Actress and Philanthropist Liz Taylor Dies at 79

Screen siren Elizabeth Taylor, who was as famous for her eight marriages as she was for her legendary film career, has died.

Her death at age 79 came just days after being declared in stable condition at a Los Angeles Hospital. The legendary actress and style icon had been checked into Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles since early February with symptoms of congestive heart failure.

After weeks of showing slight improvement, Taylor finally succumbed to the illness.

The two-time Oscar winner, confined to a wheelchair for the past five years, had battled a number of ailments including three hip-replacement surgeries, a benign brain tumor, and pneumonia.

Taylor is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Her son, Michael Wilding, released the following statement:

"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."

Born in 1932 to wealthy Americans living in England, Taylor was marked for stardom from an early age. She took ballet at three and appeared in her first film, “There’s One Born Every Minute,” at age 9. That same year, she signed a contract with MGM to appear in “Lassie Come Home,” alongside fellow child star Roddy McDowall. The roles came fast, and at age 12, she was a bona fide star, earning a then-unthinkable sum of $30,000for her role in "National Velvet."

The London-born actress was also famous for her many marriages. From her first marriage to hotel magnate Conrad Hilton at age 18 to her last trip down the aisle with Larry Fortensky, she wed a total of eight times. Two were to the love of her life, Richard Burton. The marriage to Hilton lasted just one year, as did her union with Michael Todd. She was also wedded to entertainer Eddie Fisher, and actor Michael Wilding.

Taylor was also married to former Sen. John Warner, R-Va., from 1976 to 1982.  Taylor took to the campaign trail with Warner during his Senate run, famously appearing at the 1978 Virginia Republican Convention in a tiger-striped suit.

Speaking to MSNBC, former Sen. Warner said he felt "profound gratitude" to Taylor for the help she gave him during his initial run for Senate.  "Hand in hand we marched off, with no campaign staff," Warner recalled.  He said despite her ailments later in life, Taylor would "always end a conversation with a good, British, stiff upper lip."

The Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Whitman-Walker Clinic in northwest D.C.  Taylor's family has asked for donations to the foundation in lieu of flowers.

Whitman-Walker also is conducting a one-day drive in Taylor's honor. To make a donation, click here or call 202-797-3520.

A private funeral is planned for later this week.

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