A Whirlwind Romance: William Pawley Jr. Reaches Out to Elizabeth Taylor
In the early 2000s, William Pawley Jr., affectionately known as Bill, reached out to the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Over 50 years earlier, the two had shared a love story that was as intense as it was fleeting. Bill had been Elizabeth's first great love and fiancé back in the late 1940s. "I never got over Elizabeth," Bill confessed, opening up about their whirlwind romance that began in 1949, only to end in heartbreak.
At just 17, Elizabeth Taylor found herself swept off her feet by Bill, a charming former Air Force pilot. Their paths crossed at the elegant Miami home of Bill's father, U.S. Ambassador to Brazil, William Pawley Sr. The chemistry between the two was immediate and undeniable. Elizabeth, already a rising star in Hollywood, was captivated by Bill's charisma. In one of the more than 60 letters she penned to him during their long-distance romance, she gushed, "I’ve never known this kind of love before — it’s so perfect and complete — and mature." For Elizabeth, this was love like no other.
The Proposal and a Life-Changing Decision
Bill was equally smitten with Elizabeth, and he wasted no time in proposing marriage. Just three months after their first meeting, Elizabeth accepted a diamond ring from Bill, a symbol of their commitment. In her letters, she expressed her excitement about giving up her budding Hollywood career for the prospect of love and family. "For I won’t be giving anything up — but I will be gaining the greatest gift that God bestows on man — love, marriage, a family — and you my Darling," she wrote, her heart pouring out onto the page.
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Challenges and Misunderstandings
Despite their deep affection for one another, challenges began to creep into their relationship. Elizabeth's publicist, eager to keep her in the spotlight, arranged "dates" for her with football star Glenn Davis. When Bill saw the photos, jealousy reared its ugly head. Elizabeth tried to reassure him, writing, "You silly Little Billy, I trust you completely; why don’t you trust me?" Yet, the distance and external pressures continued to strain their bond.
A Price Tag on Love
Bill and Elizabeth stayed connected through daily letters and long phone calls. One call, in particular, cost a staggering $145 — a testament to their dedication to maintaining their relationship. Bill even visited Elizabeth, teaching her how to drive and taking her out to parties. In June, he gifted her a diamond engagement ring, and her mother, Sara, proudly announced their plans to marry. However, the realities of Elizabeth's life in Hollywood began to take their toll.
By October 1949, Elizabeth's passion had begun to wane. Exhausted from working on A Place in the Sun, she wrote to Bill, apologizing for not responding sooner. "But I’m so tired. Bill, I know you understand," she explained. The final blow came in November when Bill traveled to California for Elizabeth's date at actress Jane Powell's wedding. It was then that he discovered Elizabeth had extended her contract with MGM for an additional two years. A bitter argument ensued, and their engagement was called off. Soon after, Elizabeth's mother wrote a note asking Bill not to contact her daughter again.
A Lifetime of Love and Regret
Six months later, Elizabeth married Nicky Hilton, while Bill found solace in his faith, becoming a devout Christian. At the age of 50, he finally married and started a family of his own. Yet, the memory of Elizabeth lingered in his heart. After his wife passed away in 2002, Bill reached out to Elizabeth once more.
When they reconnected, they found that time had changed them both, yet their shared memories of their youthful love remained unshaken. Elizabeth was thrilled to hear from Bill, reflecting on the timeless nature of true love. "If I love someone," she said, "I love them always." Their story is a testament to the enduring power of first love, even when life takes unexpected turns.
