Hollywood has never been short on unforgettable personalities, and Elizabeth Taylor remains one of the biggest icons the film industry has ever produced. Decades after sharing a television production with the legendary actress, Morgan Fairchild recently reflected on her experience and summed Taylor up with one simple word, "distant."
The comment immediately caught attention because Taylor's larger-than-life reputation still fascinates movie fans today. Fairchild, 76, did not criticize the actress or suggest there was any conflict. Instead, the “Paper Dolls” actress offered a brief impression, sharing warm memories that highlighted Taylor's remarkable presence, beauty, and lasting impact on Hollywood.
A Short Answer That Sparked Big Interest
Morgan / IG / Fairchild made the comment during a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly while looking back at her long career. When asked to describe Elizabeth Taylor in one word, she chose "distant."
Both actresses appeared in the hugely successful 1985 television miniseries "North and South." Although they were part of the same production, Fairchild explained they never actually filmed scenes together. Their paths crossed behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera, limiting their interactions.
Fairchild recalled one memorable trip that stayed with her through the years. She flew to Charleston for filming aboard a private jet with Taylor, actor Hal Holbrook, producer David Walker, and legendary makeup artist Dick Smith. The flight became one of her strongest memories from the production.
During the trip, Fairchild watched Smith transform Holbrook into President Abraham Lincoln using detailed prosthetics and makeup. Once they arrived on the carefully recreated Civil War sets, she said the entire production felt incredibly authentic. The costumes, locations, and attention to detail made it easy to feel transported to another era.
Elizabeth Taylor Left a Lasting Impression
Although Fairchild's one-word description sounded reserved, she has spoken very positively about Taylor in previous interviews. Following Taylor's death in 2011, Fairchild remembered witnessing firsthand how enormous Taylor's celebrity had become worldwide.
She recalled landing at an airport with Taylor and seeing photographers and fans immediately gather around the aircraft. Fairchild said the attention began almost as soon as the cabin door opened. Even in those hectic moments, Taylor remained calm and handled the excitement with grace.
Another memory stood out even more. Years before working together, Fairchild attended Richard Burton's Broadway performance in "Equus." Audience members quickly realized Taylor had entered the theater, creating instant excitement throughout the crowd.
When Taylor finally turned around, Fairchild said she understood why the actress had become one of Hollywood's greatest beauty icons. She described Taylor as the most beautiful woman she had ever seen in person. According to Fairchild, cameras never completely captured how striking Taylor truly looked.
Elizabeth FP / IG / One area where Fairchild and Taylor shared a powerful connection was their commitment to HIV and AIDS awareness. During the 1980s, public understanding of the disease remained limited, and many celebrities stayed silent because of fear and stigma.
Taylor's famous violet eyes, flawless complexion, and unmistakable screen presence became part of Hollywood history. Her performances in classics including "Cleopatra," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Giant," and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" helped cement her place among the greatest actresses of all time.
The Duo’s Shared Fight Against AIDS Changed Lives
Elizabeth Taylor refused to stay quiet. The “Gian” icon became one of the first major Hollywood figures to publicly support AIDS research and patient care. She helped establish amfAR in 1985 before launching the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 1991. Her advocacy brought national attention to a crisis that many people preferred to ignore.
Fairchild also became an early supporter of education and awareness efforts. She later explained that she had studied infectious diseases out of personal interest and recognized the seriousness of HIV before much of the public understood its impact.
