Maria Burton Carson may not be a name you hear often, but her story is deeply connected to one of Hollywood’s most famous stars—Elizabeth Taylor. While her mother was always in the spotlight, Maria chose a different path. She stayed away from cameras and lived a life full of quiet strength, personal battles, and love for family.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who Maria Burton Carson is, how she became Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter, what she’s faced in her personal life, and where she is today. It’s a story that many people don’t know, but it’s worth telling.
Maria Burton Carson Quick Bio
| Full Name | Maria Burton Carson |
| Birth Date | August 1, 1961 |
| Birthplace | Munich, Germany |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Gender | Female |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Known As | Elizabeth Taylor’s adopted daughter |
| Parents (Adoptive) | Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton |
| Biological Parents | Not known |
| Marital Status | Divorced (twice) |
| Children | 2 (Elizabeth Carson, Richard McKeown) |
| Career | Fashion designer, philanthropist |
Who Is Maria Burton Carson?
Maria Burton Carson is best known as Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter, but there’s much more to her than that. She was adopted by Elizabeth Taylor and actor Richard Burton in the 1960s. While her parents were famous for their movies and glamorous lifestyle, Maria stayed away from fame.
She didn’t become a movie star or appear in big magazines. Instead, she chose a private life. She worked quietly behind the scenes and focused on her own path, which included helping others and raising a family.
Maria Burton Carson’s Early Life
Maria was born on August 1, 1961, in Munich, Germany. Her early life was not easy. She was born with a hip deformity, which made it hard for her to walk. As a small child, she went through over 20 surgeries to help her walk better.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton adopted her when she was just three years old, during one of the most public marriages in Hollywood history. Even though they later divorced, they both loved and cared for Maria deeply. They gave her a new chance at life, filled with love, safety, and opportunity.
Life as Elizabeth Taylor’s Daughter
Growing up with Elizabeth Taylor as a mother was not a normal life. Taylor was known all over the world, and everywhere she went, cameras followed. But she always tried to protect her children from too much attention.
Maria was not just her daughter in name. She was truly loved. Taylor often called her children her “greatest achievement”, even though she had won many awards. Family meant everything to her. Maria grew up with that strong support and love, even though the world outside was watching.
Maria Burton Carson’s Adoption Story
Maria’s adoption had an emotional story behind it. At the time, Elizabeth Taylor was still married to Eddie Fisher, but their relationship ended in 1964. Taylor had already started the process of adopting Maria before the divorce.
When Taylor married Richard Burton later that same year, Burton also became a legal parent to Maria. He stepped in and helped raise her as his own. The couple gave Maria not only a home, but also medical care, safety, and family love. Maria’s early pain slowly turned into healing, thanks to their care.
Maria Burton Carson’s Career and Work
Unlike her famous parents, Maria didn’t follow the Hollywood path. She became a fashion designer and worked quietly in the background. Some sources say she also tried modeling for a short time when she was younger.
Later, she even helped start a talent agency with her first husband, Steve Carson. But more than her career, Maria is known for her role as a philanthropist—someone who helps others. She chose to use her life to do good, rather than chase fame. She’s kept her work and life very private, but those close to her say she’s kind, creative, and deeply caring.
Maria Burton Carson’s Two Marriages
Maria has been married twice, and both marriages were very different—but both ended in divorce.
Her first marriage was to Daniel Steve Carson in 1981. They had a daughter named Elizabeth Carson in 1982. It seemed like a happy life at first, but their relationship slowly became difficult. They divorced in 2000, after 19 years.
Two years later, Maria married again. This time, to Tom McKeown. They had a son named Richard, in honor of Maria’s adoptive father, Richard Burton. Sadly, this marriage also ended in trouble. There were serious issues, including emotional and physical abuse, and Maria eventually left with her son.
Children of Maria Burton Carson
Maria has two children from her two marriages.
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Her daughter, Elizabeth “Eliza” Carson, was very close to her grandmother, Elizabeth Taylor. They shared sweet moments together—like going shopping at Sephora, or Taylor doing Eliza’s hair for school dances.
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Her son, Richard McKeown, was born in 2001 during her second marriage. Maria protected him from a difficult home environment and did everything she could to raise him in a peaceful, safe place.
Both of her children are said to be doing well, and Eliza has even taken part in charity work, continuing the Taylor family’s legacy of helping others.
Legal Fights and Personal Struggles
Maria Burton Carson’s life has not always been peaceful. After her divorces, she faced serious legal issues with both of her ex-husbands. These situations brought stress and public attention, even though Maria tried to stay quiet.
Her first husband, Steve Carson, accused her of taking their daughter without permission and moving her into Elizabeth Taylor’s home. He also claimed money was missing from their shared account. Later, Maria filed her own complaints during her second marriage, saying her husband Tom McKeown had been emotionally and physically abusive. She got a restraining order to protect herself and her young son.
Through all of this, Maria stayed strong. She focused on keeping her children safe and moved forward, even when things were difficult.
Did Maria Burton Carson Inherit Elizabeth Taylor’s Wealth?
Yes, Maria Burton Carson did receive a share of Elizabeth Taylor’s estate after her mother passed away in 2011. At the time of her death, Taylor’s net worth was estimated to be around $600 million. This came from her long career in film, smart business moves, and her famous jewelry collection.
A large portion of Taylor’s money went to her children, including Maria. But Elizabeth Taylor also gave millions to charity, especially to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which she started to help people living with HIV/AIDS.
While Maria’s own net worth is not public, it is believed she received enough to live comfortably. She never showed off her wealth. Instead, she kept a quiet, simple life focused on family and kindness.
Maria Burton Carson’s Life Today
So, where is Maria Burton Carson today? As of 2026, she lives a very private life in Idaho. She stays far away from cameras, interviews, or red carpets. She doesn’t have any verified social media accounts. Most people wouldn’t recognize her if they saw her on the street.
She spends her time focusing on what matters to her—her children, her quiet career in fashion, and helping others in small, meaningful ways. While the world often talks about the big Hollywood names, Maria is a reminder that not everyone born into fame wants the spotlight.
The Truth About Her Relationship With Elizabeth Taylor
Even though Maria went through many struggles in her personal life, her bond with Elizabeth Taylor remained strong. Taylor often said that being a mother was her greatest joy, and that included raising Maria.
They were seen together at charity events, birthdays, and even simple outings. Taylor did her granddaughter Eliza’s makeup for prom and shared laughs with Maria during family get-togethers. These small moments showed the deep love and support between them.
When Elizabeth Taylor passed away, Maria was there with the family. She didn’t speak publicly, but those close to the family say she was deeply heartbroken.
Final Thoughts
Maria Burton Carson’s story is one of quiet strength, love, and survival. She may be best known as Elizabeth Taylor’s daughter, but she built a life that’s all her own. She faced health struggles as a child, lived through tough marriages, and stood strong through public drama.
Instead of fame, she chose peace and purpose. Instead of noise, she chose a path of helping others. Today, Maria lives a quiet life far from Hollywood, but her story still inspires those who know it.
She reminds us that being famous isn’t everything. What really matters is how you treat others, how you protect your family, and how you stay strong when life gets hard. And that’s exactly what Maria Burton Carson has done.
(FAQs)
How much money does Maria Burton Carson have?
Maria’s exact money amount is not known, but many believe she is worth a few million dollars. She got part of Elizabeth Taylor’s big fortune when her mom died.
Does Maria Burton Carson have kids?
Yes, she has two children. A daughter named Elizabeth, and a son named Richard. They were born from her two different marriages.
Where is Maria Burton Carson now?
Today, Maria lives a quiet life in Idaho. She stays away from the news, events, and social media. She likes to live peacefully and privately.
Who was Maria Burton Carson married to?
Maria had two husbands. First, she married Steve Carson. Later, she married Tom McKeown. Both marriages ended in divorce with many problems.
Who are Maria Burton Carson’s real parents?
Her real (birth) parents are not known. She was born in Germany and adopted at age 3 by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
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