Remembering a legend: Elizabeth Taylor (1932 – 2011)

Joe ColajezziSpecial Report EditorThere were fewer actresses that embodied Hollywood more than Elizabeth Taylor. She had the beauty of Scarlett Johansson and the dramatic screen presence of Meryl Streep; before there was Brad and Angelina, there was Dickie and Liz. Sadly, on March 23, one of the last remaining stars from the golden era of cinema left us — and boy, what a legacy she left behind.Those most familiar with Taylor remember her friendship with the late Michael Jackson. The two bonded through their overexposed lifestyles and fame, but probably even more so through the great deal of tragedy in their lives.Taylor was a victim of abusive relationships — both romantic and professional — and saw the deaths of loved ones more than anyone should ever have to. She also ran into ailing health complications for a great portion of her life.However, from great tragedy often comes great art. Taylor broke boundaries in Hollywood with performances that convinced directors and audiences to look past her bombshell figure and dazzling, violet eyes. Taylor went on to work with some of the biggest names in cinema including James Dean, Paul Newman, Eddie Fisher, Mike Nichols, and of course her on-and-off-again beau, Richard Burton.She won two Academy Awards: one in 1961 for “Butterfield 8” and another six years later for Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”, which is perhaps the greatest performance ever captured on screen by a leading lady. Taylor’s booze-fueled Martha is almost impossible to watch, but for every captivating and heart-wrenching reason.Taylor tackled stage-work as well, including a critically acclaimed and Tony-nominated revival of Regina Giddens in the play “The Little Foxes.”Not just a conqueror of great dramatic feats, Taylor was a humanitarian and activist: she founded the American Foundation for AIDS research, raising raised millions of dollars for AIDS development purposes.Superficiality is a remarkable thing — we all remember the curvy, white-pleated subway dress worn by Marilyn Monroe, but most of us fail to remember what famous film she wore that dress in (“The Seven Year Itch”) and the impressive comedic talent that Monroe possessed. It is important that we remember the incredible artistry Elizabeth Taylor left behind rather than the scandals and giant diamonds she sported. Her legacy is the foundation upon which we build our art today.jcolajezzi@thesamohil.com