Who Is Maria Burton? The Touching Life Story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s Daughter

Maria Burton is the adopted daughter of two of the biggest Hollywood stars ever, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. She was born on August 1, 1961, in Munich, Germany. Even though she grew up in one of the most famous families in the world, Maria chose to live a quiet and private life. She stayed away from cameras and the media. Her story is full of love, strength, and courage. From her difficult early childhood to her adoption by Hollywood royalty, Maria’s life shows us that family is not always about blood. It is about love, care, and being there for each other.
Bio Table of Maria Burton
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Helene Elisabeth Burton Carson |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1961 |
| Place of Birth | Munich, Germany |
| Age | 64 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | German-born, American |
| Adoptive Mother | Elizabeth Taylor |
| Adoptive Father | Richard Burton |
| Biological Parents | Not publicly known |
| First Husband | Daniel Steve Carson (married 1981, divorced 2000) |
| Second Husband | Tom McKeown (married 2002, divorced) |
| Children | Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson (daughter, born 1982), Richard (son) |
| Siblings | Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, Kate Burton, Jessica Burton |
| Profession | Fashion Designer, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Being the adopted daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton |
| Current Residence | Idaho, United States |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $2 million |
Early Life and Adoption
Maria Burton was born in Munich, Germany, on August 1, 1961. Her biological parents are not known to the public. She was placed in an orphanage as a baby. From the very start, life was not easy for her. She was born with a serious hip condition called congenital hip dysplasia. This meant her hips did not form correctly, and she needed many medical treatments.
Elizabeth Taylor learned about little Maria and felt a deep connection with her. Taylor was already in the process of adopting Maria when her marriage to Eddie Fisher ended. When Richard Burton came into Taylor’s life, he helped complete the adoption in 1964. Maria was just three years old. Taylor once said about Maria, “I want her all the more because she is ill. Maybe I can do something to help.” These words show just how much love Taylor had for her new daughter.
Growing Up in a Famous Family
Maria grew up in the Burton-Taylor household, which was one of the most famous families in the world. Her parents were global superstars, known for movies like “Cleopatra.” The family traveled around the world and lived in beautiful homes. Maria grew up alongside her siblings, including Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Kate Burton.
Even though Maria lived a life full of luxury and fame, her childhood also had tough moments. She went through more than 20 surgeries to fix her hip problems. These operations started when she was very young and continued for years. Her parents made sure she got the best medical care possible. Despite all these challenges, Maria had a loving home. Elizabeth Taylor always said that her children were her greatest joy in life.
Education and Career
Maria Burton did not follow her parents into Hollywood. She chose a different path for herself. She studied fashion design because she loved creativity and art. For a short time, she also tried modeling. But the spotlight was never something she wanted. She preferred to work quietly and stay out of the public eye.
Maria also helped run a talent agency with her first husband, Steve Carson. This gave her a chance to use her creative skills in a professional way. She has also worked as a clothing designer. Today, she is known more for her charity work than for any career in entertainment. Her choice to stay private shows a different kind of strength. It takes courage to walk away from fame when it is all around you.

Maria Burton’s Marriages and Personal Life
Maria Burton married Daniel Steve Carson on February 13, 1981, in a small private ceremony. The couple welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson, in 1982. Maria named her daughter after her famous mother, which shows how much she loved Elizabeth Taylor. Maria and Steve also worked together in the talent agency business. However, after 19 years together, their marriage ended in divorce in 2000. The divorce was not easy and involved disagreements about custody and money.
After her first marriage ended, Maria married Tom McKeown in 2002. They had a son together, named Richard, after Richard Burton. Sadly, this marriage also faced serious problems. Maria reportedly dealt with verbal and physical abuse during this relationship. She filed a restraining order to protect herself and her son. The couple eventually divorced. Despite these hard times, Maria stayed strong and focused on raising her children with love and care.
Relationship with Elizabeth Taylor
The bond between Maria and Elizabeth Taylor was very special. Even though Maria was adopted, Taylor treated her with the same love she gave to her biological children. Taylor supported Maria through all of her surgeries, stayed by her side, and made sure she had everything she needed. Their relationship was built on deep love and trust.
Elizabeth Taylor passed away on March 23, 2011. Her death was a very emotional moment for Maria and the entire family. Taylor left behind a huge legacy, both in Hollywood and in her charity work, especially for AIDS awareness. Maria has continued to honor her mother’s memory in her own quiet way. Her daughter Eliza has also become active with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, keeping the family’s giving spirit alive.
Maria Burton’s Life Today
Today, Maria Burton lives a quiet life in Idaho, United States. She stays away from the media and does not use social media. She focuses on her family, her children, and her charity work. She supports causes related to children’s health and welfare. She lives simply and values her privacy more than anything.
Maria’s life is a beautiful example of how someone can grow up in the middle of fame and still choose peace and purpose. She does not need the spotlight to make a difference. She helps others in her own quiet way, just like her mother taught her. Her story reminds us that true strength is not always loud. Sometimes, it is quiet, steady, and full of love.
Conclusion
Maria Burton’s life is a touching story of love, strength, and quiet courage. She was born in difficult circumstances, adopted by two of the biggest movie stars in history, and faced many health challenges as a child. Yet she chose to live a simple, private, and meaningful life. She honored her parents’ legacy not through fame, but through kindness, family, and helping others. Maria proves that you do not need to be in the spotlight to live a powerful and inspiring life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Maria Burton the biological daughter of Elizabeth Taylor?
No, Maria Burton is not Elizabeth Taylor’s biological daughter. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton adopted Maria from Germany in 1964 when she was three years old.
2. How many children does Maria Burton have?
Maria Burton has two children. Her daughter, Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson, was born in 1982 from her first marriage. Her son, Richard, was born from her second marriage to Tom McKeown.
3. What health problems did Maria Burton face as a child?
Maria was born with congenital hip dysplasia, a condition where the hips do not form correctly. She went through more than 20 surgeries during her childhood to treat this condition.
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