March 28, 2024 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

RIP Elizabeth Taylor, The Last True Movie Star:

“Cleopatra.” “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” “National Velvet.” “Butterfield 8.” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” These are just a few of the great films that set Elizabeth Taylor apart and made her a true national – and international – icon.

Taylor passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, March 23, leaving in her wake a legacy of grace, beauty, scandal, passion, and pure talent. Yes, she had seven husbands (twice married and divorced to Richard Burton, the love of her life), drank like a sailor, and was at times accused of flaunting her extreme riches, but above all else she was one of the most talented actresses to ever grace stage or screen, and a devoted philanthropist. Taylor was one of the first stars – if not the first – to raise awareness and money for AIDS, a cause she supported with all of her heart.

Even as a young child Taylor’s beauty, and her striking eyes, made her stand out from the crowd. It seems she was destined for stardom. Born in London, she rose to fame appearing as a young actress in America classics such as “Lassie Come Home” (with her lifelong friend Roddy McDowall) and “National Velvet,” and she transitioned gracefully from child star to world-class actress. Unlike so many celebrities today who succumb to the pressures of experiencing fame and fortune at a young age, Taylor remained committed to her craft and despite a few career misses (remember “Boom”?) she never missed a beat.

She met Burton – a married with children Welshman who loved his poetry and his cocktails in equal measure – on the set of “Cleopatra.” He played Antony to her Queen of the Nile. The two had met years before starring together, and rumor has it that Burton burst out laughing when he first laid eyes on her, because her beauty was so astounding. She paid no mind to Burton at the time, saying that she didn’t want to be another notch on the reported ladies man’s belt. On the set of “Cleopatra,” however, their passion was undeniable and they quickly fell in love.

Taylor’s many marriages (to Eddie Fisher, Nicky Hilton, and Michael Todd, to name a few) made her the object of scorn and scandal at times throughout her life, but it was her passionate love affair with Burton that transformed them into the “Brangelina” of their time. They were followed by paparazzi from their beloved Puerta Vallarta to their yachts to their many film premiers. The public could not seem to get enough of the rich and powerful duo, and the pressures of fame wore on their relationship at times.

Burton once said of his lady love, “I introduced Elizabeth to beer; she introduced me to Bulgari.” He was a rough and tough Welshman from a working-class family; she was a pampered beauty who never knew the perils of poverty. Despite their differences the two formed a deep bond and mutual admiration of each other’s talents. Their performances together in the black and white, dark comedy “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” are a testament to their immense talents – both as individuals and partners. For a recent in-depth look at the Taylor-Burton love affair, the book “Furious Love” by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger is a must read.

It is difficult today to think of an actor or star that could rival Elizabeth Taylor, and she truly was one of the last great movie stars. Angelina Jolie (who is slated to step into Taylor’s shoes in a remake of “Cleopatra”) and Natalie Portman may come close to her beauty and her talent, yet they do not possess that Hollywood Glamour that Taylor understood so well. She was a classy broad wrapped in diamonds and furs that also loved her cocktails and had a penchant for swearing like a truck driver at times. In other words, as Larry King recently said, “She was a broad in the best sense of the word.”

Her friendship with Michael Jackson, her perfumes, her diamonds, and her feebleness in recent years have made some target Taylor as an object of ridicule. Yet her legend transcends all of that. Part of her power is that Taylor rarely worried about what others thought of her – hence early AIDS advocacy when it was still considered a taboo disease. She may have loved diamonds and luxury, but she never forgot the things that truly mattered in life. Her class, talent, and beauty will be with us forever.

Related Posts

Film Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

July 19, 2023

July 19, 2023

FILM REVIEWMISSION IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONERated PG-13163 MinutesReleased July 11th The story in this “Mission: Impossible” chapter, “Dead...

Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

July 5, 2023

July 5, 2023

FILM REVIEWINDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINYRated PG-13154 MinutesReleased June 30th The director of Indiana Jones and the Dial...

Film Review: Past Lives

June 27, 2023

June 27, 2023

FILM REVIEWPAST LIVESRated PG-13105 MinutesLimited Releases June 2nd and June 9th, Full Release June 23rd The Korean concept of “In...

Film Review: Sanctuary

June 8, 2023

June 8, 2023

FILM REVIEWSANCTUARYRated R96 MinutesReleased May 19th In my humble estimation, this is one of the best movies of the year....

Film Review: The Little Mermaid

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

FILM REVIEWTHE LITTLE MERMAIDRated PG135 MinutesReleased May 26th With today’s technological developments, a live-action The Little Mermaid is not only...

A Riveting Revival of the Pulitzer Prize-Winning “A Soldier’s Play” Now Playing At The Ahmanson Theatre

May 31, 2023

May 31, 2023

On Stage With… Murder mysteries, whether cinematic or theatrical, are one of the most popular subjects. The list is quite...

Film Review: Chevalier

May 12, 2023

May 12, 2023

By Kathryn Boole  RATED PG-13107 MinutesReleased April 21, 2023 Chevalier is based on the true story of a historical figure...

Ballet at the Broad Stage Memorial Weekend – Meet the Talent!

May 10, 2023

May 10, 2023

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica returns to the Broad Stage with special guest artists kicking off Friday May 26th with...

Elizabeth McGovern Lights Up The Stage in “Ava – The Secret Conversations”

April 26, 2023

April 26, 2023

Play About Legendary Screen Star Runs Until May 14 At The Geffen Playhouse By Beverly Cohn Ava Gardner, born Ava...

Unconventional Art Festival “The Other Art Fair” Returns to Santa Monica This Weekend

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

140 independent artists, immersive installations, performances, DJs, and a fully stocked bar await visitors at Barker Hangar The Other Art...

Samohi Theatre’s “The Drowsy Chaperone” Takes the Stage in Santa Monica

March 1, 2023

March 1, 2023

Shows will take place at Barnum Hall on March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and March 5 at 3...

Film Review: “Marlow”

February 23, 2023

February 23, 2023

FILM REVIEW“MARLOWE”Rated R109 MinutesReleased February 15th “Marlowe” is a beautifully shot period piece that takes place in the late 1930’s....

Film Review: All Quite on the Western Front

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

I have never been a soldier at war, although I have close friends and relatives who have been. Universally they...

SMC Emeritus Concert Band to Hold Free Concert This Weekend at the Broad Stage

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Concert February 26 will feature musical selections with an outdoor theme Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Concert Band, under the baton...