Liz Taylor sadly passed away today at the age of 79, after a hospitalization for congestive heart failure. She is, of course, a screen legend best known for roles in films like National Velvet, Cleopatra, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. When I was a kid, I knew her as the perfume lady who was friends with Michael Jackson. However, she was also the first celebrity that I remember ever talking about AIDS. In the ’80s, when AIDS was causing a panic in the country, Taylor worked tirelessly to raise awareness and money to fight the deadly disease.
Because this is a TV site, I wanted to share some of my favorite TV moments with Liz Taylor. As someone who spanned generations, everyone is going to remember her in different ways, and it’s her television appearances that stick out the most for me.
White Diamonds:
This ad premiered when I was a kid, and for whatever reason, it captured my imagination. It seemed so glamorous, and even though I didn’t know how to play poker or why she was throwing her earring on the table, just the fact that she did it made her a total bad-ass in my ten-year-old eyes.
Gladiator!
This YouTube clip says that Taylor was drunk at The Golden Globes, but I don’t think that’s the case. People may think that I’m making fun of her by including this clip, but I’m not. This happened right around the time my grandmother died, and this clip reminds me of her. Basically, if my grandmother presented at the Globes, this is exactly what would have happened too. Taylor’s sense of humor and comedic timing is in full force.
Marriage? Noooo!
One of the best things about getting older? Not giving a shit. Taylor displayed that more and more when she was in public, just saying whatever the hell she wanted. She was a seriously funny lady, and this response to a reporter asking her if she’s going to get married again is probably the best thing ever. I especially love, “Now I’m going to howl.” You and me both, sister.
For all of you Taylor fans out there, her family is asking that donations be made to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
Clacked by Kona Gallagher 
on Mar 23, 2011 @ 10:02 EST5EDT
I grew up in a staunch Debbie Reynolds home, but I sincerely hope she found Merciful Rest.
As a child, my mom was often told she looked like Elizabeth Taylor in “National Velvet,” and she truly did. Poor Liz has been unhealthy for so many years…in and out of the hospital so often. I hope she’s at peace now.
Very very sad today. But that last clip always gives me a good laugh!