Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Elizabeth Taylor's Cleopatra wig sold for $16,000

Last updated on: December 13, 2011 16:22 IST
Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra

Elizabeth Taylor's iconic wig, which she sported in classic film Cleopatra has fetched $16000 -- much above the expected range -- at an auction.

The item was one of the three versions created for the late actress, who died in March this year, to don the role of the young queen of Egypt in the 1963 movie.

The wig, made of dark brown human hair and featuring gold coils, beads and braids, was expected to be sold for $11,000 but bids soared to $16000.

"Cleopatra was filmed in Italy and Stanley Hall, who was an international wigmaker to the stars, made all the wigs for it. Elizabeth Taylor's character had tens of different hairstyles in the film and there were three wigs for each style," Contactmusic quoted Margaret Barrett of Heritage Auctions as saying.

"About 30 years ago Stanley Hall gave the vendor about 40 or 45 wigs from the film. Of all the wigs used in Cleopatra this must be the most iconic. If you think of the movie and Elizabeth Taylor in it you can see her in this wig."

"It is made of real human hair and has gold beads woven into it. It looks very authentic and is a real quality wig," Barrett added.

Tom Cruise to host series of bashes for 50th birthday

Last updated on: December 13, 2011 16:22 IST
Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise is planning to host several parties across the globe to celebrate his 50th birthday next year.

The Hollywood star will touch the golden jubilee mark on July 3.

"I'm gonna be 50 on July 3 and I think we'll have a big party. I'm gonna have a party in every country. I'm gonna go, 'Look, I'm 50, man! Where's my party?" Contactmusic quoted him as saying.

However,the Top Gun actor admitted that he will also make time for work on his big day.

"We'll have parties somewhere, but I'm gonna be on the set (on the actual day), and that's what I love doing," he added.