Singer Katy Perry is fronting a new Imperative Entertainment podcast about actress Elizabeth Taylor, who the creators say was “the original influencer” long before social media. The ten-episode podcast set to premiere later this spring will feature never-before-heard stories of Taylor’s influence from those closest to her and through exclusive access to audio from the archives of The House of Taylor.
The podcast -- titled Elizabeth the First -- will dive into Taylor’s life of influence, with topics that will include her fight against the powerful male-dominated movie studio system as a young actress, negotiating the first $1 million salary, and how Taylor’s authentic love of jewelry and sophisticated business savvy helped to create the legendary and record-breaking Christie’s auction that featured her world famous jewels. The series will also explore how Taylor used her fame and fortune to drive awareness of social good, most famously her efforts around HIV/AIDS at a time when not even Hollywood wanted to talk about it.
"Like most people, I was attracted to her glamour, and in my own life, I continue to find myself referencing her through some of my visuals. I’ve always felt a kinship towards her – I’ve even literally bathed in the same bathtub where she made that bar-setting Cleopatra deal,” said Perry in a statement. “I’m inspired by her bold activism, her constant boss moves in business, and through it all, an unapologetic way of loving – all things I try to live in my own life. It’s an honor to be able to share her story in this way."
The show is produced by Imperative Entertainment, Perry’s Kitty Purry Productions, and House of Taylor, the organization that preserves and sustains Taylor’s legacy through content, partnerships, and products.
“We are proud to announce this truly innovative and unique podcast about Elizabeth,” said the Taylor estate in a statement. “What makes Elizabeth the First extraordinarily special is that this will be the first narrative that explores Elizabeth as the original multi-hyphenate. She did it all and we believe wholeheartedly that this take on Elizabeth will resonate with audiences. Her story is timely. And, we’re excited for people to hear about her in a different light and see her the way we do.”
In addition to narrating the podcast, Perry is also serving as an Executive Producer. Jason Hoch, President of Podcasts for Imperative Entertainment, is also an Executive Producer and overall producer for the series. Screenwriter Stephanie Koff is writing the series while Jasha Klebe (Planet Earth II, Naomi Osaka) is scoring it. Marshall Eskowitz and Carey Schwartz of Sunset Blvd are Producing Partners and represent House of Taylor for Elizabeth Taylor licensing and content opportunities.
“We are a very collaborative group,” the estate said. “We choose our partners very carefully and could not be more elated to have worked with Katy Perry and her team with the brilliant stewardship of one of the leading producers out there, Jason Hoch of Imperative Entertainment, the passionate writer Stephanie Koff, and the invaluable help of our team at Sunset Blvd.”
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