Maria Burton Carson, the adopted daughter of legendary Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, has lived a life marked by fame, personal challenges, and a commitment to philanthropy. Born on August 1, 1961, in Germany, she was adopted at the age of three by Taylor and Burton. Her early years were spent in the limelight due to her parents’ global stardom. Despite the luxurious life she experienced, Maria’s journey was one of resilience and a pursuit of a quieter life outside of Hollywood’s constant attention.
Early Life and Adoption
Maria was born in Munich, Germany, to parents who faced significant personal hardships, including financial difficulties and health challenges. At just three years old, she was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who were at the height of their fame. Her adoption made headlines, and she was thrust into a life of public scrutiny and privilege from an early age. However, her early childhood was also marked by medical challenges—Maria was born with a congenital hip condition that required multiple surgeries throughout her early years to correct.
Growing up, Maria lived a life surrounded by some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Her parents’ marriage was notoriously tumultuous, filled with public ups and downs, but their dedication to Maria and her upbringing remained constant. Elizabeth Taylor was known for her deep love for her children, and she ensured that Maria grew up in a nurturing environment despite the chaos of their public life.
Career Path and Philanthropy
While Maria’s early life was filled with the glitz of Hollywood, she chose a more private path. In her teenage years and early twenties, she briefly explored modeling, but her career took a different turn when she shifted her focus to fashion design. Her passion for creativity led her to establish herself in the fashion industry, where she thrived as a designer.
Maria’s career, however, did not follow the acting legacy of her parents. Instead, she dedicated herself to philanthropy, inspired by her mother’s humanitarian work. Elizabeth Taylor was renowned for her AIDS advocacy, having established the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991. Maria has continued this legacy, playing a significant role in supporting the foundation’s mission to fight HIV/AIDS through fundraising and advocacy efforts.
Personal Life
Maria’s personal life has been marked by both joy and challenges. She has been married twice—first to Steve Carson, with whom she had a daughter named Elizabeth Carson in 1982. Their marriage ended in 2000 after a difficult divorce that involved a custody battle over their daughter. Her second marriage, to Tom McKeown, also ended in divorce. The couple had a son named Richard, named after her father, but their relationship was tumultuous, and Maria was granted a restraining order against McKeown due to allegations of domestic abuse.
Despite these challenges, Maria has remained committed to her family and her philanthropic work. Her daughter, Elizabeth Carson, had a close relationship with her grandmother Elizabeth Taylor, often spending time with her during her teenage years.
Financial Situation and Challenges
Maria’s financial standing has been a topic of public interest, especially given her mother’s vast wealth, which was estimated to be around $600 million at the time of her death. However, details about Maria’s personal net worth are scarce. While she inherited a portion of her mother’s estate, most of Elizabeth Taylor’s wealth was distributed among her children, grandchildren, and several charities, particularly those focused on HIV/AIDS advocacy.
Maria has managed to maintain a relatively low-key lifestyle, preferring to stay away from the public eye. She currently resides in Idaho, where she leads a quiet life, focusing on her family and personal interests, such as gardening and reading.
Legacy and Influence
Although she has chosen a life away from the public spotlight, Maria Burton Carson continues to honor her mother’s legacy through her philanthropic efforts. Her work with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has been instrumental in continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS, and she remains dedicated to advocating for those in need. Her life is a testament to the power of personal choice, resilience, and the importance of family bonds. By charting her own path, Maria has managed to build a life that reflects both her love for her family and her desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.
