Dubbed ‘le scandale', the illicit romance between Burton and Taylor created a media frenzy, overshadowing even the extravagant production of Cleopatra and causing upheaval in the Hollywood film industry.
Cleopatra, released in New York 60 years ago, was a groundbreaking movie known for its lavish budget.
Elizabeth Taylor, starring as the iconic Egyptian queen, made history by becoming the first woman to demand a million-dollar salary, equivalent to approximately £8 million today.
However, it was her intense relationship with co-star Richard Burton that threatened to derail the entire project.
The spark that ignited their passionate affair can be traced back to January 22, 1962, when they portrayed the iconic characters of Cleopatra and Mark Antony on screen for the first time.
Despite having met previously in 1953 at a party celebrating another film premiere, it was during the filming of Cleopatra that their undeniable chemistry surfaced.
Taylor, a former child star in her fourth marriage to Eddie Fisher, and Burton, married to Sybil Williams, succumbed to their feelings despite being entangled in other relationships.
Their connection was immediate and all-consuming, leading to a scandalous affair that captivated the public eye.
The onset romance between Taylor and Burton was not the only one amidst the extravagant production of Cleopatra.
Actress Jean Marsh, who also starred in the film, noted the pervasive romantic atmosphere on set, attributing it to the film's opulence and allure.
While Taylor faced backlash for her multiple marriages and controversial relationships, Burton, dedicated to salvaging his marriage to Sybil, was thrust into the spotlight due to his involvement with the esteemed actress.
As rumors swirled and tensions rose, both actors found themselves embroiled in a whirlwind of media attention and public scrutiny.
Amidst the turmoil, Taylor's alleged suicide attempt following an incident of food poisoning fueled the tabloid frenzy surrounding the couple.
Despite the misunderstanding, the episode further solidified the reality of their affair, prompting Burton to defend Taylor against malicious rumors and speculation.
Determined to reclaim control of their narrative, Taylor and Burton leaned into their public image, embracing the paparazzi's relentless pursuit for sensational photos.
Their defiant display of affection in Rome and unabashed defiance of societal norms propelled them further into the media spotlight, solidifying their status as one of Hollywood's most infamous couples.
In the wake of their tumultuous love affair, critics and commentators alike condemned the actions of Burton and Taylor, with even the Pope expressing disapproval of Taylor's string of divorces.
The scandal surrounding their relationship surpassed mere celebrity gossip, captivating audiences and inciting moral outrage on a global scale.
As Burton and Taylor's saga of forbidden love unfolded, it transcended the confines of traditional tabloid fodder, becoming a symbol of passion, defiance, and the enduring allure of star-crossed lovers in the tumultuous world of show business.
