Oscar Abolafia’s Wife Says Elizabeth Taylor Was ‘Very Special to Him’ Despite Their Initial ‘Love-Hate Relationship’ (Exclusive)

Angela AndaloroFri, August 7, 2026 at 5:34 PM UTC

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Elizabeth Taylor (left), photographer Oscar AbolafiaCredit: Oscar Abolafia; Courtesy of Jeseja Hiskia -

Oscar Abolafia was a glamour photographer who photographed some of the biggest stars in pop culture throughout his career

A collection of Abolafia’s photos is brought together in WOMEN: Icons by Oscar from Lanoo Publishers

PEOPLE spoke with his wife, Joanna Abolafia, about the photographer’s career

Oscar Abolafia’s memory lingers through some of his greatest work.

The late photographer’s work is the subject of WOMEN: Icons by Oscar from Lanoo Publishers. This book showcases numerous iconic women who appeared before Abolafia’s lens throughout his career as a glamour photographer starting in the 1960s.

PEOPLE spoke with Abolafia’s wife, Joanna Abolafia, as she remembers her husband’s work. The photographer died in March 2020 at the age of 85, leaving behind photos showcasing an unforgettable career full of connections with some of pop culture’s most talented and beloved figures.

Asked about her favorite photos, Joanna shared, “I love the Elizabeth Taylor with the fur hat. It’s such a beautiful shot.”

Elizabeth Taylor chatting with John Warner in 1977Credit: Oscar Abolafia

Joanna remembers Taylor as one of the most impactful subjects that Oscar worked with, noting that the iconic actress and the photographer “had a real love-hate relationship.”

“Many, many times, she hated him, and many times, she loved him. They really got personal with each other,” Joanna explains. “And so, I think Liz Taylor was also very special to him. “

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Another artist who was special to Oscar was actress Faye Dunaway. Joanna recalls, “Faye Dunaway, before she became famous, she worked as a waitress. She worked as a waitress in Upstate New York and Oscar was working in the area, so they got to know each other and sort of liked each other.”

Faye Dunaway in 1967Credit: Oscar Abolafia

Elizabeth Taylor in 1967Credit: Oscar Abolafia

“They didn’t hang out together, but they really knew each other. Then she got under protection and there was no talking to Faye Dunaway anymore,” she continued. “Many years later, of course, she became a movie star, and Oscar photographed her.”

Joanna notes, “They’re very special pictures, I find. She recognized him, but she didn’t really want to. But you can see that there was something there that sparked from way, way, way back. So I think, again, he would’ve liked for her to acknowledge him, but she didn’t.”

WOMEN: Icons by Oscar from Lanoo Publishers is now available, wherever books are sold.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”