Katy Perry would be narrating the story of Elizabeth Taylor in a new series. The 10-episode podcast series would explore the life of the iconic actress who doubled as an entrepreneur and was known as the original influencer.
In a statement with Variety, Perry spoke of her role in the series. “Like most people, I was attracted to her glamor, and in my own life, I continue to find myself referencing her through some of my visuals.”
Perry continued, “I’ve always felt a kinship towards her — I’ve even literally bathed in the same bathtub where she made that bar-setting ‘Cleopatra’ deal! I’m inspired by her bold activism, her constant boss moves in business, and through it all, an unapologetic way of loving — all things I try to live in my own life. It’s an honor to be able to share her story in this way.”
The podcast would also explore how Taylor used her celebrity status to drive awareness of social causes like HIV/AIDS and advocate for the LGBTQ community.
In addition to being the narrator, Perry served as the executive producer and Jason Hoch, the major producer for the series.
Some Topics Explored On The Podcast Series
Other topics that Perry would narrate will include Taylor’s fight to make a name for herself as a young actress in the male-dominated industry and how her love for accessories and business savvy led to an auction for her jewelry brand.
It’d also explore Taylor becoming the highest-paid actress in the world at the time after her successful one million dollar salary negotiation to feature in “Cleopatra” and the creation of her fragrance brand, “White Diamond,” which has stood the test of time.
The podcast would also feature experiences of people closest to the icon and access to the House of Taylor archives.
“We are proud to announce this truly innovative and unique podcast about Elizabeth,” said House of Taylor in a statement. “During her lifetime, Elizabeth Taylor was arguably the most famous woman in the world. As such, she was talked about, written about, photographed, referenced and celebrated ad infinitum. She was also judged, analyzed and lived her life under the constant scrutiny of the press and public. What makes ‘Elizabeth the First’ extraordinarily special is that this will be the first narrative that explores Elizabeth as the original multihyphenate.”
Elizabeth Taylor Claimed To Have Never Had Any Acting Lessons
After she passed away, Taylor remained a force in the acting industry. Her excellent acting skills captivated a slew of fans. Her talent was innate, and she didn’t have to go for any formal education for her craft. Instead, she honed her skills by learning from others.
“I have never had an acting lesson in my life,” she told Rolling Stone. “But I’ve learned, I hope, from watching people like Spencer Tracy, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Jimmy Dean — all people who were finely tuned and educated in the art of acting. They were my education.”
She concluded, “If you describe me as an actress, you’d have to say that I wasn’t a distinctive actress as actresses go, because I’m certainly not a polished technician.”
Elizabeth Taylor Was A Spiritual Woman Who Converted To Judaism
Although the actress grew up in the Christain faith, Taylor converted to Judaism after her third husband, Mike Todd, passed away.
“I needed — after Mike’s death — some very strong faith to keep me alive, something to hang on to,” she said while on CNN’s “Larry King Live.” “I didn’t find it in Christian Science. And I wanted to be close to Mike. So I studied Judaism for a year after his death, and then converted.”
Taylor was also profoundly interested in Kabbalah, an ancient tradition of mysticism. However, she clarified that it wasn’t a religion but a spiritual pursuit.
“I am deeply, privately spiritual,” Taylor explained to POZ. “I’ve always been interested in spiritual things. You don’t have to be Jewish to believe in it. It’s not a religion. It coincides with many of my beliefs.”
Her Legacy For HIV/AIDS Advocacy Still Goes On Through Her Granddaughter
Although she’s fondly remembered for her acting skills, her impact on the world is evergreen and continues today. Naomi DeLuce Wilding, her granddaughter, has taken the mantle to continue Taylor’s HIV advocacy.
“My grandmother was a huge, iconic, unforgettable star, and I’m just a person, but I really want to do whatever I can to continue her work,” she told The Telegraph. “The best lesson she taught my cousins and siblings and I, was to use whatever skills we have to help others. God knows she used what she had to a huge effect.”
Although her grandmother never specifically asked her to carry on the work, Wilding is passionate about continuing her mother’s dream.
“She taught us by example to help others,” she concluded.
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