Showbiz: Elizabeth Taylor: Death of Hollywood's Greatest
Some of Hollywood's great performers are today, on March 23rd 2011, mourning the death of one of Hollywood's greatest.
Acting legend and beauty Elizabeth Taylor has died at the age of 79. The two-time Oscar winning actress passed away from conjestive heart failure at a Los Angeles hospital and was reportedly surrounded by family and friends.
The star of such classic films as National Velvet and Cleopatra was married eight times, twice to other acting legend Richard Burton. Elizabeth Taylor made her last public appearance at the funeral of international singing sensation Michael Jackson and has been renowned throughout her life for her generosity to various charitable causes.
Many stars have released statements on hearing the sad news. Here is what some of them had to say...
Elton John: "We have just lost a Hollywood giant; more importantly, we have lost an incredible human being."
Joan Collins: "I am so terribly sad about the death of Elizabeth Taylor. Although everyone here in Hollywood knew that her end was near we are all shocked. She was the last of the true Hollywood icons, a great beauty, a great actress and continually fascinating to the world throughout her tumultuous life and career. There will never be another star who will come close to her luminosity and generosity, particularly in her fight against AIDS. She will be missed."
Tito Jackson: "Elizabeth Taylor was in impactful person in this industry and on society as a whole. I specifically admire her charitable efforts including bringing early awareness to HIV/AIDS. Most memorable is her steadfast loyalty and unwavering friendship to my late brother Michael Jackson. Liz provided a sense of relief and comfort to my brother at various difficult times in his life, and I appreciate that, may she rest in peace."
Steve Martin: "I met Elizabeth Taylor several times. She was witty and self-deprecating, which I found surprising and delightful. She loved to laugh."
Kirstie Alley: "Elizabeth…thank u for the lessons u taught me about life…suffering and Joy…you are the BRIGHTEST STAR in the universe. Eternal love."
Stephen Fry: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor, surely the last of a breed…"
Kylie Minogue: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor…Like a pure white diamond you'll shine on and on and on."
GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios: "Today, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community lost an extraordinary ally in the movement for full equality. At a time when so many living with HIV/AIDS were invisible, Dame Taylor fearlessly raised her voice to speak out against injustice. Dame Taylor was an icon not only in Hollywood, but in the LGBT community where she worked to ensure that everyone was treated with the respect and dignity we all deserve."
Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011) - R.I.P.