Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011)

It has come over the wires that screen legend Elizabeth Taylor has passed away at 79.

Ms. Taylor's 1st major film role was in 1943's "Lassie Come Home", opposite Roddy MacDowell. At 12, she landed the lead in "National Velvet", co-starring Mickey Rooney & Angela Lansbury. Most of us know about some of her later films, such as "Giant" (with James Dean), "Elephant Walk", and "Cleopatra" (with 2-time husband Richard Burton). Ms. Taylor then segued into television in the 80's, first with the adaptation of Agatha Christie's "The Mirror Crack'd", then guest appearances on General Hospital and, in later years, The Simpsons & All My Children. She designed jewelry and a perfume, White Diamonds, and was involved in a number of charitable causes.

Ms. Taylor's last marriage, to Larry Fortensky, took place at Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch. Her last acting role, in 2007, was opposite James Earl Jones in a theatre production of "Love Letters". Today's generation might not know about the enormous body of work Ms. Taylor compiled in films, but rather the frequent tabloid headlines documenting her marriages, rumored relationships, and health issues. I would expect Turner Classic Movies to devote a whole day or two to her in memorium in short order.

Rest in peace, Elizabeth. You've earned it.