Christopher Wilding Worked as a Film Editor - Facts about Elizabeth Taylor's Son

Publish date: 2024-05-17

Elizabeth Taylor and Christopher Wilding. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher Wilding, son of Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor and her second husband Michael Wilding, dedicated his life to cinema, echoing his parents' passion for the silver screen. He was by his mother's side through the years until the day of her passing.

Christopher was only five years old when his mother won her first Oscar. Fast forward a few years, and at the tender age of 11, he stepped into the limelight, starring in "The Taming of The Shrew."

Christopher Wilding later exchanged vows with the granddaughter of American oil magnate J. Paul Getty. Tragically, their union came to an end following her HIV diagnosis.

Christopher Wilding and Joel Goldman attend The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Art Auction Benefit Presented By Wilding Cran Gallery on February 27, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher Wilding Couldn't Play With His Mom's Oscars

Christopher Wilding was born on February 27, 1955, sharing his birthday with his mother, Elizabeth Taylor. He entered the world via cesarean section at Santa Monica Hospital and spent his early years in a comfortable, pet-filled home.

Christopher's father, Michael Wilding, was an actor and a famous star among English moviegoers in the 1940s. He walked down the aisle with Elizabeth Taylor in 1952, three years prior to Christopher's arrival in 1955, and two years after welcoming their first son, Michael Wilding Jr. Michael Sr. was 20 years older than his wife, who was only 19 when they married.

Actors Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) and Michael Wilding (1912 - 1979) with their sons Michael Jr (left) and newborn Christopher, Los Angeles, California, 1955. | Source: Getty Images

Following the birth of her second son, Elizabeth Taylor embarked on a disciplined diet, shedding more than 35 pounds she had gained during pregnancy. The weight loss helped regain her pre-baby figure, but it was also a crucial step towards clinching a role in the movie "Giant."

Fast forward to 2016, reports surfaced that Christopher was happily married to Margie, and they owned a house in Calabasas.

"Giant" raked in 10 Oscar nominations and got one win. Elizabeth, however, didn't receive a nomination or award for that movie. Her glittering career would later earn her three Oscars and four Golden Globe awards. Christopher and his brother had the privilege of playing with her Golden Globe awards, but Elizabeth's Oscars were a no-go zone. Christopher said:

"I guess the Globes didn't have as much cachet as they do now."

British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor sits in a red evening dress with her sons Michael (L) and Christopher Wilding on her lap, mid 1950's. | Source: Getty Images

In 1957, when Christopher was just a kid, his parents' marriage ended. More than 20 years later, in 1979, his father passed away.

Christopher Wilding Worked Behind The Scenes in the Film Industry

Christopher began his acting journey in 1967, getting a complementary role in "The Taming of the Shrew." His mother and stepfather, Richard Burton, played leading roles in the film, and his brother Michael was also cast as an extra. In one scene, the family appeared on screen as Richard Burton's character, Petruchio, gallops to the wedding.

Elizabeth Taylor with Richard Burton and children Michael Wilding, Chistopher Wilding, Elisabeth Todd and Maria Burton in 1967. | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on this family moment, Michael said:

"My brother, Christopher Wilding, was also an extra. I had braces on my teeth, and we wore little codpieces and velvet caps. Our voices rang out, 'Petruchio, Petruchio.'"

After this family film experience, Michael Jr. followed the spotlight, continuing to act in movies, while Christopher opted for a different path. He found his calling behind the scenes, becoming an assistant sound editor for noteworthy films like "Apartment Zero," "Loverboy," and "The Shadow." Additionally, Christopher showcased his versatility, serving as the third assistant director on the set of "Breakthrough."

Christopher Wilding attends a party during his mother Elizabeth Taylor's weekend-long 40th birthday celebration in Budapest, Hungary, on Feb. 26-27, 1972. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher worked as a cameraman on "The Mirror Crack'd," a film headlined by none other than his mother, Elizabeth Taylor. In 2011, it was reported that Christopher had transitioned into roles as a film editor and photographer. By 2016, he was already a retired film editor.

Christopher Wilding's ex-wife is HIV-positive

The love story of Christopher and Aileen Getty, who was born and raised in Italy, began in the '70s. Aileen, the granddaughter of the legendary American oil magnate, J. Paul Getty, had no idea of the extent of her future mother-in-law, whom she met two days after Michael Wilding's death's fame.

Christopher Wilding and Aileen Getty at their store in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher and Aileen said their "I do's" in 1981 and embarked on their journey of parenthood. After many failed attempts to have a child, they adopted their son, Caleb, in 1983. The following year, they were overjoyed to add their biological son, Andrew, to the family.

The family's strength was tested in 1985 when Aileen was diagnosed with HIV. The lack of support from her family was made up for by the unyielding care of her mother-in-law.

Aileen carried the burden of her HIV infection, which resulted from an extramarital affair, with heavy guilt. Nonetheless, the iconic Elizabeth Taylor offered Aileen the compassion and support she needed to navigate this challenging period.

Aileen Getty attends the 97.1 KLSX (Radio Station) Hosts a Cocktail Reception to Celebrate the Opening of the Rock Art Exhibition on May 15, 1992 at the DGA Theatre in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Their marital journey ended in 1989, and Aileen was left without custody of their children. Yet in a post-divorce interview, Aileen only had kind words for Christopher, describing him as "the most wonderful man in the world," and affectionately referring to Elizabeth Taylor as "Mom."

Christopher found love again with Margaret Carlton. They welcomed a son into the world in 1991, who they lovingly named Lowell Wilding.

In 2016, reports surfaced that Christopher was happily married to Margie, and they owned a house in Calabasas.

Christopher Wilding's relationship with his mother

During Aileen's early days mingling with Christopher's family, their palpable warmth stood out to her. She was moved by how Elizabeth Taylor, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, took such immense pride in being a mom and treasured every second spent with her kids.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor arrives with her children, (L-R) Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Maria Burton and Liza Todd Burton, for Taylor's 75th birthday party at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas on February 27, 2007 in Henderson, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher's close bond with his mother outwardly showed through his constant presence at her side, especially at events the legendary actress attended.

When Elizabeth had her 40th birthday bash in 1972, Christopher was there to celebrate the milestone alongside her, and he also accompanied her to a lavish party thrown at the Iranian Embassy in 1978.

The duo also turned heads at the glitzy InStyle Magazine Gala, which celebrated the launch of Elizabeth Taylor's book, "My Love Affair with Jewelry."

Dame Elizabeth Taylor and son Chris Wilding during InStyle Magazine Gala to Celebrate the Release of "Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry" at Christie's in New York City, New York, United States. | Source: Getty Images

When the iconic actress died at the Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles in 2011, Christopher and his siblings were by her side.

In an interview in 2016, Christopher proudly shared that he now displays his mother's first three Oscars in his house's living room and said:

"I'm thrilled to have the Oscar. She was so beautiful, some people tended to overlook her great acting chops."

Elizabeth was also a philanthropist, and in 1993, she was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. “I think if she were around today, she’d be most pleased with her philanthropic work,” Christopher added.