Elizabeth Taylor, one of the greatest and most beautiful actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 79. The London-born actress died of congestive heart failure. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her four children.
According to publicist Sally Morrison, Taylor had been hospitalized for six weeks at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Taylor's representative said that "Though [Taylor] had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilized and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."
"My Mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love," said Taylor's son Michael Wilding. "We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."
"We have just lost a Hollywood giant," said famous singer Elton John, who was a longtime friend of Taylor. "More importantly, we have lost an incredible human being."
Dr. Arnold Klein, Taylor's doctor and longtime friend, said, "She's the greatest human being I've ever known. She used her celebrity not just for fame but to change the world. Elizabeth gave AIDS a face and that's when people started accepting it as a disease."
Taylor was a 3-time Academy Award winner, best known for her roles in such films as Father of the Bride, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Butterfield 8. Taylor was also well-known for her humanitarian efforts and her staunch support of gay people. Unfortunately, Taylor was offen afflicted by poor health and failed relationships - she was married eight different times to seven different men.
In addition to her four children, Taylor is survived by ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
(Sources: TMZ.com, Associated Press)
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