Elizabeth Taylor’s red-carpet glamour was legendary, but her former private chef, Neil Zevnik, says the actress cherished moments away from the public eye, especially during Thanksgiving. In interviews with People and Today, Zevnik offered an inside look at Taylor’s holiday rituals, revealing a surprisingly down-to-earth approach.
A Table for Everyone
Each year, Taylor hosted about 40 guests at her Los Angeles home. Zevnik said she removed living-room furniture and set up five eight-foot banquet tables pushed together to form one large square. She decorated the tables with flowers, candles, and small trinkets. Taylor wanted everyone to sit together, eat the same meal, and feel equally welcome.
Getty“That was very much how Elizabeth felt about Thanksgiving and family and guests,” Zevnik told People. “Everyone should be treated well, everybody should be treated equally, and everybody should be able to enjoy themselves completely.”
Taylor’s approach reflected her belief that holidays were about connection, not hierarchy. Friends, family, and even some celebrities shared the same space, sharing laughs and stories in a casual but celebratory environment.
Classic Comforts on the Menu
Zevnik said Taylor favored traditional Thanksgiving dishes over exotic or elaborate fare. Her table included mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, two types of stuffing, turkey, and assorted vegetables. Zevnik recalled that Taylor had a fondness for mint jelly, which she insisted accompany the meal, even though he preferred a fresh mint sauce.
GettyTaylor’s then-husband, Larry Fortensky, also influenced the menu. Zevnik said he always made sure to include Fortensky’s preferred brand of stuffing. The chef said he only wore a formal chef’s coat when presenting the turkey to Taylor and her guests. Otherwise, he remained in standard kitchen attire, preparing the rest of the meal.
Zevnik told Yahoo News that the personal touches were what made Taylor’s celebrations memorable. “She had a generosity that went beyond her fame,” he said. “Every seat at her table was meant for someone she considered family.”
A Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
Taylor’s Thanksgiving tradition emphasized warmth, equality, and thoughtfulness over opulence. Zevnik said the actress found joy in giving, using food as a way to bring people together. Her private celebrations reveal a side of Taylor that few fans saw — an iconic star who valued family, friendship, and inclusivity.
For Taylor, the holiday was never about showing off. It was about creating shared moments and memories, a legacy that continues to inspire those who remember her both on-screen and at the table.
