Sharon Stone and Kim Kardashian are teaming up for an eagerly anticipated biographical series on Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures. Titled Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar, the series will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer starting this September.
This comprehensive exploration of Taylor’s life and career will combine previously unheard recordings, personal testimonies, and interviews to present a detailed and heartfelt portrayal of the legendary actress and humanitarian.
Overview of the Series
Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar aims to shed light on both the personal and professional aspects of Elizabeth Taylor’s life. Produced by Passion Pictures, known for their high-quality documentaries such as Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story, the series promises to deliver a compelling narrative.
Passion Pictures is renowned for its detailed and engaging storytelling, making them a fitting choice for this project.
The series will be directed by James House, with Jemma Chisnall as Series Producer and Caroline Sciama as Producer/Director. Kim Kardashian, a long-time admirer of Taylor, is among the executive producers, along with Kari Lia and Hamish Fergusson.
Kardashian’s involvement brings a modern perspective to Taylor’s story, ensuring its relevance to contemporary audiences. Alistair Pegg is the Commissioning Editor for the BBC, overseeing the project’s integration into the BBC’s programming.
Credit: kimkardashian
Key Contributors and Their Roles
The series features a diverse group of contributors, each offering unique perspectives on Elizabeth Taylor’s life:
Sharon Stone
Sharon Stone, famous for her role in Basic Instinct, will provide personal insights into her friendship with Taylor. The two became close through their shared activism, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS.
Stone will discuss Taylor’s impact on her own life, their mutual experiences in Hollywood, and the deep personal connection they developed. Stone’s contributions will include reflections on Taylor’s acting craft and a touching memory of Taylor’s support following Stone’s stroke.
Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian, a noted fan of Taylor, will offer her own reflections on Taylor’s influence. Kardashian’s modern perspective will highlight how Taylor’s legacy continues to inspire new generations.
Kardashian will discuss Taylor’s impact on her own life and on contemporary culture, adding a fresh viewpoint to the series.
Joan Collins
Joan Collins, a fellow Hollywood icon, will share her experiences and observations about Taylor. As contemporaries in the film industry, Collins will provide context on their time in Hollywood and Taylor’s influence on both the industry and her peers.
Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson, Taylor’s god-daughter, will provide a unique perspective on Taylor’s life. As the daughter of Michael Jackson, who was close friends with Taylor, Paris will reflect on how Taylor’s influence extended beyond the film industry into her own life.
Jackson will discuss how Taylor’s approach to life and activism inspired her to support those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Margaret O’Brien
Margaret O’Brien, a child star who attended school with Taylor on the MGM backlot, will offer insights into Taylor’s early years. O’Brien’s recollections will provide context about Taylor’s rise to fame and her experiences during her formative years in Hollywood.
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci, a leading scientist in the fight against AIDS, will discuss his work with Taylor. Fauci’s insights will highlight Taylor’s role in AIDS activism, showcasing her efforts to raise awareness and funds for the cause. His contributions will emphasize Taylor’s impact on public health initiatives.
Chris Wilding
Chris Wilding, Elizabeth Taylor’s son, will offer personal reflections on Taylor’s family life. Wilding will provide an intimate look at Taylor’s role as a mother and her influence on her family.
Naomi Wilding
Naomi Wilding, Taylor’s granddaughter, will discuss how Taylor’s legacy has shaped her own life. Wilding’s contributions will illustrate the enduring impact of Taylor’s life and work, showing how her influence has persisted across generations.
Todd Fisher
Todd Fisher, Taylor’s stepson, will provide insights into Taylor’s impact on their family and her career. Fisher’s views will offer additional context about Taylor’s achievements and personal life.
Aileen Getty
Aileen Getty, Taylor’s daughter-in-law, will share her experiences and perspectives on Taylor’s life. Getty’s insights will add depth to the series, providing a nuanced view of Taylor’s personal and professional world.
George Hamilton
George Hamilton, a former boyfriend of Taylor’s, will discuss their relationship and his experiences with her. Hamilton’s perspective will offer a different angle on Taylor’s personal life and romantic relationships.
Other contributors include Sally Morrison, Taylor’s publicist; Bill Misenhimer, first Executive Director of AIDS Project Los Angeles; Gianni Bozzacchi, Taylor’s personal photographer; Jorjett Strumme, her stylist; José Eber, her hair stylist; and Kate Andersen Brower, author of Taylor’s authorized biography.
Each will provide valuable insights into various aspects of Taylor’s life and career.
Credit: sharonstone
Key Themes and Insights
Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar will explore several significant themes:
Hollywood Legacy
The series will highlight Elizabeth Taylor’s remarkable film career, featuring roles in classics such as Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Taylor’s influence on Hollywood will be showcased, emphasizing her impact on the film industry and her contributions to cinematic history.
Humanitarian Efforts
Taylor’s dedication to humanitarian causes, especially her work in fighting HIV/AIDS, will be a central focus. The series will explore her pioneering efforts in AIDS activism, illustrating how she used her celebrity status to raise awareness and support for the cause.
Personal Connections
The series will delve into Taylor’s personal relationships, providing insights from family and friends. Through these interviews, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of Taylor’s private life, her interactions with loved ones, and the influence she had on those around her.
Breaking Barriers
Elizabeth Taylor was known for challenging societal norms and breaking barriers. The series will examine how Taylor defied conventions in Hollywood and beyond, highlighting her role as a pioneer in both her personal and professional life.
Production and Broadcast Details
Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar is set to air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer starting in September. The series will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing viewers to watch it at their convenience.
A preview copy will be released shortly on BBC Previews, and images from the series will be available through BBC Pictures.
Conclusion
Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar will offer an engaging and emotional exploration of Elizabeth Taylor’s life and legacy. Featuring insights from notable figures, the series will focus on Taylor’s Hollywood legacy, humanitarian work, personal connections, and barrier-breaking achievements.
By combining personal stories with historical context, it aims to provide a nuanced portrayal of one of cinema’s greatest stars and celebrate her enduring impact.
Key Takeaways
- Sharon Stone and Kim Kardashian are teaming up for a biographical series focused on Elizabeth Taylor.
- The series includes unheard recordings, personal testimonies, and interviews with Taylor’s family and friends.
- Notable contributors include Paris Jackson, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Chris Wilding.
- The series will premiere on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in September, with preview copies and images becoming available shortly on BBC Previews and BBC Pictures.