Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born in Hampstead, London, to American parents, Francis Lenn Taylor and Sara Sothern. Her father was an art dealer, and her mother was a stage actress who gave up her career. Born amidst the pre-war atmosphere of Europe, her early years were steeped in culture and artistic appreciation, unknowingly laying the foundation for her future career in the performing arts.

As World War II intensified, the Taylor family relocated to Los Angeles in 1939. Elizabeth's striking beauty and natural talent quickly attracted attention, leading to a Universal Pictures contract at age 9. This contract was soon dropped, but she impressed MGM executives with her audition, leading her to secure a new contract with them. This marked the official beginning of her Hollywood journey and catapulted her into the world of acting. This period was crucial, solidifying her place as a working child actor in Hollywood.