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Elizabeth and Michael: The Queen of Hollywood and the King of Pop―A Love Story
One of the country’s leading authorities on popular entertainment presents an eye-opening and unique biography of two larger-than-life legends—Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson—and their unlikely yet enduring friendship.
From the moment Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson met, they were hooked on each other. He peered into her violet eyes and was transfixed; she, in turn, was dazzled by his talent, intrigued by his sweet-tempered childlike personality, and moved by the stories she had already heard about his troubled early life. Soon a deep friendship blossomed, unexpectedly unlike anything either had ever experienced. Through thick and thin, through their various emotional upheavals, through the peaks and valleys of their careers, through their personal traumas and heartaches, through the unending health issues and extreme physical pain that each experienced, and through the glare of the often merciless public spotlight, their bond held them together, and their love for each other endured.
Donald Bogle skillfully recreates the moving narrative of Taylor and Jackson’s experiences together and their intense emotional connection, without shying away from the controversies that swirled around them. Through interviews with friends and acquaintances of the two stars, as well as anonymous but credible sources, Elizabeth and Michael emerges as a tender, intimate look at this famous “odd couple” and a treasure to their millions of fans.
From the moment Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson met, they were hooked on each other. He peered into her violet eyes and was transfixed; she, in turn, was dazzled by his talent, intrigued by his sweet-tempered childlike personality, and moved by the stories she had already heard about his troubled early life. Soon a deep friendship blossomed, unexpectedly unlike anything either had ever experienced. Through thick and thin, through their various emotional upheavals, through the peaks and valleys of their careers, through their personal traumas and heartaches, through the unending health issues and extreme physical pain that each experienced, and through the glare of the often merciless public spotlight, their bond held them together, and their love for each other endured.
Donald Bogle skillfully recreates the moving narrative of Taylor and Jackson’s experiences together and their intense emotional connection, without shying away from the controversies that swirled around them. Through interviews with friends and acquaintances of the two stars, as well as anonymous but credible sources, Elizabeth and Michael emerges as a tender, intimate look at this famous “odd couple” and a treasure to their millions of fans.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published August 30, 2016
7 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Donald Bogle
26 books29 followersDonald Bogle is one of the foremost authorities on Black representation in films and entertainment history. His books include Running Press's Hollywood Black; the groundbreaking Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies, and Bucks; the award-winning Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams; the bestselling Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography; and Brown Sugar, which Bogle adapted into a PBS documentary series. He was a special commentator and consultant for Turner Classic Movies’ award-winning series Race and Hollywood. Bogle teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. He lives in Manhattan. — Running Press
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 19, 2016
I felt perfectly ridiculous when I realized that I had put this book on hold. Can't imagine what possessed me. I'm not unhappy that it did. I'll confess to having read numerous reputable biographies on Taylor. She was my idol as a kid. But Michael Jackson--and linked to her? Turns out it may have been the most special relationship in his life. We all know about his devotion to his mother Katherine but Elizabeth also filled the role as his mother and a friend he could actually trust.
I love the way the author structured the book. He waited until they actually met (a huge age difference) before having them compare similarities deeper than being child stars. Once again I was blown away by Elizabeth's strength mentally and physically in dealing with illness and pain. Bogle spends a bit more time on the physical than other writers have. I know I couldn't have stood even a teeny bit of the lifelong pain and 22 major surgeries. I also tend to forget that she was the first one in Hollywood to address AIDS and kept fundraising for it and raising awareness until the end of her life. It occurs to me if she had been something more "serious" than a first rate actress, we would be holding her up as a role model. Perhaps a few too many husbands but four children and now grandchildren who adored her.
I love the way the author structured the book. He waited until they actually met (a huge age difference) before having them compare similarities deeper than being child stars. Once again I was blown away by Elizabeth's strength mentally and physically in dealing with illness and pain. Bogle spends a bit more time on the physical than other writers have. I know I couldn't have stood even a teeny bit of the lifelong pain and 22 major surgeries. I also tend to forget that she was the first one in Hollywood to address AIDS and kept fundraising for it and raising awareness until the end of her life. It occurs to me if she had been something more "serious" than a first rate actress, we would be holding her up as a role model. Perhaps a few too many husbands but four children and now grandchildren who adored her.
June 12, 2017
More than you'll ever want to know about Elizabeth Taylor, that's for sure. The author was clearly in love with her at some time because he elevated her to goddess status, which I found nauseating. Yes, she was pretty, but he kept harping about her stunning beauty over and over and over again! There are lots of beautiful women in the world, prettier than her IMO.
Anyway, Elizabeth Taylor was a spoiled brat and behaved that way for most of her life. Michael had a damaged childhood, and the two were pulled together like magnets. Two dysfunctional people cocooning themselves away from everyone else, living in their own perfect/dysfunctional world. It was hard to listen to, partly because the narrator read slower than a third grader. Fame and fortune are what most people think would make a wonderful life; but when it is achieved, it never brings happiness. Sometimes the famous feel entitled or they don't know how to relate to the rest of the mere mortals they exist with. You just have to wonder how people like Michael and Liz can live in this world. The answer is, they couldn't.
Anyway, Elizabeth Taylor was a spoiled brat and behaved that way for most of her life. Michael had a damaged childhood, and the two were pulled together like magnets. Two dysfunctional people cocooning themselves away from everyone else, living in their own perfect/dysfunctional world. It was hard to listen to, partly because the narrator read slower than a third grader. Fame and fortune are what most people think would make a wonderful life; but when it is achieved, it never brings happiness. Sometimes the famous feel entitled or they don't know how to relate to the rest of the mere mortals they exist with. You just have to wonder how people like Michael and Liz can live in this world. The answer is, they couldn't.
September 1, 2017
Sometimes knowing from the outset what to expect helps you through the process of reading and reviewing a book. I purchased 'Elizabeth and Michael' out of curiosity, as well as love of Michael Jackson and fondness for Elizabeth Taylor, who was one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. Admittedly I wasn’t expecting to learn much I didn’t already know, nor was I expecting David Bogle’s book to be especially reliable as a source on their friendship.
But it was difficult not to get caught up in the spotlight of show biz’s most beautiful glamour couple; and it was interesting to read of the events I had viewed innumerable times on YouTube in the context of the timeline of their respective careers. Not that I was by any means satisfied with Bogle’s coverage of some of these events.
I began by dipping into the narrative at the point when Michael and Elizabeth’s paths crossed, and then entwined off and on through the years. Because I knew most of the public events described, and had read the original sources of some other stories, I could be critical of some of the observations the author makes. Although occasionally he makes an astute observation that resonates with truth, such as when, on page 332, he states: “Clearly, Joseph Jackson – even at this late date – was still unable to accept Michael as anything other than part of a family affair.”
It doesn’t help when a writer quotes from hostile or discredited (at least in the eyes of the fans) individuals, one or two having been known to admit under oath that they embroidered the truth for financial gain.
Quoting Bob Jones (1) and Stacy Brown (2) was never going to convince me Bogle really came to grips with or understood his subjects. And readers of Boteach’s book 'The Michael Jackson Tapes', and Cascio’s 'My Friend Michael', could be forgiven for thinking they’d read parts of Bogle’s book already.
This is the thing about 'Elizabeth and Michael' – at least the portion covering matters I know most about, that is, the parts involving Michael Jackson: it has been compiled from other sources, some of which have published their own accounts (like the bodyguards’ book) and nothing new is added to their stories.
However, as with most who attempt a biography of Michael Jackson (and possibly also Elizabeth Taylor) they are so indebted to second hand stories or tabloid tales that their assessment of situations and scenarios is of less value than those of many fans, some of whom really DO know better than what is written by most journalists and who were often closer to and more in tune with some events discussed in the book.
'Elizabeth and Michael' while reaffirming the great friendship between the pair that endured over so many years and through personal pain and hardships, has little that is new to offer the reader who already knows their stories. And occasionally, it drops a tell-tale ‘clanger’ such as when it quotes dialogue from Michael Jackson in which he refers to his friend as ‘Liz’. To my knowledge, he never used this derivative of Elizabeth’s name.
On such a small, but glaring mistake, an entire book can lose credibility, if referencing Jones and Brown and some of the others hadn’t done that already.
(1) https://www.theguardian.com/music/200...
(2) http://michaeljacksonallegations.com/...
Review by Kerry Hennigan
1 September 2017
But it was difficult not to get caught up in the spotlight of show biz’s most beautiful glamour couple; and it was interesting to read of the events I had viewed innumerable times on YouTube in the context of the timeline of their respective careers. Not that I was by any means satisfied with Bogle’s coverage of some of these events.
I began by dipping into the narrative at the point when Michael and Elizabeth’s paths crossed, and then entwined off and on through the years. Because I knew most of the public events described, and had read the original sources of some other stories, I could be critical of some of the observations the author makes. Although occasionally he makes an astute observation that resonates with truth, such as when, on page 332, he states: “Clearly, Joseph Jackson – even at this late date – was still unable to accept Michael as anything other than part of a family affair.”
It doesn’t help when a writer quotes from hostile or discredited (at least in the eyes of the fans) individuals, one or two having been known to admit under oath that they embroidered the truth for financial gain.
Quoting Bob Jones (1) and Stacy Brown (2) was never going to convince me Bogle really came to grips with or understood his subjects. And readers of Boteach’s book 'The Michael Jackson Tapes', and Cascio’s 'My Friend Michael', could be forgiven for thinking they’d read parts of Bogle’s book already.
This is the thing about 'Elizabeth and Michael' – at least the portion covering matters I know most about, that is, the parts involving Michael Jackson: it has been compiled from other sources, some of which have published their own accounts (like the bodyguards’ book) and nothing new is added to their stories.
However, as with most who attempt a biography of Michael Jackson (and possibly also Elizabeth Taylor) they are so indebted to second hand stories or tabloid tales that their assessment of situations and scenarios is of less value than those of many fans, some of whom really DO know better than what is written by most journalists and who were often closer to and more in tune with some events discussed in the book.
'Elizabeth and Michael' while reaffirming the great friendship between the pair that endured over so many years and through personal pain and hardships, has little that is new to offer the reader who already knows their stories. And occasionally, it drops a tell-tale ‘clanger’ such as when it quotes dialogue from Michael Jackson in which he refers to his friend as ‘Liz’. To my knowledge, he never used this derivative of Elizabeth’s name.
On such a small, but glaring mistake, an entire book can lose credibility, if referencing Jones and Brown and some of the others hadn’t done that already.
(1) https://www.theguardian.com/music/200...
(2) http://michaeljacksonallegations.com/...
Review by Kerry Hennigan
1 September 2017
July 3, 2018
Elizabeth and Michael
I did not find that I learned a lot that was new about these two icons from around 1980 until their deaths, nor their relationship with each other. Neither did I learn anything new about Michael from his birth until 1980, as I am a huge fan of his, and know a lot about him.
However, I did learn a lot about Elizabeth's early life, child stardom, and young adulthood. Therefore, the book was worth reading.
I recommend for anyone who does not know a lot about Elizabeth Taylor's life.
I did not find that I learned a lot that was new about these two icons from around 1980 until their deaths, nor their relationship with each other. Neither did I learn anything new about Michael from his birth until 1980, as I am a huge fan of his, and know a lot about him.
However, I did learn a lot about Elizabeth's early life, child stardom, and young adulthood. Therefore, the book was worth reading.
I recommend for anyone who does not know a lot about Elizabeth Taylor's life.
January 15, 2021
I listened to this book and it was entertaining. The author goes into more depth on ET’s post Burton life than I had read before. Regarding MJ it was a reminder of how odd he became and it told his side of the story on the scandals. There were a lot of people trying to get his money. He came into the world as a sensitive artist and sadly had a horrific father.
You better like ET if you read this book, because really most of the book is about her.
You better like ET if you read this book, because really most of the book is about her.
January 30, 2021
A Beautifully written book and brutally honest.
October 10, 2016
People can say all they want about Elizabeth Taylor but one thing I admired about her she was a true and loyal friend. Even if one was involved in scandal, she would stand by you. What a generous heart. Bogue writes about some would deem an unlikely friendship but a loyal one!
September 1, 2016
Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson were showbiz royalty and seldom off the radar of the tabloid press, so it's no surprise that, prior to this dual biography by Donald Bogle (Dorothy Dandridge), there were more than a dozen full-length biographies devoted to their lives--plus Jackson's autobiography and four books written by Taylor. Both lead fascinating and compelling lives. Although seemingly dissimilar, Taylor (1932--2011) and Jackson (1958--2009) had a lot in common. Both radiated talent, survived the transition from child star to adult performer (Jackson joined the Jackson 5 at age five and Taylor made her first movie at nine), produced award-winning work (she won two Best Actress Oscars; he won 13 Grammy Awards) and held the public's fascination for decades with their lavish tastes and outrageous behavior.
More than half of ELIZABETH & MICHAEL's nearly 400-page length consists of alternating chapters telling each performer's life story prior to their meeting in 1985. Together or apart, there is no lack of drama, which makes for lively and engrossing reading. Apart, there are Taylor's eight marriages, life-threatening health problems (including scoliosis, a broken back, pneumonia, brain tumor, alcohol and prescription drug addiction and congestive heart failure) and AIDS activism; and Jackson's dysfunctional early family life, sexual abuse allegations, compulsive plastic surgery, two short marriages and financial woes. Together, they forged a fiercely loyal friendship and, according to Taylor, "Told each other everything."
Despite having enough material for two solo biographies, Bogle's compressed merging of these two active lives never feels rushed or perfunctory. Bogle's ELIZABETH & MICHAEL is a skillful, fast-paced biography filled with compelling anecdotes. Donald Bogle's hefty dual biography of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson is a lively and compelling retelling of their lives apart and their fiercely loyal friendship.
More than half of ELIZABETH & MICHAEL's nearly 400-page length consists of alternating chapters telling each performer's life story prior to their meeting in 1985. Together or apart, there is no lack of drama, which makes for lively and engrossing reading. Apart, there are Taylor's eight marriages, life-threatening health problems (including scoliosis, a broken back, pneumonia, brain tumor, alcohol and prescription drug addiction and congestive heart failure) and AIDS activism; and Jackson's dysfunctional early family life, sexual abuse allegations, compulsive plastic surgery, two short marriages and financial woes. Together, they forged a fiercely loyal friendship and, according to Taylor, "Told each other everything."
Despite having enough material for two solo biographies, Bogle's compressed merging of these two active lives never feels rushed or perfunctory. Bogle's ELIZABETH & MICHAEL is a skillful, fast-paced biography filled with compelling anecdotes. Donald Bogle's hefty dual biography of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson is a lively and compelling retelling of their lives apart and their fiercely loyal friendship.
August 3, 2016
I don't know why I always seem to gravitate towards books written on Michael Jackson - I liked him enough, but was never really mesmerized by the man or his life. As for Elizabeth Taylor, I can honestly say that I have never seen her movies....so why would I read this book?
The short answer - I am fascinated by the "inside" of famous people's lives and when you mix Michael and Elizabeth and their friendship - I was pretty sure there would be lots of "inside" information.
First, the writing style is fun and the author knew how to keep me interested. Be aware that the tandem story of Elizabeth and Michael only really gets started around the middle of the book. The front end is basically two separate stories - that of Michael's birth and rise to fame and same for Elizabeth (I kept googling all the men in her life as I had no idea what Eddie Fisher looked like or even some of her other love interests).
So, then, why 3 stars and not more? Honestly, while there was some lukewarm new info (to me) in this book, the author does not seem brave enough to really venture out of what has already been written/said about these two in the mainstream press, over the years. He does not push the envelope, name names or even disclose "best kept secrets". At times, he will "allude" to some kind of "maybe" scandal or, at the very least, "something more" than meets the eye, but he never moves beyond it and, let's face, it, considering the subject matter, you knew there had to be that "something more".
Without going all down and dirty, he could have included so much more - but chickened out, although I suspect he will argue that he took the high road and that this story is about a "love story", still.....
Not a bad read at all and I did enjoy it, but for someone who really loves Elizabeth and Michael, there might very well be absolutely nothing new here.
The short answer - I am fascinated by the "inside" of famous people's lives and when you mix Michael and Elizabeth and their friendship - I was pretty sure there would be lots of "inside" information.
First, the writing style is fun and the author knew how to keep me interested. Be aware that the tandem story of Elizabeth and Michael only really gets started around the middle of the book. The front end is basically two separate stories - that of Michael's birth and rise to fame and same for Elizabeth (I kept googling all the men in her life as I had no idea what Eddie Fisher looked like or even some of her other love interests).
So, then, why 3 stars and not more? Honestly, while there was some lukewarm new info (to me) in this book, the author does not seem brave enough to really venture out of what has already been written/said about these two in the mainstream press, over the years. He does not push the envelope, name names or even disclose "best kept secrets". At times, he will "allude" to some kind of "maybe" scandal or, at the very least, "something more" than meets the eye, but he never moves beyond it and, let's face, it, considering the subject matter, you knew there had to be that "something more".
Without going all down and dirty, he could have included so much more - but chickened out, although I suspect he will argue that he took the high road and that this story is about a "love story", still.....
Not a bad read at all and I did enjoy it, but for someone who really loves Elizabeth and Michael, there might very well be absolutely nothing new here.
March 10, 2024
This was a disappointing read. While I enjoy reading and learning about Elizabeth Taylor, I love reading about Michael Jackson -- so I thought this would be a great venture. I have always been fascinated by their unique friendship, and thought this would provide greater insight into it. Unfortunately, most of the book gives separate accounts of the lives of Michael and Elizabeth, alternating by chapter, and then only towards the end touches on their friendship. On top of this, most of what is disclosed about their friendship by those who knew the two can be found on YouTube from Michael or Elizabeth recounting memories themselves. I would not recommend; there are far better biographies of both Elizabeth and Michael.
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January 24, 2017I love to read about Michael so I found this book to be very interesting because it was about how they met and their friendship over the years. I really enjoyed reading about Michael's childhood. I knew some of the information but this gave me more. I thought it was cool the relationship that they had together. They shared so many of the same things, problems with health, stardom and relationship problems with their family and spouses. this is a very interesting read. You will learn a lot about both stars.
August 28, 2016
Well I really enjoyed this book. Probably though I was always going to. I am interested in these two and so I was always going to enjoy reading more about them - the book equivalent of chocolate ice cream.
But this is well written and Donald Bogle has take time to find some new ground, such as MJ's secret treatment for addiction in London, and the extent of abuse in Elizabeth Taylor's childhood and marriages.
But this is well written and Donald Bogle has take time to find some new ground, such as MJ's secret treatment for addiction in London, and the extent of abuse in Elizabeth Taylor's childhood and marriages.
October 23, 2016
I expected a trashy read, and this book met that expectation, but I was a bit surprised at the total trashiness of it.... the author, who is apparently something of an expert, pulled together a book that seems largely taken from the "National Enquirer" and Hedda Hopper.
January 23, 2017
A rehash of the lives of Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor intertwined with the story of their friendship. I like biographies so I enjoyed reading it but if you’ve read about both of them (which I have) you might find it a little tiresome.
May 27, 2016
For diehard MJ/Elizabeth Taylor fans...
September 29, 2016
Like a 500-page issue of US Weekly, which in my world, is AWESOME
October 4, 2016
Lots of information here. The book is well written too.
November 9, 2016
It was well over half way though the book before they even touched on Michael and Liz's friendship. I plowed through it but was not overly impressed. This could easily have been a 200-page book.
January 12, 2017
A good easy read. The story flows wonderfully keeping the readers interested. A nice biography which individually shown both Elizabeth and Michael's love for each other. Well done.
December 31, 2017
A plausible explanation regarding the relationship between Elizabeth Taylor & Micheal Jackson. Many interests tidbits about both of their lives, upbringing and relationships with others. An enjoyable read for those interested in the lives of the rich & famous.
January 5, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5 stars. While this book didn't divulge anything I didn't already know, I found it an enjoyable - if heartwrenching - peek into the lives of two of the most tragic figures of show business. Michael Jackson's life, especially, seems so misunderstood and unhappy. This one is definitely a must-read for anyone who likes juicy, gossipy celebrity bios.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews