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The Unexpected Connection Between Elizabeth Taylor and David Schwimmer

Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Archive Photos / Getty Images and Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images
Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Archive Photos / Getty Images and Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Elizabeth Taylor, an actress synonymous with glamour and beauty, lived a life in the spotlight that captivated fans for decades. Famous not only for her talent on screen but also for her dramatic personal life, Taylor’s romantic relationships were often making headlines. What many people might not know, however, is that Taylor shared a unique connection with someone who came to be their own well-known figure—David Schwimmer. He recently revealed how his family came to be in possession of one of Taylor’s very own necklaces.

Elizabeth Taylor divorced seven times

Portrait of Elizabeth Taylor.
Elizabeth Taylor married eight times to seven different men. (Photo Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Getty Images)

Elizabeth Taylor’s love life is almost as legendary as her film career, as throughout her life, she married eight times to seven different men. Her first marriage was to hotel heir Conrad Hilton Jr. in 1950, but the union ended in divorce just a year later. In 1952, she wed British actor Michael Wilding, and they stayed together until 1957. Her third husband, producer Mike Todd, brought her great happiness, but their time was tragically cut short when Todd died in a plane crash in 1958.

Taylor’s next marriage, in 1959, was to singer Eddie Fisher, sparking scandal as Fisher was famously married to Debbie Reynolds at the time. Then came two high-profile marriages to actor Richard Burton. The couple married for the first time in 1964, divorced in 1974, only to remarry in 1975, and separate again for good in 1976. Taylor then married Senator John Warner in 1976, with the couple parting ways in 1982. Her final marriage was to construction worker Larry Fortensky in 1991. This relationship also ended in divorce, marking the end of Taylor’s whirlwind marriages.

Schwimmer’s mother received a personal necklace from Taylor

David Schwimmer and his mother, Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer, posing for a photo together.
Schwimmer’s mother received a necklace from Taylor. (Photo Credit: Ben Gabbe / Getty Images)

With every marriage came divorce, with Taylor requiring legal help to see each one through. Enter the Schwimmer family. During an interview on the Origins with Cush Jumbo podcast, David Schwimmer shared the personal connection between his family and the iconic star. His mother, Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer, was one of Hollywood’s most powerful divorce attorneys. He explained that his mother’s practice “became very successful” and that she represented many high-profile clients, including Taylor herself.

His mother’s connection to Taylor must have been quite exciting, as he explained how, “She grew up as a little girl—or a young woman—wanting to be Elizabeth Taylor.” As a young girl, his mother had dreams of becoming an actress. However, her father discouraged it due to the “promiscuity and things” associated with Hollywood at the time. So, she pursued law instead, only to find herself years later representing her childhood idol in court.

While he never clarified which divorce his mother represented Taylor in, according to Schwimmer, the starlet was so impressed with his her work that she gave her one of her personal necklaces as a token of gratitude. “Elizabeth gave her one of her own personal necklaces as a kind of bonus gift to my mom,” he explained.

She is both a lion and a lamb

David Schwimmer and his mother smiling at one another.
Schwimmer explained that his mother is a force to be reckoned with, but is also a sweetheart. (Photo Credit: David X Prutting / Patrick McMullan / Getty Images)

Schwimmer’s mother’s reputation as an attorney was well known, especially after a 1988 Los Angeles Times cover story labeled her “a street fighter with the tenacity of a pit bull.” He emphasized his mother’s strength, saying, “I mean, you don’t mess with her,” describing how her reputation as a tough lawyer was well-earned. “You don’t want to f— with her.”

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Yet despite this tough exterior, he also explained how she is “the warmest, most loving, generous, joyful” person. “She’s the glue of the whole family,” he added.

Samantha Franco

Samantha Franco is a Freelance Content Writer who received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Guelph, and her Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Western Ontario. Her research focused on Victorian, medical, and epidemiological history with a focus on childhood diseases. Stepping away from her academic career, Samantha previously worked as a Heritage Researcher and now writes content for multiple sites covering an array of historical topics.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys reading, knitting, and hanging out with her dog, Chowder!

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