Movie legend Elizabeth Taylor dies, age 79

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most alluring actresses of the 20th century, died on Wednesday at age 79, her publicist said.
She died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles surrounded by her four children after having been hospitalised six weeks ago with congestive heart failure, a statement from publicist Sally Morrison said.
"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," son Michael Wilding said in a statement.
The English-American actress and former child star grew to be known for her acting talent and beauty, as well as her Hollywood lifestyle, including many marriages.
After several small roles, her Hollywood break came in 1942 when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer signed her on for the film ‘Lassie Come Home’ and skyrocketed to stardom at the tender age of 12 in ‘National Velvet’.
Her first box office success in an adult role came in the romantic comedy ‘Father of the Bride’ in 1950 alongside Spencer Tracy and Joan Bennett, following a more substantial role opposite Rock Hudson and James Dean in the epic ‘Giant’ in 1956.
Taylor won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Gloria Wandrous in ‘Butterfield 8’ in 1960, co-starring then husband Eddie Fisher. Her second Oscar for Best Actress was as Martha in ‘Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ In 1966 opposite then husband Richard Burton. Taylor and Burton would appear together in six other films during the decade.
The American Film Institute named Taylor seventh on its Female Legends list and was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2007.
Liz Taylor was a vocal supporter of her friend Michael Jackson, had a passion for jewellery and devoted much of her time and energy to AIDS-related charities and fundraising, especially after the death of her former costar and friend, Rock Hudson.