Liza Todd is a name that resonates with classic Hollywood history, yet she is a figure who has deliberately stepped out of that spotlight to build her own identity. Born into the legendary world of actress Elizabeth Taylor and producer Mike Todd, Liza Todd has chosen a life of artistry and privacy over fame. This article explores the life of Elizabeth Frances Todd, known as Liza, from her birth in 1957 to her career as a respected sculptor. While she is the daughter of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, her story is one of individuality, resilience, and dedication to her craft and causes. Here, we will uncover the details of her biography, her career highlights, her family, and her estimated net worth, providing a complete picture of this fascinating figure.
Quick Bio of Liza Todd
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Elizabeth Frances Todd |
| Known As | Liza Todd |
| Age | 68 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birth Date | August 6, 1957 |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Sculptor, Artist |
| Parents | Elizabeth Taylor, Mike Todd |
| Stepfather | Richard Burton (adopted her) |
| Spouse | Hap Tivey (1984–2003, divorced) |
| Children | Quinn Tivey, Rhys Tivey |
| Net Worth | $5–$10 million (est.) |
Early Life and A Childhood in the Spotlight
Liza Todd’s life began in the epicenter of Hollywood glamour. Born on August 6, 1957, in New York City, Elizabeth Frances Todd was the only biological child of the iconic actress Elizabeth Taylor and her third husband, the renowned theatrical producer and impresario Mike Todd . Her birth was notable, as she was born by cesarean section after a difficult premature labor . Tragically, Liza Todd would never know her father. Just seven months after her birth, in March 1958, Mike Todd died in a plane crash, a devastating event that would define her early childhood .
The tragedy thrust the young Liza Todd even deeper into the public eye. Her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, was at the peak of her fame, and their family life was the subject of intense media scrutiny. Following Mike Todd’s death, Elizabeth Taylor married singer Eddie Fisher, and later, actor Richard Burton, who would become a significant father figure in Liza Todd’s life . In fact, Richard Burton adopted Liza Todd, providing her with a sense of stability during the tumultuous “Battling Burtons” years . Liza spent a considerable portion of her childhood in Europe, attending private schools in Switzerland and England . This period, filled with paparazzi and constant attention, fostered an early aversion to the very spotlight her mother commanded .
Education and Creative Beginnings
Despite being surrounded by actors and the film industry, Liza Todd did not show a deep interest in following the family tradition of acting. She briefly appeared in a small role in Richard Burton’s 1969 film, “Anne of the Thousand Days,” but quickly dismissed the idea of a career in Hollywood . Reports suggest she reacted with a resounding “An actress? Urgh” when asked about it . Instead, Liza Todd had a clear vision for her own future, one that lay in the visual arts.
She pursued her passion by studying at prestigious institutions. Liza Todd attended the Hornsey College of Art in London and the Otis Institute in Los Angeles . She completed her formal training in 1979 and began her professional life as a sculptor . This decision marked a clear departure from the entertainment world, demonstrating a commitment to building a career on her own merits. It was the foundation upon which she built a successful and respected career, far from the Hollywood machine.
Liza Todd’s Career as a Sculptor
Liza Todd has carved out a distinguished career as a sculptor, establishing her own artistic identity. Her work is best known for its focus on animal subjects, particularly horses . She has created bronze sculptures of numerous champion thoroughbreds, receiving private commissions from owners of racing legends . Her subjects reportedly include famous racehorses like Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, John Henry, and Secretariat, showcasing her skill in capturing the equine form with great precision .
Her talent extends beyond private collections. Liza Todd has produced several notable public monuments. These include a life-size bronze calf for the village of Gstaad, Switzerland, a place significant to her family history . Her most poignant work is a sculpture of a life-size rescue dog, created using debris from the World Trade Center as a memorial to the events of September 11, 2001 . This piece, which stands at a memorial garden at Farmingdale State College, demonstrates her ability to channel her talent into powerful public art .
Personal Life and Family
Liza Todd has prioritized privacy and family, creating a quiet life far from the glamour of her childhood. In 1984, she married artist Hap Tivey, and together they had two sons, Quinn and Rhys . The family settled in a modest farmhouse on 55 acres in the Hudson Valley of New York, where she lives surrounded by her art and animals, which include horses, goats, dogs, and chickens . Though she and Tivey divorced in 2003, they reportedly maintain an amicable relationship and live near each other .
Liza Todd’s sons have grown into successful adults, carrying on parts of their grandmother’s legacy in their own ways. Quinn Tivey works as a film producer and co-trustee of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, while Rhys Tivey is a jazz trumpeter and songwriter . Both are ambassadors for the Foundation and are involved in charitable work . Liza Todd remains close to her family, and it was reported that she was at her mother’s bedside when Elizabeth Taylor passed away in 2011 .
Liza Todd’s Net Worth and Financial Legacy
The net worth of Liza Todd is a subject of interest, given her family’s immense wealth. Public estimates suggest that her personal net worth is between $5 million and $10 million . This figure is primarily attributed to her own successful career as an artist, with decades of commissions from private collectors and the sale of her work .
Liza Todd’s mother, Elizabeth Taylor, left a substantial estate estimated to be between $600 million and $1 billion, which was placed in a trust . While it is assumed that Liza Todd and her siblings are beneficiaries of this trust, she has never publicly discussed her inheritance . Unlike many in her position, Liza Todd has chosen a modest and independent lifestyle, living in a simple farmhouse rather than a lavish mansion . Her focus has always been on her own earnings and her charitable passions, suggesting she has never relied on or flaunted her family’s legacy.
Lifestyle and Philanthropy
Liza Todd’s lifestyle is a testament to her commitment to living a grounded, private, and philanthropic life. She resides on her farm in upstate New York, where she keeps horses, goats, chickens, and several dogs . Those who know her describe her as a modest, completely ordinary citizen who goes to great lengths to avoid the attention associated with her last name .
Her charitable work is a significant part of her identity. Liza Todd is a passionate supporter of animal welfare, focusing especially on African wildlife conservation . She has collaborated with the organization HERD, working to aid orphaned elephants in South Africa . In 2019, she created a line of “Rescue Scarves,” donating 100% of the profits to protect endangered animals . Additionally, her professional collaboration with her mother on a jewelry line showed a willingness to work together on projects without the trappings of Hollywood . Her life is a powerful example of using one’s talent and resources to support a cause greater than oneself.
Conclusion
Liza Todd is a fascinating figure who has masterfully navigated the legacies of her famous parents, particularly Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, to forge her own unique path. As a sculptor, she has built a respected career, creating beautiful bronze works of animals and meaningful public monuments . By choosing a private life with her family in upstate New York, she has consciously stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight that defined her early years . Her story is not of an heiress living in her mother’s shadow, but of a dedicated artist who remains committed to her craft and her principles. Liza Todd has proven that identity is what one makes of it, and she has made hers one of quiet strength, artistic integrity, and a compassionate heart .
FAQs
Is Liza Todd Elizabeth Taylor’s biological daughter?
Yes, Liza Todd is the only biological child of Elizabeth Taylor and her third husband, film producer Mike Todd .
What is Liza Todd’s net worth?
According to public estimates, Liza Todd’s net worth is believed to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million, reflecting her successful career as an artist .
What does Liza Todd do for a living?
Liza Todd is a professional sculptor who has been active since 1979. She is particularly known for her bronze sculptures of animals, including equestrian subjects .
Who was Liza Todd’s adoptive father?
Liza Todd’s stepfather, actor Richard Burton, adopted her. She has stated that in terms of closeness, Burton was her “real” father .
Where does Liza Todd live?
Liza Todd lives a private life in the Hudson Valley region of upstate New York, where she has a farmhouse and works on her art .
