Elizabeth Taylor as You've Never Seen Her Before: Big Pics

March 23, 2011 -- Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most talented actresses of her generation, died today at age 79.

Although her on-screen personas were what made her famous, her off-screen romances were what made her legendary, one of the most watched celebrities of her era.

LIFE.com: Elizabeth Taylor: Life Through Violet Eyes

In this series of unpublished photos from LIFE.com, Taylor appears as only a select few have seen her before.

In the top photo, Taylor appears in an "All America" sweatshirt sporting a pin from Glenn Davis, a 1946 Heisman Trophy-winning athlete she was dating at the time. The photo, taken in 1948, shows an up-and-coming Taylor. She had starred in several films as a supporting actress and was on her way to becoming a leading lady.

On screen, Taylor appeared opposite some of the most acclaimed leading men of the day, including Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Rock Hudson and James Dean.

LIFE.com: Elizabeth Taylor: Biggest Roles

In this photo, Taylor appears on a studio lot with Montgomery Clift, a longtime friend and co-star of the 1951 film "A Place in the Sun." Their performance was hailed by reviewers for its realistic portrayal of a romantic relationship. The film went on to win six Academy Awards.

Taylor was at the height of her career when she was cast in the lead role of the 1962 film "Cleopatra." Commanding a $1-million sum for her appearance in the film, Taylor became the highest paid actress of her generation.

Playing the male lead of Marc Antony was her two-time husband Richard Burton, a screen legend in his own right. Their turbulent, 12-year relationship captured the imagination of the press and the public. The film "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" which again featured both actors, was likened to their real-life partnership.

LIFE.com: Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton

For the entire photo gallery of unpublished photos of Elizabeth Taylor, click here for visit LIFE.com.

Photo credit: Mark Kauffman/TIME & LIFE Pictures/LIFE.com (top); Peter Stackpole/TIME & LIFE Pictures (middle); Paul Schutzer/TIME & LIFE Pictures (bottom)