Elizabeth Taylor Dies At 79

Elizabeth Taylor, one of the last titans of old-school Hollywood royalty, died today at Cedars-Sinai Hospital at the age of 79 (see photo memoriam).

The actress, who worked in the business for over 60 years, won two Oscars, starred in such classics as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf?, Giant and Cleopatra, fought for increased AIDs awareness, and was well known for her beauty, occasional eccentricity, and many marriages (final tally: 8), passed away due to congestive heart failure, while surrounded by her children, Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton, according to ABC News.

A statement from her son, Micheal, reads:

“My Mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love… Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world. Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished. We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts.”

The actress had been hospitalized for congestive heart failure six weeks prior, and had a history of chronic health problems.

Elizabeth Taylor filmography (via Yahoo! Movies):

* A Letter to True (2005)

* Get Bruce (1999)

* The Flintstones (1994)

* Psychotic (1991)

* Legends in Love (1989)

* Sweet Bird of Youth (1989)

* Il Giovane Toscanini (1988)

* Poker Alice (1987)

* Between Friends (1986)

* George Stevens: A Filmmaker s Journey (1985)

* The Rumor Mill (1985)

* Genocide (1981)

* The Mirror Crack d (1980)

* Winter Kills (1979)

* Return Engagement (1978)

* A Little Night Music (1977)

* It’s Showtime (1976)

* The Blue Bird (1976)

* That s Entertainment! (1974)

* The Identikit (1974)

* Ash Wednesday (1973)

* Divorce His, Divorce Hers (1973)

* Night Watch (1973)

* Hammersmith Is Out (1972)

* X Y & Zee (1972)

* Under Milk Wood (1971)

* The Only Game in Town (1970)

* Boom! (1968)

* Doctor Faustus (1968)

* Secret Ceremony (1968)

* Reflections in a Golden Eye (1967)

* The Comedians (1967)

* The Taming of the Shrew (1967)

* Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? (1966)

* The Sandpiper (1965)

* Cleopatra (1963)

* The V.I.P.s (1963)

* Butterfield 8 (1960)

* Scent of Mystery (1960)

* Suddenly, Last Summer (1960)

* Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

* Raintree County (1957)

* Giant (1956)

* Beau Brummel (1954)

* Elephant Walk (1954)

* Rhapsody (1954)

* The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954)

* The Girl Who Had Everything (1953)

* Ivanhoe (1952)

* Love Is Better Than Ever (1952)

* Father’s Little Dividend (1951)

* Father of the Bride (1950)

* The Big Hangover (1950)

* Conspirator (1949)

* Julia Misbehaves (1948)

* A Date With Judy (1948)

* Courage of Lassie (1946)

* Jane Eyre (1944)

* Lassie Come Home (1943)

* Classic Romance (1934)

What was your favorite Liz Taylor role/ memory?