Elizabeth Taylor vs. Marilyn Monroe: Who Was the Better Actress?

When it comes to Hollywood legends, few names shine brighter than Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. Both icons of the silver screen, they left indelible marks on cinema and culture. However, the question of who was the better actress between these two Hollywood titans is a matter of personal opinion, shaped by the roles they took, the genres they excelled in, and their unique on-screen presence. Let’s delve into what made each of these stars remarkable and attempt to weigh their contributions to the acting world.



Elizabeth Taylor was known for her exceptional range and ability to tackle complex, emotionally driven roles. Starting as a child star in films like National Velvet (1944), Taylor grew into a mature actress who could embody passion, pain, and intensity like no other. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her sheer acting prowess that captivated audiences for decades.

Signature Roles: Some of Taylor’s most celebrated films include A Place in the Sun (1951), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966). In these films, she demonstrated a deep understanding of her characters, often portraying flawed women with an authentic vulnerability.


Awards and Recognition: Taylor’s talent was widely acknowledged by the industry. She won two Academy Awards for Best Actress, first for her role in BUtterfield 8 (1960) and later for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. These awards were a testament to her versatility and depth as an actress.


Strengths: Elizabeth Taylor’s acting style was emotionally raw and realistic. She could transition from soft, romantic characters to fiery, complex women with ease. Her performances often had a visceral quality, drawing the audience into the character's emotional journey.

While Elizabeth Taylor was celebrated for her acting range, Marilyn Monroe became a cultural icon known for her dazzling charisma, humor, and a distinct blend of vulnerability and sensuality. Monroe’s career was often overshadowed by her image as a blonde bombshell, but beneath the glamorous exterior was an actress with undeniable charm and comedic timing.

Signature Roles: Monroe’s most famous roles include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Some Like It Hot (1959). In Some Like It Hot, Monroe’s comedic talents shone, and she earned a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Sugar Kane. Her ability to infuse comedy with poignancy was rare and made her performances unforgettable.


Awards and Recognition: While Monroe didn’t earn the same number of acting accolades as Taylor, her cultural impact was profound. She did receive critical praise for films like Bus Stop (1956), where she showed a more serious, dramatic side.


Strengths: Monroe excelled in roles that required a lightness of touch. She had a rare ability to play comedic roles with nuance and depth, giving her characters a sense of emotional complexity beneath the surface. Her onscreen vulnerability also resonated with audiences, making her performances feel relatable and human, despite her larger-than-life image.

Range and Versatility: When it comes to versatility, Elizabeth Taylor had a broader range. She could excel in both dramatic and romantic roles, and her transition from child star to adult actress was seamless. Taylor’s roles often dealt with difficult themes, including alcoholism, mental illness, and troubled relationships, which showcased her depth as a performer.

On the other hand, Marilyn Monroe had a more limited range in terms of genre but owned the niche of comedic and romantic films. Her ability to balance humor with heartbreak made her performances multidimensional in a different way. Monroe’s charm was magnetic, and she had a natural ability to make audiences empathize with her characters.

Legacy and Impact: Taylor's legacy as a serious actress with multiple awards, including two Oscars, underscores her place in cinema history as one of Hollywood’s finest dramatic performers. Her portrayals were often raw and unfiltered, which made her performances resonate long after the credits rolled.

In contrast, Monroe’s legacy is more tied to her star power and cultural impact. She is still one of the most recognized figures worldwide, transcending her films to become a symbol of beauty, tragedy, and strength. Her acting, especially in Some Like It Hot, showcased a brilliance often overlooked due to her persona.

Choosing between Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe is like comparing apples and oranges. If we’re talking about acting range, dramatic intensity, and accolades, Elizabeth Taylor stands out as the superior actress. She had the ability to bring raw emotion to the screen and captivate audiences with deeply complex characters.

However, if you prefer comedic charm, wit, and a magnetic presence, Marilyn Monroe would be your pick. Her impact on cinema, despite her limited dramatic range, was undeniable. She had a rare ability to make even the lightest of roles feel profound, leaving audiences mesmerized.

In the end, the “better” actress depends on personal taste. Both women brought unique talents to the screen, and Hollywood is richer for having had them both.

Whether you gravitate toward Elizabeth Taylor's dramatic mastery or Marilyn Monroe's irresistible charm, there's no denying that both actresses left an indelible mark on cinema. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations, making the debate over who was better a delightful one for film lovers.

Both are legends in their own right, and ultimately, the answer comes down to the kind of cinematic experience you prefer.