Which actress portrayed Cleopatra in the 1963 epic film?
Fact: Elizabeth Taylor starred as the iconic Egyptian queen in Cleopatra (1963), a production famous for its extravagant sets, record-breaking budget, and on-set romance between Taylor and co-star Richard Burton, who played Mark Antony. For the role, Taylor became the first actress in history to earn $1 million for a single film — a groundbreaking contract that also gave her a share of the profits, ultimately netting her around $7 million. The film became a symbol of Hollywood excess, nearly bankrupting 20th Century Fox, but it also cemented Taylor’s image as one of cinema’s most glamorous and bankable stars.
Answer: Elizabeth Taylor