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Mourning Elizabeth Taylor: Hollywood Greats React to Death of Hollywood's Greatest

Elton John, Larry King, Steve Martin, Joan Rivers, even Kardashian sisters pay respects to screen legend

By Gina Serpe Mar 23, 2011 5:30 PMTags
Elizabeth TaylorUPPA/ZUMAPress.com

You don't become an icon of the silver screen without leaving a lasting impact on those you've touched.

Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away at age 79 early this morning after a battle with congestive heart failure, was no exception—and friends, colleagues and fans of the acting legend, from Elton John to Larry King to the Kardashians, have stepped up to pay tribute to the late star:

Debbie Reynolds: "It was a long productive career and she was the most glamorous and sexual star of our generation. No one else could equal Elizabeth's beauty and sexuality. Women liked her and men adored her and her love for her children is enduring. She was a symbol of stardom. Her legacy will last."

Elton John: "We have just lost a Hollywood giant; more importantly, we have lost an incredible human being."

John Travolta: "Elizabeth was the definition of greatness on all fronts. I loved her. She will be incredibly missed."

Barbra Streisand: "It's the end of an era. It wasn't just her beauty or her stardom. It was her humanitarianism. She put a face on HIV/AIDS. She was funny. She was generous. She made her life count."

Joan Collins: "I am so terribly sad about the death of Elizabeth Taylor. Although everyone here in Hollywood knew that her end was near we are all shocked. She was the last of the true Hollywood icons, a great beauty, a great actress and continually fascinating to the world throughout her tumultuous life and career. There will never be another star who will come close to her luminosity and generosity, particularly in her fight against AIDS. She will be missed."

Barry Manilow: "Elizabeth was the last great movie star. And a great human being. What I'll always remember about Elizabeth was her laugh. She would walk into a room looking like a princess and suddenly there would be this cackle that filled the room that would crack us all up. I'm so glad to have known her. It's a very sad day for me."

Liza Minnelli: "She was a true star, because she not only had beauty and notoriety; Elizabeth Taylor had talent. As a friend she was always, always there for me. I'll miss her for the rest of my life, but I was so lucky to have known her."

Tito Jackson: "Elizabeth Taylor was in impactful person in this industry and on society as a whole. I specifically admire her charitable efforts including bringing early awareness to HIV/AIDS. Most memorable is her steadfast loyalty and unwavering friendship to my late brother Michael Jackson. Liz provided a sense of relief and comfort to my brother at various difficult times in his life, and I appreciate that, may she rest in peace."

Larry King: "Elizabeth Taylor was a great friend, a great star and one gutsy woman. She was so special. You won't see the likes of her again…"

Steve Martin: "I met Elizabeth Taylor several times. She was witty and self-deprecating, which I found surprising and delightful. She loved to laugh."

Victoria Beckham: "The world has lost a truly iconic beauty, inside and out. Elizabeth Taylor will be deeply missed. X vb."

Kathy Griffin: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Tremendous talent, beauty & humanity. Her legacy w/ #AIDS patients & @amfAR lives on."

Zooey Deschanel: "RIP elizabeth taylor, a great actress and a great beauty, who's formidable contributions to both film and charity will always be remembered."

Joan Rivers: "Sad to hear of Elizabeth Taylor's death. She was the 1st major celebrity to join me in the fight against AIDS when it wasn't a popular cause."

Denise Richards: "@DameElizabeth Rest in peace Elizabeth Taylor. Thoughts and prayers to your family and loved ones. You will be missed."

Marlee Matlin: "So VERY shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Elizabeth Taylor. A true Hollywood legend and humanitarian and friend. RIP."

Kylie Minogue: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor…Like a pure white diamond you'll shine on and on and on."

Sharon Stone: "She was an illuminator. She put human faces on issues. With her soft voice coming from that tiny frame, she held forth the giant purpose of the true meaning of love; that we are all equally vulnerable. With one simple movement, pulling her ever famous jewels from that beautiful face, she opened the hearts of the world not just to the condition of HIV/AIDS as she had intended but ultimately to human rights as a whole. She stood in her grace and candor and simply said the truth; that we are one, a world that must understand and accept itself. The world will not be the same without Dame Elizabeth Taylor, the world is becoming as she envisioned it; freer, and therefore she is not gone."

Harpers Bazaar; Camerique/Getty Images

Kim Kardashian: "I am so saddened about the passing of Elizabeth Taylor! She will always be my idol!"

Khloé Kardashian Odom: "RIP to the glamour goddess Elizabeth Taylor. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Thank you for the memories."

Kourtney Kardashian: "A legendary woman has left us today. The world will not be the same without her beauty, glamour, generosity and gift of giving."

Paris Hilton: "So sad to hear about Elizabeth Taylor. She was so beautiful, such an inspiration and an icon. She was an amazing humanitarian and brought smiles to everyone around the world. She was always so sweet to me and I will really miss her. I've always loved this picture of her and [first husband Nicky Hilton]. They were such a stunning couple."

Mickey Rooney: "Our loss in the motion picture business with Elizabeth Taylor's passing is momentous. She was a lady who gave of herself to everyone. I know I consider it a great personal loss."

Andrea Bocelli: "I am profoundly saddened by the death of Hollywood's last great star of the '50s and '60s, a woman of extraordinary talent and hypnotic eyes. I will always hold her in my heart, proud of having earned the privilege of her applause at my concerts in America."

LaToya Jackson: "Liz Taylor was an amazing woman and screen legend. She was an incredible friend to my brother, at his side through some of his most difficult times and of course loved by his children and our family. She will live on in our hearts forever, my prayers go out to her family."

Martin Landau: "It's a terrible loss. A unique talent and a singularly spectacular individual."

Anthony Geary: "Elizabeth was more than a great star, she was an amazing human being. Her world famous physical beauty paled in comparison to the beauty that radiated from her heart and soul. She had great humor, didn't take herself too seriously, and had the most wonderful bawdy laugh. She was a fierce and loyal friend and tireless advocate...I was fortunate enough to call her my friend and every moment I spent in her company was unforgettable. I loved her very much. The world is a little darker, a little colder, a little less beautiful without her."

Kristi Yamaguchi: "RIP Elizabeth Taylor."

Gilles Marini: "R.I.P. to beautiful, timeless Liz Taylor. I Had to chance to meet her in a restaurant in L.A. What a charisma. God bless."

Adam Shankman: "Elizabeth taylor! Rest in peace sweet angel. No star has ever illuminated the world quite like you. You were the first to champion those suffering with AIDS publicly. Today, the world loses, but heaven just became very very glamorous. We will miss you terribly."

Kate Walsh: "Elizabeth Taylor, rest in peace. What an extraordinary woman. JUST talking about 'furious love' yesterday. Xxxxxx."

Stephen Fry: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor, surely the last of a breed…"

Kirstie Alley: "Elizabeth…thank u for the lessons u taught me about life…suffering and Joy…you are the BRIGHTEST STAR in the universe. Eternal love."

Dita Von Teese: "My biggest 'I can't believe this is happening' moment. Rest in peace, Divine Liz."

Melissa Gilbert: "Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Idol, activist, Mother, beauty with an enormous heart. You will be missed everyday."

Melissa Joan Hart: "We have lost an amazing talent and beautiful soul! RIP Elizabeth Taylor."

Serena Williams: "Elizabeth Taylor. Grace style, elegance, legend. You had Beauty the world has ever seen. No words can describe the loss of you."

Lisa Rinna: "Rest in peace beautiful Elizabeth!"

LeAnn Rimes: "RIP Elizabeth Taylor. It's so amazing how someone has left such a legacy that will forever live on. I am really, truly saddened this morning."

Alyssa Milano: "Rest in peace, Elizabeth Taylor. You are a prism & will live on through all the good you did while you were with us."

Nia Vardalos: "RIP Elizabeth Taylor: thank you for your talent, AIDS fundraising, and fabulousness. There is nothing like a Dame."

Isaiah Mustafa: "RIP Elizabeth Taylor. One of the loveliest ladies in film history."

Busy Philipps: "Sad to wake up to the news of Elizabeth Taylor passing away. What an incredible life…"

LeVar Burton: "Elizabeth Taylor was a class act, a real movie star and a genuine human being!!! God Bless her…RIP."

Brian Baumgartner: "Rest. In. Peace. Elizabeth Taylor."

Bethenny Frankel: "such a sad when a legend like Elizabeth Taylor pass away.fitting that it's gloomy&rainy in ny.A place of sadness."

Joy Behar: "Elizabeth Taylor was truly one of the greats. She'll certainly be missed."

Adrianne Curry: "Goodbye, Liz Taylor…one of the most beautiful faces to have ever lived…and one of the most symmetrical."

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios: "Today, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community lost an extraordinary ally in the movement for full equality. At a time when so many living with HIV/AIDS were invisible, Dame Taylor fearlessly raised her voice to speak out against injustice. Dame Taylor was an icon not only in Hollywood, but in the LGBT community where she worked to ensure that everyone was treated with the respect and dignity we all deserve."

amfAR: "The board of trustees and staff of amfAR mourn the passing of our beloved Founding International Chairman, Dame Elizabeth Taylor. Dame Elizabeth was without doubt one of the most inspirational figures in the fight against AIDS…Dame Elizabeth's compassion, radiance, and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed by us all. She leaves a monumental legacy that has improved and extended millions of lives and will enrich countless more for generations to come."