Meet Elizabeth Taylor’s Eldest Granddaughter, Who Has Carried On Her Legacy & ‘Looks Like’ Her

Elizabeth Taylor, a renowned child star of Hollywood’s golden age, was not only an icon but also a devoted mother and grandmother.

Off-screen, the actress led a remarkable life, marrying eight times to seven men and becoming a mother of four, including sons Michael Jr. and Christopher, with her second husband, Michael Wilding.

With her third husband, Mike Todd, she welcomed daughter Liza in 1957. In 1961, Taylor began the process of adopting Maria Burton, who was born that year. When she married Richard Burton in 1964, he joined in formally adopting Maria as their daughter.

As her children started families of their own, Elizabeth’s legacy grew to include ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Here’s a look at her grandchildren, including one of whom fans believe inherited her grandmother’s striking beauty.

Naomi Wilding

Elizabeth’s influence extends deeply into her family, especially her second eldest grandchild, Naomi Wilding. She co-owns the Wilding Cran Gallery with her husband, Anthony Cran, and is an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

In 2021, Naomi, 48, described her grandmother as both a glamorous superstar and a warm, loving grandmother who always made her family feel welcome.

Andrew Wilding

Elizabeth’s artistic legacy is also carried on by her grandson Andrew Wilding. An actor, cinematographer, and producer. Andrew has contributed to projects such as “Freestyle” and “Everything Carries Me to You,” showcasing his creative talents across multiple fields.

Caleb Wilding

Andrew’s creative pursuits are complemented by the unique path of his cousin, Caleb Wilding. Adopted by Christopher Wilding and his wife, Aileen Getty, in 1983, Caleb has a passion for motorcycles, reflecting his adventurous spirit while staying connected to Elizabeth’s enduring legacy.

Tarquin Wilding

Caleb’s adventurous nature is mirrored by his cousin Tarquin Wilding’s artistic career. Known for his roles in “In Between” and “Shameless,” the actor spoke in 2017 about his grandmother’s lasting impact.

“We admire my grandmother for her boundless generosity,” he shared, adding that the family feels “grateful to be able to honor and continue her legacy. Especially together.”

Rhys Tivey

Tarquin’s cousin, Rhys Wilding, a musician and songwriter who studied Jazz Performance, admired their grandmother’s boldness. Reflecting in 2017, he noted her drive to tackle the toughest challenges first.

Quinn Tivey

Rhys’s reflections on Elizabeth’s determination are complemented by Quinn Tivey’s memories of her warmth. For Quinn, a trustee of Elizabeth’s estate, she wasn’t just a Hollywood icon but simply “Grandma.” He fondly recalled, “She was the woman I could lie in bed with to chat and watch movies.”

Elizabeth Carson

Quinn’s personal memories of Elizabeth’s warmth are echoed by her namesake granddaughter, Elizabeth Carson. Raised in New York City, Elizabeth graduated magna cum laude from NYU in 2004 with a degree in Applied Psychology.

Now working for New York’s Administration for Children’s Services, she continues her grandmother’s mission through the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. “The most meaningful part of our work with the foundation is that we are helping to save and improve lives,” she shared.

Lowell Wilding

Elizabeth’s dedication to her grandmother’s mission is paralleled by her cousin Lowell Wilding’s work. Based in Los Angeles, Lowell is creating an Elizabeth Taylor Archive for the Elizabeth Taylor Trust, preserving the legacy of the first globally recognized celebrity HIV/AIDS activist.

Richard McKeown

Lowell’s work preserving Elizabeth’s legacy is complemented by that of Maria’s son, Richard McKeown. Richard has built a dynamic career, holding roles such as Creative Director at Bethesda and CEO of The Gaming World Inc., showcasing his creativity and leadership in the digital realm.

Laela Wilding

Richard’s innovative career is balanced by the quiet yet impactful life of Laela Wilding, Elizabeth’s eldest grandchild and first granddaughter. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she works as a graphic designer and maintains a private life.

Laela also serves as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, inspired by her grandmother’s tireless advocacy. “Continuing her legacy is important to us. She really wanted to break down stigma,” Laela divulged in a 2016 interview.

She also reflected on her grandmother’s memorable gesture at the 1992 Oscars, where she wore a red ribbon to highlight the fight against AIDS. “She wore it proudly and she wore it the rest of her life,” said Laela in 2017.

Her sister Naomi added that the ribbon represented Elizabeth’s dedication to raising awareness and destigmatizing AIDS, highlighting her lifelong commitment to advocacy.

Laela’s role as an ambassador reflects not only her professional dedication but also her deeply personal connection to the “Cleopatra” star’s legacy. In interviews, she fondly recalled her grandmother’s warmth and love for family. The graphic designer revealed that family was Elizabeth’s top priority, fostering a close-knit bond among her children and grandchildren through her efforts to keep everyone connected.

Elizabeth’s vibrant personality shone through in intimate moments, like snuggling during movies or trying on jewelry from her legendary collection, including the famous 33.19-carat Krupp diamond. Yet, what stood out most to Laela was Elizabeth’s generosity and passion. “Her heart was huge,” she said, adding, “She made a big impact on us,” through her activism, love, and zest for life.

In a 2022 social media tribute, Laela shared a heartfelt message about her grandmother for TCM’s Summer Under the Stars. This prompted a wave of admiration from followers who couldn’t help but notice her striking resemblance to the legendary actress.

One wrote, “You’re as beautiful as your grandmother. What a great tribute to one of my favorite actresses!” Another exclaimed, “Wow! She looks like Elizabeth Taylor!”

Observing the family resemblance, someone else added, “Wow — The Eyes — her gran and her dad!” Another admirer commented, “Thank you. I always wondered if any of the grandchildren inherited her violet eyes.” And finally, one person simply marveled, “Oh my gosh… she looks like Liz…”

Elizabeth Taylor’s impact extends far beyond her Hollywood career, inspiring her family and fans alike through her dedication to advocacy and love for life. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren, who continue to honor her memory and keep her spirit alive for future generations.