My recommendation: Join me in raising a glass to Dame Elizabeth's long, happy life - and take an opportunity to reacquaint yourself with the classic films of the violet-eyed beauty. See for yourself the true talent and singular charisma that graced cinema, television and Broadway over the past six decades - and still graces the worlds of philanthropy and AIDS activism.
A short list: her Academy Award-winning turn in Butterfield 8 (1960), her winning debut as a lead actor at the tender age of 12 in 1944's National Velvet (those are really her eyes - no mascara), the riveting Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966), her performance as the blushing bride in the original Father of the Bride (1950), her restless Maggie in Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), her portrayal of the raging Katharina (opposite Burton) in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew (1967), the over-the-top but fun budget-buster Cleopatra, Giant, which paired Taylor with the late, great James Dean...and who could forget her performance as TV's Maggie Simpson in the memorable episode when the perennial infant intoned her first English word?
I could go on all day suggesting great Taylor films to see, but you get my meaning. If the legend lives to be 100 - which is hoped - you could spend much of the next 26 years enjoying her huge catalog of films. And you should: Dame Elizabeth Taylor is a treasure, and it behooves us to appreciate and honor her while she's here.
As for the Daily Mail and WENN.com, I believe there's a special place in Hell reserved for irresponsible tabloid journalists.
[edited to reflect changing story 2006-04-27 20:41:13 nrd]
![Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21QFNSFM3DL._SL120_.jpg)
![Cleopatra (Special Edition) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YN4AQ82CL._SL120_.jpg)
![Little Women (1949) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KRCT5H33L._SL120_.jpg)
![Taming of the Shrew [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71EFM8VNADL._SL120_.gif)
![Father of the Bride (1950) (Col) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AWKA5DKSL._SL120_.jpg)
![National Velvet (Aniv Clam) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51F55XXJM4L._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - elsa
And don't forget her profound contribution to the fight against AIDS.
2 - NR Davis
Being an AIDS activist myself, there is no way that would happen.
Just saw this: Guess what will be the big cover story for this week's Enquirer?
Just another indication that irresponsible, sensationalist tabs SUCK.
3 - fern
Thank you Natalie for your wonderful words to our dearest Dame Elizabeth. All my best to you.
4 - Ignacio L. Drenic
Good Day, and hello Elizabeth Taylor,
I hope that Elizabeth Taylor lives on for a long time into the future. I saw many of her films and in my view, when young, she was special looking person, that I in particular would be deeply in love wiht.
Liz, all I want from you is some of your money or beauty, and that you help me otherwise so that I become mega movie, Hollywood star.
Keep it strong and go for very, very long.
Sincerely,
I. L. D.