Elizabeth Taylor’s trademark violet eyes.
Taylor became well-known for her humanitarian and activist undertakings, most notably her work with AIDS. Her close friend and former co-star Rock Hudson became ill with AIDS in 1985 and she watched helplessly as the disease ravaged him before his death. Taylor was also greatly grieved by the indignities he and others suffered from the stigma of this disease. In 1985, Taylor co-founded the charitable organization amfAR. Since its inception, she was actively involved in AIDS research and fundraising. To date, amfAR has endowed almost $325 million in its goal to cure AIDS. Taylor said, “Acting is, to me now, artificial. Seeing people suffer is real. It couldn’t be more real. Some people don’t like to look at it in the face because it’s painful. But if nobody does, then nothing gets done.”
Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor became Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor of the British empire at the direction of Queen Elizabeth II on December 31, 1999.
Though not known specifically for any favored designer or stylist, Taylor was the epitome of beauty. With her seductive violet eyes, red lips and pronounced eyebrows, she practically oozed glamour, with a confident sexuality percolating very close to the surface. Her dresses were always flattering to her tiny waist, her flamboyant headdresses somehow made her look more regal, and she was one of the early stars to chicly wear the turban and create a fashion statement, a trend now on the rebound.
We will miss this great Hollywood icon. Dame Taylor, you are, indeed, a legend. Not only for your marvelous acting, but for your interesting, multi-faceted, fascinating life and the chances you took.
“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.”
– Elizabeth Taylor
