Who Is Maria Burton Carson? Elizabeth Taylor’s Inspiring Adopted Daughter

Maria Burton Carson may not be a household name like her famous parents, but her life is full of strength, heart, and quiet courage. She was adopted by Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, yet chose a very different path — far away from fame and flashing cameras.

In this article, we’ll explore Maria’s journey. From her early struggles as an orphan in Germany to her life today as a peaceful and private woman in 2025, her story is one of true inspiration. Let’s get to know the woman behind the name — Maria Burton Carson.

Maria Burton Carson Quick Bio

Who Is Maria Burton Carson?

Maria Burton Carson is the adopted daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. While her parents were world-famous actors, Maria never chased the spotlight. Instead, she chose to live a quiet, meaningful life focused on family and kindness.

She was adopted at the age of 3 and raised among Hollywood royalty. But even though her life began with challenges, she grew up to become strong, independent, and deeply caring. Today, she lives peacefully, far from cameras or celebrity events.

Maria’s life shows that you don’t need to be a star to shine. Her strength comes not from fame, but from the love she gives and the quiet life she built on her own terms.

Early Life in Germany Before Fame

Maria Burton Carson was born on August 1, 1961, in Munich, Germany. She came into the world with no known family to care for her. Her biological parents are still unknown, and she was placed for adoption as a baby.

But life was even harder for her because she was born with serious hip problems. Her hips were not formed the right way, and this made walking painful and difficult. As a child, she had to go through more than 20 surgeries to fix her condition. That’s a lot for any child, let alone one without a family.

Despite the pain and the loneliness, Maria held on. Her early years were filled with hospital visits and long recoveries. But she stayed strong, even though the world around her was very uncertain.

Adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton

Everything changed for Maria when she was 3 years old. That’s when Elizabeth Taylor, one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, decided to adopt a child. At the time, she was going through changes in her own life — including a divorce from her husband, Eddie Fisher.

Taylor had already started the adoption process for Maria before she met Richard Burton, her co-star in Cleopatra. After marrying him in 1964, Burton also became part of the adoption and welcomed Maria into their new family.

Maria went from being a lonely child in Germany to becoming part of a world-famous family. Elizabeth and Richard didn’t adopt her for attention — they loved her deeply and gave her a safe, warm home. They made sure she got the best medical care and surrounded her with love.

Maria Burton Carson’s Health Struggles as a Child

Maria didn’t have an easy childhood. Her hip condition was serious and painful. Doctors had to perform many surgeries just so she could walk properly. She spent years in hospitals and recovery rooms. But with the support of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, she never felt alone.

Elizabeth stayed by her side during surgeries. Richard Burton also cared for her like his own child. Together, they helped Maria heal, both physically and emotionally. Through all the pain, Maria learned to be brave and strong.

These hard times shaped her future. She became someone who could face any storm with calm and courage. That strength stayed with her even after childhood.

Maria Burton Carson and Her Famous Parents

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were not just actors — they were icons. People followed their love story all over the world. They were married twice, divorced twice, and always in the headlines.

But to Maria, they were simply her mom and dad. Elizabeth was known for her kindness and care. She raised her children with love, even while dealing with the pressures of fame. She once said her children were her greatest joy.

Richard Burton also played a big role in Maria’s life. Though not her biological father, he treated her like his own. He supported her through her surgeries and showed her what it meant to be loved and accepted.

Maria’s bond with both parents stayed strong, even after their divorce. She grew up feeling like a true part of the family.

Meet Maria Burton Carson’s Siblings

Maria was not raised alone. She had siblings from Elizabeth Taylor’s previous marriages — and together, they formed a unique but loving family.

Her siblings include:

• Michael Wilding Jr. – Son of Elizabeth and actor Michael Wilding.

• Christopher Wilding – Another son from the same marriage.

• Liza Todd – Daughter from Elizabeth’s marriage to producer Mike Todd.

Even though they had different fathers, Elizabeth made sure her kids felt close. They celebrated holidays together and created happy memories as a family.

There were also step-siblings from Richard Burton’s side, like Kate Burton and Jessica Burton. Though they didn’t all live together, the family bond remained respectful and warm.

Maria grew up in a blended but caring home — a home full of different voices, but one that valued love and togetherness.

Maria Burton Carson’s Education and Career

As Maria Burton Carson grew older, she started to build her own life—one that was very different from her parents’ Hollywood fame. She didn’t want to be in movies or follow the celebrity lifestyle. Instead, she quietly followed her own path.

Maria studied fashion design. She loved creativity and working with clothes. For a short time, she also tried modeling when she was younger. But soon, she realized it wasn’t something she truly enjoyed. Later, she helped run a talent agency with her first husband. This allowed her to stay in the creative field but away from the spotlight.

Even though many people expected her to be a star, Maria chose a simple and peaceful life. She made decisions that fit her heart—not other people’s dreams.

Her Humanitarian Work and Charity Support

Just like her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Burton Carson also cared about helping others. Taylor was known for her strong work in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. Maria followed that same path in her own quiet way.

She did not appear at big charity events often, but she supported causes behind the scenes. Her daughter, Elizabeth Carson, also joined her in some of these efforts. Together, they showed that giving back to others is more important than getting attention.

Maria’s kindness and quiet charity work have touched many lives. Even though she didn’t want the spotlight, her heart always made a difference.

Maria Burton Carson’s First Marriage and Daughter

In 1981, Maria married a man named Daniel Steve Carson. They had a small, private wedding in New York City. Just one year later, they welcomed a baby girl named Elizabeth Carson, who was lovingly named after Maria’s mother.

Maria and Steve stayed together for 19 years. During that time, they lived a mostly private life, raising their daughter and staying out of the media. But in 2000, their marriage ended in divorce.

Sadly, their separation came with problems. Steve accused Maria of secretly taking their daughter to live with Elizabeth Taylor in Los Angeles. He also claimed that some money went missing from their shared account. Still, Maria focused on protecting her daughter and giving her a safe place to grow.

Her Second Marriage and Son Richard

After her divorce, Maria found love again. In 2001, she married a man named Tom McKeown. They had a son together and named him Richard, in honor of her beloved adoptive father, Richard Burton.

At first, it seemed like a new beginning. But this marriage also had many problems. After a while, Maria filed a restraining order against Tom, saying that he was verbally abusive and had behaved in unsafe ways around her and their young son.

Tom denied these claims and said Maria had used her mother’s fame to gain legal power. Interestingly, her first husband had made a similar claim years before. These situations were very hard for Maria, but she stayed strong and focused on protecting her children.

Where Is Maria Burton Carson Now in 2025?

So, where is Maria Burton Carson today?

As of 2025, Maria lives a quiet and peaceful life in Idaho. She doesn’t go to events or appear in magazines. She also doesn’t have any public or verified social media accounts. She enjoys a private lifestyle, far away from the Hollywood life she was once part of.

Because she stays away from the spotlight, some people get confused and mix her up with another woman named Maria Burton, who is a director and actress. But they are two very different people. Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter lives quietly and stays out of public attention.

She spends her time with her family, focusing on peace and living a calm, happy life.

Maria Burton Carson’s Net Worth and Inheritance

Maria Burton Carson has never shared details about her net worth or how much money she has. She doesn’t work in the entertainment world and avoids the media, so it’s hard to know her exact earnings.

But her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, was one of the richest stars of her time. When she passed away in 2011, her total wealth was said to be around $600 million. This came from her acting, perfume business, and her famous jewelry.

It is believed that Maria, along with her siblings, received part of this large estate. While no one knows exactly how much she received, it’s likely enough to help her live comfortably and focus on what really matters to her—family, health, and kindness.

Final Thoughts

Maria Burton Carson’s story is not about red carpets or flashing cameras. It’s about strength, love, and making your own path in life. She started as an orphan in Germany with serious health issues. But she became the beloved daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and found a life filled with care and courage.

She went through many hard times—painful surgeries, two divorces, public attention—but she stayed strong through it all. Now, in 2025, Maria lives in peace, far from the spotlight, but full of purpose.

Her life teaches us that even if you are born into a famous world, you can still choose your own way. And sometimes, the quietest people have the strongest stories.

We hope her journey touched your heart. Because Maria Burton Carson is more than a celebrity’s daughter—she is a true example of grace, strength, and kindness.

(FAQs)

Who was Maria Burton Carson’s husband?

Maria got married twice. Her first husband was Steve Carson, and her second husband was Tom McKeown. Sadly, both marriages ended with problems. Steve said Maria took their daughter without telling him. Tom was told to stay away after Maria said he had treated her badly.

Does Maria Burton Carson have any children?

Yes, Maria has two children. Her daughter’s name is Elizabeth Carson, and she was named after Maria’s mom, Elizabeth Taylor. Her son’s name is Richard, just like her dad, Richard Burton. Both children are part of the Taylor-Burton family story.

Who are Maria Burton Carson’s grandparents?

No one knows who Maria’s real (biological) grandparents are because she was adopted. But through adoption, her grandparents are Elizabeth Taylor’s parents and Richard Burton’s parents. So, she became part of a very famous family.

How old is Maria Burton Carson, and when was she born?

Maria was born on August 1, 1961, in Germany. She is 64 years old in 2025. She was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor when she was just 3 years old.

Where is Maria Burton Carson now?

Maria now lives a quiet life in Idaho. She doesn’t go to events, doesn’t post online, and doesn’t like being in the news. That’s why many people don’t see her or even know what she looks like today.