Maria Burton Carson is the youngest daughter of Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor and the adopted daughter of actor Richard Burton. Born on January 8, 1961, Maria entered one of the world’s most famous families as a young child. Unlike her parents, she did not pursue a major acting career and has spent most of her adult life away from public attention.
Maria Burton Carson Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full public name | Maria Burton Carson |
| Also known as | Maria Burton |
| Date of birth | January 8, 1961 |
| Age in July 2026 | 65 years old |
| Birth country | Germany |
| Nationality | American |
| Adoptive mother | Elizabeth Taylor |
| Adoptive father | Richard Burton |
| Known for | Being Elizabeth Taylor’s youngest child |
| Siblings in Taylor’s family | Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding and Liza Todd |
| Former husband | Steve Carson |
| Later husband | Thomas McKeown |
| Children | Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson and Richard McKeown |
| Early interests | Modeling and fashion design |
| Current profession | Not publicly confirmed |
| Current relationship status | Private |
| Net worth | Not reliably verified |
Who Is Maria Burton Carson?
Maria Burton Carson is one of Elizabeth Taylor’s four children.
Taylor had sons Michael Wilding Jr. and Christopher Wilding with British actor Michael Wilding. She later welcomed daughter Liza Todd with film producer Mike Todd. Maria became Taylor’s youngest child through adoption.
Richard Burton later adopted Maria after marrying Taylor in 1964. The famous couple therefore became her legal parents, although Taylor had reportedly begun the adoption process before her marriage to Burton.
Maria grew up surrounded by exceptional fame.
Her mother was one of classical Hollywood’s most recognised actresses, while Richard Burton was a celebrated Welsh stage and screen actor. Their relationship attracted worldwide newspaper coverage, photographers and public interest.
Despite that unusual childhood, Maria eventually chose a much quieter adult life.
How Old Is Maria Burton Carson?
Maria Burton Carson is 65 years old as of July 2026.
A current People family profile lists her date of birth as January 8, 1961. She celebrated her 65th birthday in January 2026.
Her age timeline is:
| Year | Age |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Born |
| 1964 | 3 |
| 1981 | 20 |
| 2000 | 39 |
| 2011 | 50 |
| 2025 | 64 |
| 2026 | 65 |
Several online biographies list August 1, 1961, as her birthday. However, the latest detailed People profile gives January 8, 1961.
Because People’s 2026 family report is newer and more carefully sourced, January 8 is the stronger date to use.
Where Was Maria Burton Carson Born?
Maria was born in Germany.
Trusted family profiles describe her as a German child whom Elizabeth Taylor adopted. Details about her biological parents and exact birthplace have not been confirmed through a dependable public family statement.
Several websites identify Munich as her birthplace. However, current strong sources reviewed for this profile confirm Germany without clearly establishing the city.
The careful description is:
Maria Burton Carson was born in Germany on January 8, 1961.
Private details about her biological family should not be guessed.
How Did Elizabeth Taylor Adopt Maria?
Elizabeth Taylor began the process of adopting Maria while married to singer Eddie Fisher.
Taylor and Fisher married in 1959, but their relationship ended after Taylor became involved with Richard Burton during the production of Cleopatra. By the time Taylor married Burton in March 1964, Maria’s adoption process was still underway.
Richard then helped complete the process and adopted Maria himself.
The official Elizabeth Taylor website includes Maria’s adoption in the actress’s life timeline. It also identifies Maria as the daughter Taylor and Burton adopted during their years together.
Maria therefore became part of a blended family containing children from several of Taylor’s marriages.
Was Maria Elizabeth Taylor’s Biological Daughter?
No.
Maria was Elizabeth Taylor’s adopted daughter.
Taylor’s three biological children were:
- Michael Wilding Jr.
- Christopher Wilding
- Elizabeth “Liza” Todd
Maria was the youngest child in Taylor’s family and the only one she adopted.
However, adoption did not make Maria less important within the family. Taylor repeatedly described all four children as her greatest achievement and once called them her best friends.
Did Richard Burton Also Adopt Maria?
Yes.
Richard Burton legally adopted Maria after marrying Elizabeth Taylor.
The official Elizabeth Taylor website and current family profiles both connect Maria’s adoption with Taylor and Burton’s first marriage.
Burton also adopted Liza Todd, whose biological father, Mike Todd, died in a plane crash when she was an infant.
As a result, Maria and Liza both used the Burton name even though neither was Richard’s biological child.
Did Maria Burton Have Health Problems as a Child?
Historical reports say Maria was born with a serious hip condition.
Elizabeth Taylor reportedly arranged for her daughter to receive many operations to correct the problem. ABC News stated that Maria underwent nearly two dozen procedures related to a genetic hip defect.
The available sources do not provide a complete medical diagnosis or treatment record.
Therefore, it is best to avoid claiming more than the family and trusted reporting have made public.
Maria’s private medical history belongs to her, even though parts of her childhood treatment have been mentioned in biographies of Elizabeth Taylor.
What Was Maria Burton Carson’s Childhood Like?
Maria grew up during the height of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s fame.
Taylor and Burton were followed closely by journalists wherever they travelled. Their films, marriages, jewellery, spending and personal disagreements regularly appeared in newspapers and magazines.
The children sometimes joined the couple during travel and public events. However, Taylor also tried to protect them from excessive attention.
People reported that Taylor’s children remembered their mother as the person who shielded them from the entertainment “circus” whenever she could.
Maria’s childhood therefore combined extraordinary opportunity with constant media interest.
Her later decision to remain private may reflect a wish to build a life outside that attention, although she has not publicly explained all her reasons.
Who Are Maria Burton Carson’s Siblings?
Within Elizabeth Taylor’s immediate family, Maria has three older siblings.
Michael Wilding Jr.
Michael Wilding Jr. was born in January 1953.
He briefly followed his parents into acting before later becoming a sculptor. He is the father of Laela Wilding, Naomi Wilding and Tarquin Wilding.
Christopher Wilding
Christopher Wilding was born in February 1955.
He worked as a photographer and film editor before retiring. His children include Caleb, Andrew and Lowell Wilding.
Liza Todd
Liza Todd was born in August 1957.
Her biological father was producer Mike Todd. After his death, Richard Burton adopted her. Liza later became an artist and sculptor known especially for work inspired by horses.
Maria also grew up within a wider blended family that included Richard Burton’s children from his earlier relationship.
However, strong current family profiles usually focus on Taylor’s four children when describing Maria’s immediate siblings.
Did Maria Burton Carson Become an Actress?
Maria did not build a major professional acting career.
People reports that she briefly explored modeling but largely chose a private life. ABC News adds that she tried modeling and fashion design during her teenage years and twenties.
Her interest in design made sense within the glamorous world surrounding her mother. Elizabeth Taylor was closely associated with fashion, jewellery, cosmetics and fragrance throughout her career.
Still, Maria did not become a major public fashion personality.
She should not be confused with other women named Maria Burton who have worked as actresses, filmmakers or producers.
What Did Maria Burton Carson Do for a Living?
Maria’s complete professional history is not publicly documented.
Older reporting says she explored:
- Modeling
- Fashion design
- Talent representation
ABC News reported that she and her first husband, Steve Carson, once operated a talent agency together.
However, no dependable recent company profile confirms that she still works in fashion, modeling or talent management.
The most accurate answer is:
Maria Burton Carson’s current profession is private and has not been reliably confirmed.
Websites that call her a full-time clothing designer, philanthropist or business executive may be relying on old or weakly sourced information.
Who Was Maria Burton Carson’s First Husband?
Maria married Steve Carson.
Current People reporting identifies him as her first husband and confirms that they had a daughter named Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson in 1982.
Maria used the surname Carson during and after this period, which explains why she is widely searched as Maria Burton Carson.
Older reporting says Maria and Steve also worked together through a talent agency. Their marriage later ended in divorce.
The precise wedding and divorce dates are not consistently established by the strongest available sources.
Who Is Maria Burton Carson’s Daughter?
Maria’s daughter is Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson.
Eliza was born in 1982 and named after her famous grandmother, Elizabeth Taylor. People identified her as 42 in May 2025.
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation says Eliza was born and raised in New York City. She graduated magna cum laude from New York University in 2004 with a degree in applied psychology.
Eliza later worked in New York’s child-protection system.
She became an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in 2014 and has represented the organisation through advocacy events and meetings with lawmakers.
Was Eliza Carson Close to Elizabeth Taylor?
Yes.
Eliza has shared warm memories of her grandmother in recent interviews.
She spent a summer living with Taylor after completing high school. She has described visiting her grandmother’s garden, choosing hats from her wardrobe and remembering how Taylor’s home smelled of perfumes such as White Diamonds and Gardenia.
Eliza also wore items connected with her grandmother on her wedding day.
Her engagement ring contained a family diamond Taylor had given her, and she wore a Cartier bracelet received from Taylor on her 16th birthday.
These memories provide one of the clearest modern connections between Maria’s family and Elizabeth Taylor’s legacy.
Who Was Maria Burton Carson’s Second Husband?
After her marriage to Steve Carson ended, Maria married Thomas McKeown.
People reports that Maria and Thomas welcomed a son named Richard McKeown before eventually divorcing.
The son’s name appears to honour Richard Burton.
Unlike Eliza Carson, Richard McKeown has not developed a highly visible public role connected with the Taylor estate or foundation.
His age, career and current life should remain private unless he chooses to share them.
How Many Children Does Maria Burton Carson Have?
Maria has two publicly confirmed children:
- Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson
- Richard McKeown
Eliza is Maria’s daughter with Steve Carson. Richard is her son with Thomas McKeown.
Claims that Maria has additional children have not been confirmed through dependable current family profiles.
Is Maria Burton Carson Still Married?
Maria’s current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.
People reports that both of her known marriages ended in divorce. However, no reliable recent profile identifies a current husband or partner.
That does not prove that she is single.
It only means she has not made her romantic life part of her public identity.
Was Maria Close to Elizabeth Taylor?
Public family photographs and profiles show that Maria remained part of Taylor’s family throughout adulthood.
She joined her siblings at major celebrations, including Elizabeth Taylor’s 75th birthday event in Las Vegas in February 2007.
Taylor’s lawyer and co-trustee Barbara Berkowitz later described the actress as someone who worked hard to bring all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren together for holidays.
Maria’s daughter Eliza has also spoken positively about spending time with Taylor.
These records suggest an enduring family bond, although Maria herself rarely gives interviews about her mother.
Was Maria Close to Richard Burton?
Richard Burton adopted Maria and gave her his surname.
Family photographs show Maria as part of the Taylor-Burton household during the couple’s famous years together. The official Elizabeth Taylor website also includes her adoption within the story of Taylor and Burton’s relationship.
However, Maria has not provided a widely available modern interview describing her private relationship with Richard.
Therefore, articles should avoid inventing personal conversations or emotions that she has not shared.
What Happened After Elizabeth Taylor Died?
Elizabeth Taylor died on March 23, 2011, at age 79.
Her four children were identified as a central part of her legacy, while many of her grandchildren continued her humanitarian work through the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Maria herself has remained mostly outside the public side of that work.
Her daughter Eliza has taken a more visible role as an ETAF ambassador, speaking about HIV prevention, advocacy and the influence of her grandmother.
Where Is Maria Burton Carson Today?
Maria maintains a highly private life.
People’s 2026 profile says she has largely stayed away from public attention. It does not provide a current employer, home city or detailed personal update.
ABC News reported in 2011 that she was living outside the entertainment industry. However, that information is now many years old and should not automatically be presented as her current location or occupation.
As of July 2026, the responsible wording is:
Maria Burton Carson is believed to live privately, but her current home and profession have not been reliably disclosed.
Is Maria Burton Carson Active on Social Media?
No major verified public social-media account clearly belongs to Maria.
Profiles using her name may belong to unrelated people, fan pages or accounts copying old family photographs.
Maria has never built a public influencer career around her famous parents.
Readers should avoid contacting private accounts or sharing personal photographs without confirmation that the profile genuinely belongs to her.
What Is Maria Burton Carson’s Net Worth?
Maria’s exact net worth is unknown.
Many celebrity websites publish estimates based on Elizabeth Taylor’s success. However, those sites do not have complete information about Maria’s:
- Income
- Property
- Investments
- Inheritance
- Trust arrangements
- Business interests
- Taxes
- Debts
- Personal expenses
Elizabeth Taylor’s estate and business legacy were valuable, but that does not reveal the exact amount received or currently owned by each child.
No dependable public financial record supports a precise personal net-worth figure for Maria.
Did Maria Inherit Elizabeth Taylor’s Money?
The complete private distribution of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate has not been publicly explained in enough detail to calculate Maria’s inheritance.
Taylor had four children, numerous grandchildren, business interests and charitable commitments.
Some assets may also have been held through trusts rather than transferred through a simple public will.
Therefore, statements claiming Maria inherited one exact amount should be treated with caution.
Being one of Taylor’s children does not allow outsiders to calculate her present financial position.
Why Is Maria Burton Carson Often Confused With Someone Else?
Maria Burton Carson shares her name with several public and private individuals.
Search results may show an actress or filmmaker named Maria Burton. That person is not Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter.
The easiest way to avoid confusion is to check whether the profile mentions:
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Richard Burton
- Steve Carson
- Eliza Carson
- Richard McKeown
- Adoption from Germany
If it instead lists film-directing or acting credits, it probably refers to a different Maria Burton.
Confirmed Facts and Unverified Claims
Reliably confirmed
- Maria Burton was born on January 8, 1961.
- She was born in Germany.
- Elizabeth Taylor adopted her.
- Richard Burton later adopted her as well.
- She is the youngest of Taylor’s four children.
- Maria briefly explored modeling.
- She married Steve Carson and had daughter Eliza.
- She later married Thomas McKeown and had son Richard.
- Both reported marriages ended in divorce.
- Her daughter Eliza works in child protection and supports ETAF.
- Maria has largely remained private.
Not reliably confirmed
- Her exact German birthplace
- The identities of her biological parents
- Her complete education
- Her current occupation
- Her present home
- Her current relationship status
- A verified social-media profile
- Her personal inheritance
- Her net worth
These unknown details should not be replaced with unsupported claims.
Final Thoughts
Maria Burton Carson was born in Germany on January 8, 1961, and became the youngest child of Elizabeth Taylor.
Taylor began the adoption process before marrying Richard Burton. After their 1964 wedding, Burton adopted Maria as well, bringing her into one of Hollywood’s most famous blended families.
Maria grew up alongside Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding and Liza Todd.
Unlike her celebrated parents, she did not pursue a major acting career. She briefly explored modeling and fashion design and reportedly operated a talent agency with her first husband.
Maria later became the mother of two children.
Her daughter Eliza Carson has publicly continued Elizabeth Taylor’s humanitarian legacy as an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Her son Richard McKeown lives a more private life.
At 65, Maria continues to remain outside the celebrity spotlight.
Her present career, relationships, residence and financial position are not publicly established. That privacy should be respected rather than filled with repeated internet rumours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maria Burton Carson?
Maria Burton Carson is the adopted daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
When was Maria Burton Carson born?
She was born on January 8, 1961.
How old is Maria Burton Carson?
She is 65 years old as of July 2026.
Where was Maria Burton Carson born?
She was born in Germany. Her exact birth city has not been reliably confirmed.
Is Maria Elizabeth Taylor’s biological daughter?
No. Elizabeth Taylor adopted Maria.
Did Richard Burton adopt Maria?
Yes. Richard Burton later adopted her after marrying Elizabeth Taylor.
Who are Maria Burton Carson’s siblings?
Her siblings in Elizabeth Taylor’s immediate family are Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding and Liza Todd.
Did Maria Burton become an actress?
No major acting career is connected with her. She briefly explored modeling and fashion design.
Who was Maria Burton Carson’s first husband?
Her first husband was Steve Carson.
Does Maria Burton Carson have a daughter?
Yes. Her daughter is Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson, born in 1982.
Who is Eliza Carson?
Eliza Carson is Maria’s daughter and Elizabeth Taylor’s granddaughter. She works in child protection and is an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Who was Maria Burton Carson’s second husband?
Her second husband was Thomas McKeown.
Does Maria Burton have a son?
Yes. Her son with Thomas McKeown is named Richard McKeown.
How many children does Maria Burton Carson have?
She has two publicly confirmed children: Eliza Carson and Richard McKeown.
What does Maria Burton Carson do today?
Her current profession has not been publicly confirmed.
Where does Maria Burton Carson live?
Her current home is private. Older reports should not be treated as proof of where she lives in 2026.
Is Maria Burton Carson married now?
Her current relationship status is not publicly known.
What is Maria Burton Carson’s net worth?
Her exact net worth is unknown. Online estimates are not supported by complete financial records.
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