The "Queen of Hollywood" Dies

Many people called it the end of an era when Elizabeth Taylor passed away Wednesday at age 79. For seven decades, Taylor captivated the world with her talent, her love life, her extensive jewelry collection, and her legendary violet eyes. During her high-profile life, Taylor became a bride eight times, won two Academy Awards, and co-founded AmFar. She was also a smart business person. Her perfume, White Diamonds, earned more than $70 million last year.

Taylor began her career with the classic film "National Velvet" at age nine. She starred in movies with many classic film stars, such as Rock Hudson and James Dean. She became the highest paid actress in Hollywood when she earned $1 million for "Cleopatra". Besides her acting, Taylor also provided tabloid fodder.

At age 18, Taylor married Nicky Hilton, heir to the Hilton Hotel company. They divorced after less than a year of marriage. Her second husband was a co-star, Michael Wilding. They had two children together and were married for five years. Her third husband, movie producer Mike Todd, is one of the men Taylor considered a "true love". Their marriage ended when Todd died in a plane crash. Her fourth husband, Eddie Fisher, a famous singer, caused a controversy. They had a very public affair while he was still married to actress Debbie Reynolds. During the filming of "Cleopatra", Taylor began cheating on Fisher with her co-star Richard Burton, who she would marry two times. After their second divorce, Taylor went on to marry a Republic Senator, John Warner. Her last marriage was to a carpenter named Larry Fortensky.

Elizabeth Taylor was an eccentric, unique individual. Her famous friendship with Michael Jackson raised many eyebrows, especially when she supported him during his child molestation trials. Her last public appearance was at his much-delayed funeral in the fall. Taylor was loyal. When her friend Rock Hudson announced he was dying of AIDS, Taylor co-founded AmFar to find a cure after his painful death. For the rest of her life, Taylor devoted herself to that cause. She is a true Hollywood legend, but also a humanitarian. Elizabeth Taylor was as multi-faceted as her beloved Krupp diamond.