Maria Burton Carson is known to the world as the adopted daughter of Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton . Born in Germany and adopted at the age of three, she grew up in the shadow of one of the most famous couples in entertainment history.
But unlike her iconic parents, Maria has deliberately chosen a life away from the spotlight. She is a fashion designer, philanthropist, and devoted mother who values her privacy above all else . People search for Maria Burton Carson because they want to know what happened to Elizabeth Taylor’s adopted daughter and how she has built a life beyond the Hollywood glare.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maria Hélène Elisabeth Burton Carson |
| Birth Name | Maria Burton |
| Known For | Adopted daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton |
| Profession | Fashion Designer, Philanthropist |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Munich, Germany |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1961 |
| Age | 64 (as of 2026) |
| Ethnicity | German-born, raised in American and British culture |
| Height | There is no publicly verified information available |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson, Richard McKeown |
| Education | Studied fashion design |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; estimated to be in the millions |
Who Is Maria Burton Carson?
Maria Burton Carson is the adopted daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, two of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood history . She was born in Munich, Germany, on August 1, 1961, and was adopted by the famous couple in 1964 when she was three years old .
Her identity is defined by her choice to live a private life away from the media spotlight. While her parents dominated headlines for decades, Maria has worked as a fashion designer and philanthropist, supporting causes that align with her mother’s humanitarian legacy . She is a devoted mother to her two children and lives a quiet life in Idaho .
Early Life & Childhood
Maria Burton Carson was born in Munich, Germany, on August 1, 1961 . There is no publicly verified information available about her biological parents. She was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1964 .
Her adoption came during a tumultuous period in Taylor’s life. Taylor had begun the adoption process while still married to singer Eddie Fisher. When she divorced Fisher and married Richard Burton later that year, Burton helped complete the adoption and became Maria’s father figure . The adoption was finalized in 1964 .
Health Challenges
Maria faced significant health challenges from birth. She was born with a genetic defect in her hips that required over twenty surgeries to correct . Her parents were determined to help her through this difficult time and provided the medical care she needed .
Age & Birthday
Maria Burton Carson was born on August 1, 1961 . She is 64 years old as of 2026.
Her zodiac sign is Leo, which is associated with creativity, confidence, and leadership .
Parents & Family Background
Maria Burton Carson was adopted by two of Hollywood’s most iconic figures: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton .
Elizabeth Taylor (1932–2011): Taylor was an Oscar-winning actress and one of the most famous women in the world. She was known for her beauty, her acting talent, and her passionate personal life. She died on March 23, 2011 .
Richard Burton (1925–1984): Burton was a Welsh actor renowned for his powerful voice and dramatic performances. He starred in classics like Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He died on August 5, 1984 .
Maria was raised alongside several siblings, including Taylor’s biological children and other adopted siblings .
Siblings
Maria has seven siblings in total :
| Name | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Michael Wilding Jr. | Biological son of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding |
| Christopher Edward Wilding | Biological son of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Wilding |
| Liza Todd | Biological daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd |
| Kate Burton | Daughter of Richard Burton from his first marriage |
| Jessica Burton | Daughter of Richard Burton from his first marriage |
| Barbie Claus Disney Rockefeller | Maria’s adoptive sister |
Education
Maria Burton Carson studied fashion design . Her education prepared her for a career in the fashion industry, where she would work as a designer.
Her parents ensured she had access to prestigious schools and a sense of stability despite their often chaotic lives .
Career Journey
Maria Burton Carson has had a varied career that has evolved over the years.
Modeling
In her teens and early twenties, Maria pursued a modeling career . This was a natural path for someone growing up in the glamorous world of her famous parents.
Fashion Design
She later transitioned to fashion design, becoming a clothing designer . She has used her creative talents to build a career that allows her to work behind the scenes.
Talent Agency
During her first marriage to Steve Carson, the couple founded a talent agency together . This was a professional collaboration that combined their business interests.
Philanthropy
Maria is also a philanthropist, supporting causes related to AIDS awareness, women’s welfare, and children’s health . This work reflects the values instilled in her by her adoptive mother, Elizabeth Taylor, who was a pioneering AIDS activist .
Major Achievements
Maria Burton Carson’s major achievements include:
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Building a successful career in fashion design, separate from her parents’ fame .
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Her commitment to philanthropy, supporting causes her mother championed .
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Successfully maintaining her privacy and building a life away from the public eye .
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Raising two children with compassion and dedication.
Marriage & Relationships
Maria Burton Carson has been married twice. Both marriages ended in divorce .
First Marriage: Steve Carson
Maria married Daniel Steve Carson on February 13, 1981, in a private ceremony in New York City . The couple had one daughter, Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson, born in 1982 .
Their marriage lasted approximately 19 years before ending in divorce in 2000 . The divorce was contentious. Steve Carson publicly accused his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Taylor, of using her power to tear his family apart . He also filed a lawsuit, alleging Maria had secretly moved their daughter to Los Angeles and depleted their joint checking account .
Second Marriage: Tom McKeown
In 2001 or 2002, Maria married Tom McKeown . They had one son, Richard McKeown, named after Maria’s famous adoptive father .
This marriage also ended in divorce. Maria filed for a restraining order against Tom, claiming he was verbally abusive . She fled the house with her son when he was only two years old . Tom, like Steve, accused Maria of misusing her mother’s influence .
Children
Maria Burton Carson has two children .
Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson: Born in 1982 to Maria and Steve Carson . Eliza had a close relationship with her grandmother, Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor would do Eliza’s hair and makeup for proms, and they enjoyed going to Sephora together (though they had to be escorted out once people recognized Taylor) .
Richard McKeown: Maria’s son with her second husband, Tom McKeown . He is named after Maria’s adoptive father, Richard Burton .
Personal Life
Maria Burton Carson lives a very private life today. She resides in Idaho and has deliberately stepped away from the entertainment world . She does not have any public social media accounts .
She remains committed to philanthropy, continuing her mother’s legacy of compassion. Her life is centered on family and humanitarian work .
Height & Physical Appearance
There is no publicly verified information available about Maria Burton Carson’s height or physical appearance. Her picture collection on the internet is quite limited . She has brown eyes and brown hair .
Lifestyle
Maria Burton Carson leads a modest, private lifestyle. She is described as someone who was never fond of extravagant living . Her life is peaceful and centered on family and giving back .
Net Worth & Income Sources
Maria Burton Carson’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed. She is estimated to be worth in the millions . She inherited some property from her mother, Elizabeth Taylor, who had a net worth of approximately $600 million at the time of her death in 2011 . Maria’s net worth comes from her fashion design career, inheritance, and other private ventures.
Social Media Presence
Maria Burton Carson does not have a public presence on social media . She has no verified accounts on Instagram, Twitter, or other platforms. This absence is a deliberate choice to maintain her privacy .
Interesting Facts
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Maria was born in Munich, Germany, and was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton .
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She had a congenital hip issue that required over twenty surgeries .
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Her adopted parents were married twice to each other .
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Elizabeth Taylor began the adoption process while still married to Eddie Fisher .
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Maria’s daughter, Eliza, had a close relationship with Elizabeth Taylor .
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Maria was married to Steve Carson for 19 years and to Tom McKeown for a shorter period .
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She is sometimes confused with actress Maria Burton, who is a different person entirely .
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She lives a very private life in Idaho and is not involved in the entertainment industry .
Current Life & Recent Updates
As of 2026, Maria Burton Carson continues to live a quiet, private life in Idaho . She is 64 years old and remains dedicated to her family and philanthropic causes.
She has not given any recent interviews or made any public appearances. Her commitment to privacy remains unwavering .
Public Image & Legacy
Maria Burton Carson is seen as a private, dignified individual who chose a different path from her famous parents. While Elizabeth Taylor lived her life in the spotlight, Maria has deliberately stepped away from it .
Her legacy is one of quiet strength, resilience, and compassion. She has faced health challenges, difficult marriages, and the pressure of being a celebrity’s child. Through it all, she has maintained her dignity and built a life centered on family and giving back .
Why People Search for Maria Burton Carson
People search for Maria Burton Carson primarily because of her connection to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton . Her parents were two of the most famous actors in Hollywood history, and there is natural curiosity about their children.
Her story is also compelling because of the mystery surrounding her. The lack of public information, her choice of privacy, and her journey from German orphan to Hollywood royalty make her an intriguing figure .
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception is that Maria Burton Carson is an actress or public figure. She is neither. She has deliberately stayed away from the entertainment industry .
Another misconception is that she is the actress Maria Burton. These are two different people. The actress Maria Burton has worked in films and television, while Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter is a fashion designer and philanthropist .
Some sources incorrectly claim she is the biological daughter of Richard Burton and Sybil Williams . There is no publicly verified information to support this claim.
Final Thoughts
Maria Burton Carson is a woman who chose a life of quiet dignity over the fame that surrounded her. As the adopted daughter of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, she grew up in the spotlight but has spent her adult years deliberately away from it.
Her life has been marked by health challenges, two difficult marriages, and the constant pressure of being a celebrity’s child. Yet she has emerged as a devoted mother, a fashion designer, and a philanthropist who continues her mother’s legacy of compassion. Maria Burton Carson’s story is one of resilience and the power of choosing your own path.
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