Hollywood, World React to Elizabeth Taylor’s Death

Barbra Streisand, Elton John, Joan Collins, Nancy Reagan and others express sadness at the star’s death, admiration for her life

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."

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.”

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif): “A bold and passionate leader in the struggle against HIV/AIDS, Elizabeth Taylor was among the first to call attention to this disease, doing everything in her power to offer a voice to those who had none. Her extensive efforts helped educate the public and lawmakers about the need for research, treatment and compassion for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.”

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif): “California has lost a great star today. Elizabeth Taylor in 'National Velvet' inspired my childhood love of horses. Her passion for life and devotion to those less fortunate will continue to inspire me and others. I send my condolences to her family, and to her fans all over the world. Elizabeth was one of the greats and will be remembered as such.”

Roger Ebert, in an obituary of Taylor: "Of few deaths can it be said that they end an era, but hers does. No other actress commanded more attention for longer, for her work, her beauty, her private life, and a series of health problems that brought her near death more than once."

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

Harvey Weinstein, Writing in the Daily Beast: "She was a cheerleader, a globetrotter and an advocate."

(Also read: Elizabeth Taylor Dies at 79)

Michael Jackson's brother, Tito Jackson: "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."

Nancy Reagan: "Elizabeth Taylor was a dear friend. I knew her from our days together at MGM when she was just a teenager, and I watched her grow into one of Hollywood's finest actresses. She was passionate – and compassionate – about everything in her life, including her family, her friends, and especially the victims of … AIDS. She was truly a legend and we will miss her."

Joan Rivers, via Twitter: "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"

P. Diddy, via Twitter: "'Success is a great deodorant.' – RIP Elizabeth Taylor"

MPAA CEO Sen. Chris Dodd: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Elizabeth Taylor. Her artistic contribution to the motion picture industry is immeasurable. In a career spanning more than 70 years and 50 films, her talent endured the test of time and transcended generations of moviegoers. She truly was an American icon, whose legacy went far beyond her acting skills, most notably in her efforts to lead the battle against HIV/AIDS. Our thoughts are with her family and her many friends and fans during this difficult time.

Whoopi Goldberg: "She was just a magnificent woman. She was a great broad and a good friend."

Martin Landau, who appeared in "Cleopatra" with Taylor: "It's a terrible loss. A unique talent and a singularly spectacular individual."

Angela Lansbury: "Elizabeth and I began our careers about the same time at MGM. Throughout her tumultuous life, she will be remembered for some unique and memorable work. And she will be ever remembered and appreciated for her forthright support of AMFAR."

Joan Collins: "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."

Michael Wilding, Taylor's son: "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. Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished. We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us and her love will live forever in our hearts."

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

Shirley MacLaine: "I don't know what was more impressive her magnitude as a star or her magnitude as a friend. Her talent for friendship was unmatched. I will miss her for the rest of my life and beyond."

George Hamilton: "The whole world has been in love with Elizabeth Taylor and I was fortunate enough to be one of them."

Eva Marie Saint: "I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Elizabeth Taylor. I have wonderful memories of working together with her in Raintree County and The Sandpiper." 

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation: "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."

Jane Fonda, via Twitter: "I knew Elizabeth Taylor and I can tell you she was kind, brave, generous and loyal. I am sad."

Magic Johnson, via Twitter: "Elizabeth, thank you for all your help in the battle for HIV and AIDS. You will be missed by the world." 

Human Rights Campaign: "Ms. Taylor was a true ally to the LGBT community. She was one of the first public voies to speak up about the AIDS crisis while many others stayed silent in the 1980s and she helped raise millions of dollars to fight the disease. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family, and to all those whose lives have been positively impacted by the life and work of Elizabeth Taylor."

Richard Roeper, via Twitter: "Elizabeth Taylor was a silver screen legend, a abloid favorite 50 eyars before Brangelina and a tireless worker for noble causes. RIP."

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

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

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