For many people, Marilyn Monroe embodies what Hollywood is/was, even though she died young. I disagree. While I love Marilyn (who wouldn't love her?), and even though I am an Audrey Hepburn girl, Elizabeth Taylor for me owns Hollywood beauty, elegance, and attitude. Even though she's not with us any longer, her spirit will live forever, like a sparkling diamond. Marilyn had the face, the walk, the sex appeal, but she left us far too soon. Dead today at age 79, Elizabeth Taylor has been around as an actress and as a character in the world for well over 60 years. Now that's staying power!
Liz was arguably the most beautiful actress of all time. I say arguably because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and some folks would argue that the title of most beautiful belongs to Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, or Hedy Lamarr. While all these actresses are 
stunners, they ain't got nothing on Liz Taylor. Liz was a total knockout. With her violet eyes, long lashes, perfect complexion, and cupid's bow lips, Liz was a natural beauty. But it wasn't just beauty that made her the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. It was her voice, her walk, her personality, her glamour. It was the fact that, even though at 18 she married an abusive alcoholic, she held her head high and never lost her glow. She survived. She survived the death of a man that some call her true love, although I think that title belongs to Richard Burton (she married him twice!). She was married eight times to seven different husbands, and some called her a homewrecker. The thing about her, though, was that she lived her life for herself, and followed her passions without caring what other people thought of her. Who else can say that? I certainly can't!
stunners, they ain't got nothing on Liz Taylor. Liz was a total knockout. With her violet eyes, long lashes, perfect complexion, and cupid's bow lips, Liz was a natural beauty. But it wasn't just beauty that made her the most beautiful woman in Hollywood. It was her voice, her walk, her personality, her glamour. It was the fact that, even though at 18 she married an abusive alcoholic, she held her head high and never lost her glow. She survived. She survived the death of a man that some call her true love, although I think that title belongs to Richard Burton (she married him twice!). She was married eight times to seven different husbands, and some called her a homewrecker. The thing about her, though, was that she lived her life for herself, and followed her passions without caring what other people thought of her. Who else can say that? I certainly can't!Last summer, I read her biography. I was immersed in her life, her friends, her lovers, her various husbands. Even though on screen she was elegant and refined, inside she was a real person with real aspirations, feelings, and emotions. Those were rarely seen on camera. She was a compassionate person who donated her time to causes close to her heart, such as AIDS research. She was best friends with Michael Jackson!
So, in closing, I think of Liz when I apply five or more coats of mascara. I think of her when my engagement ring has that fiery sparkle on a sunny day, and I think of her whenever the name Cleopatra comes up!
Here are some of my favorite pictures of her.
