of Elizabeth Taylor’s estimated $600 million to $1 billion estate, she has never flaunted her wealth . Her sculptures command impressive prices—bronze editions regularly sell for thousands of dollars, with one piece valued at $14,000 . However, those who know her describe her as “completely normal,” living a modest life dedicated to her art and animals rather than luxury .
Interesting Facts
- She was the last child born to Elizabeth Taylor—her father had Elizabeth sterilized after Liza’s difficult birth .
- Her works have been compared to George Stubbs, the legendary 18th-century British painter known for his horse portraits .
- She’s a dog lover—besides the 9/11 rescue dog monument, Liza created a life-size bronze of a rescue dog clambering over actual World Trade Center debris .
- At age 12, Liza had no interest in acting. When asked if she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps, she responded with an emphatic “Urgh.”She was a childhood friend of Elizabeth Taylor’s other children, and all four of Taylor’s kids reportedly adored their mother and referred to her as their “best friend” .
Current Activities and Legacy
Conservation and African Wildlife
Since 2016, Liza has shifted much of her artistic focus toward African wildlife conservation. She became involved with HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), South Africa’s first elephant orphanage .
She created artwork for the exhibition “From Line to Form: the Jabulani Elephants” and developed “Rescue Scarves” featuring elephant and cheetah designs. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to helping endangered animals in South Africa .
Keeping Elizabeth Taylor’s Memory Alive
Through her sons’ work with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, the family continues Elizabeth Taylor’s activism. Quinn noted that “Grandma would have been incredibly proud of the work being done,” adding that “she would never buckle under pressure, and she certainly would not support the status quo if the status quo didn’t feel right.”
Conclusion
Liza Todd‘s life is a testament to the power of carving your own path. Despite being born into one of Hollywood’s most famous families, she never relied on her mother’s name to make her mark. Instead, she worked with her hands, shaping bronze into forms that capture the essence of horses, elephants, and the animals she so deeply loves.
Her story reminds us that fame doesn’t define us—our choices do. From her early studies at London’s Hornsey College to her acclaimed sculptures of racing legends, Liza built a career on talent and determination. Her shift toward African wildlife conservation shows a woman whose artistic vision is matched by her compassion.
Today, Liza Todd continues to create, inspire, and give back. She may have been born Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter, but she will always be remembered as a master artist in her own right—one who chose a quiet studio over the spotlight, and found her voice in bronze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Liza Todd?
Liza Todd is the daughter of Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and producer Mike Todd. Born Elizabeth Frances Todd on August 6, 1957, she is a renowned sculptor specializing in equestrian and animal bronzes, and she lives a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight .
Q2: Did Liza Todd know her father, Mike Todd?
No, she never knew her biological father. Mike Todd died in a plane crash when Liza was only six months old. Her second stepfather, Richard Burton, adopted her and became her “real” father figure .
Q3: What kind of art does Liza Todd create?
Liza Todd is a sculptor who works primarily in bronze. She is best known for her equestrian sculptures of famous racehorses, including Secretariat, Northern Dancer, and Seattle Slew. She has also created sculptures of cows, rescue dogs, and elephants .
Q4: Who are Liza Todd’s children?
Liza has two sons with her ex-husband Hap Tivey: Quinn Tivey and Rhys Tivey. Quinn is a filmmaker and co-trustee of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate, while Rhys is a jazz musician and activist .
Q5: What is Liza Todd doing now?
Liza continues to create art while focusing on wildlife conservation, particularly the protection of orphaned elephants in South Africa. She also lives quietly in upstate New York, surrounded by her animals .
Q6: Was Liza Todd at Elizabeth Taylor’s bedside when she died?
Yes, Liza was at her mother’s bedside when Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011 .
Q7: Why is Liza Todd so private?
Liza made a conscious decision early in life to stay out of the public eye. She has described herself as an “ordinary citizen” and has often denied her famous lineage to preserve her privacy. Friends say she never sought publicity and chose a quiet life away from Hollywood .
