Exclusive: Elizabeth Taylor's Former Personal Chef Reveals the One Thing He Wants Everyone to Know About the Hollywood Legend

Elizabeth Taylor is celebrated as a Hollywood icon, philanthropist, and style trailblazer. However, her former private chef, Neil Zevnik, wants the public to understand who she was behind the scenes.

Zevnik served as Taylor's personal chef from 1991 until 1999 and continued assisting with events for her well into the 2000s. During this period, he witnessed Taylor's character and compassion firsthand.

"She was genuinely a giving person, and despite all the extraordinary experiences over the years, that generosity is what stood out the most. In every part of her life, she gave wholeheartedly, and to me, thats one of the most valuable qualities," Zevnik shared.

One of the most touching examples of Taylor's generosity involved her longtime publicist, Chen Sam. When Sam became terminally ill with cancer, Taylor insisted she receive 24-hour care at her home, ensuring her friend was properly supported until the end. Zevnik notes that Taylor extended the same care to others in her circle, including a friend's mother.

Zevnik also personally experienced Taylors thoughtfulness. Early in his tenure, she gifted him an expensive sweater, later asking for his input to ensure future gifts would truly delight him. One year, this resulted in a massive wine cabinet that couldnt fit inside his house but reflected Taylors grand approach to giving.

"I suggested a wine cellar to hold 36 bottles, but Elizabeth went all out. I ended up with a 360-bottle wine cabinet the size of a large armoire, which now sits in my garage," Zevnik recalls with a laugh.

Her generosity extended broadly, including carefully choosing gifts for friends and family herself rather than delegating the task. Zevnik emphasized that Taylor enjoyed both giving and receiving, taking care to ensure each gift brought joy to its recipient.

"She loved giving gifts and receiving them. Her generosity was hands-on, and she took joy in picking something that would truly make someone happy," Zevnik explained.

Beyond her generosity, Taylor was fiercely loyal to her loved ones. Zevnik notes that she maintained a grounded, approachable presence in her private life, prioritizing family and friends above all else.

"Everyone remembers her as a movie star and cultural icon, but she was also a thoughtful, caring, and considerate person who genuinely cared about the people around her," Zevnik said.

Author: Sophia Brooks