Morgan Fairchild Calls Elizabeth Taylor 'Distant,' Reflects on Their Time Together

Morgan Fairchild says Elizabeth Taylor was "distant" when asked about the late Hollywood star in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Fairchild did not explain further.

The two actresses appeared in the 1985 TV miniseries North and South, although they did not share any scenes. Fairchild recalled traveling with Taylor and actor Hal Holbrook to the set, where Holbrook transformed into Abraham Lincoln with makeup by legendary artist Dick Smith. She said the experience made it feel as though the cast had stepped back in time.

Despite describing Taylor as "distant," Fairchild has previously praised her. After Taylor's death in 2011, Fairchild told CNN that Taylor was "lovely to be around on the set" and remembered being struck by her beauty the first time she saw her in person.

Fairchild also reflected on their shared work during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Both women became outspoken advocates after actor Rock Hudson died of AIDS-related illness in 1985. Fairchild said she knew speaking publicly about HIV/AIDS could hurt her career but believed it was important to educate people about the disease.

Taylor co-founded amfAR and later created the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. She also became a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, arguing that gay artists played a vital role in building Hollywood.