Like any woman in the spotlight, Dame Elizabeth Taylor was as well known for her history with men as she was her driven philanthropy, or two time Oscar winning acting career.  Co-star Paul Newman said that her beauty got in the way of people realizing how great an actress she was.

“Working at the age of 9 is not a childhood.” ~ Elizabeth Taylor

Born in London in 1932, Elizabeth moved to California with her family in 1939 before the Second World War.  Her early discovery continued with success in “National Velvet”.

“You find out who your real friends are when you’re involved in a scandal.” ~ Elizabeth Taylor

After loosing her second husband to an airplane accident, she allegedly broke up the marriage of Debbie Reynolds to Eddie Fisher.  Elizabeth overcame the painful scandal with intense, award-winning performances.

“Giant”, with Rock Hudson and the young James Dean was followed by “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, in 1958, opposite Paul Newman.  She was finally rewarded with an Oscar for a film Elizabeth was said to have hated, “Butterfield 8,” in 1960.  She starred with her two-time husband Richard Burton in the budget busting “Cleopatra” and the disturbingly intense, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf,” a performance for which she won her second Oscar.

“Some of my best leading men have been dogs and horses.”~ Elizabeth Taylor

Educator Barbara Lauretano was a child fan during Elizabeth’s career, “At a time when women were limited in their free expression, she was a breath of fresh air with her ‘I don’t care what others think’ attitude.  She knew the value of what she had and asked for one million dollars for ‘Cleopatra’ plus royalties–shocking for a female actor in the 1960′s.”

“I don’t think President Bush is doing anything at all about AIDS. In fact, I’m not sure he even knows how to spell AIDS.” ~ Elizabeth Taylor

Dubbed a Dame of the British Empire for her humanitarian efforts, Elizabeth’s foundation ETAF battles the disease that took her friend Rock Hudson.  When AIDS was still taboo, Elizabeth testified before Congress to ensure Senate support for the Ryan White CARE Act.  She spoke before the National Press Club and addressed the General Assembly at the United Nations on World AIDS Day.

“A belly laugh increases the ability of your immune system to fight infections.  I was pronounced dead four times.” ~ Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth battled her own health ills throughout her life, with congestive heart failure ending her bright life. She was a pioneer actor, woman, and humanitarian–and for all of these, she will be missed.

“When people say, ‘She’s got everything’, I’ve got one answer – I haven’t had tomorrow.” ~ Dame Elizabeth Taylor, 1932-2011