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Elizabeth Taylor through the years

Portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor in a form-fitting green dress as she sits with her head tilted back exposing her neck, circa 1950s.

Elizabeth Taylor through the years

Portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor in a form-fitting green dress as she sits with her head tilted back exposing her neck, circa 1950s.

Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, wearing a white swimsuit as she kneels on the sands of a beach in a publicity still issued for the film, 'Suddenly, Last Summer', 1959. The drama, directed by Joseph L Mankiewicz (1909-1993) and adapted from the play by Tennessee Williams (1911-1983), starred Taylor as 'Catherine Holly'.

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Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, wearing a white swimsuit as she kneels on the sands of a beach in a publicity still issued for the film, 'Suddenly, Last Summer', 1959. The drama, directed by

... more
Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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A portrait of Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950s.

A portrait of Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950s.

Photo: Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, in costume wearing eye make-up in a publicity still issued for the film, 'Cleopatra', 1963. The historical drama, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (1909-1993), starred Taylor as 'Cleopatra'.

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Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, in costume wearing eye make-up in a publicity still issued for the film, 'Cleopatra', 1963. The historical drama, directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (1909-1993),

... more
Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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1958: American singer Eddie Fisher, wearing a tuxedo, stands with arm around his wife, American actor Debbie Reynolds (R) and smiles while looking at British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor, smoking a cigarette, Las Vegas, Nevada. The next year Fisher left Reynolds and married Taylor.

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1958: American singer Eddie Fisher, wearing a tuxedo, stands with arm around his wife, American actor Debbie Reynolds (R) and smiles while looking at British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor, smoking a cigarette,

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Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Publicity portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor in a yellow dress as she stands in front of an artificial Christmas tree amidst a pile of opened presents, including a television set, clothing, and a radio, circa 1950s.

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Publicity portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor in a yellow dress as she stands in front of an artificial Christmas tree amidst a pile of opened presents, including a television set, clothing, and a

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Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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November 1948: British born leading lady Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) feeds the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, London.

November 1948: British born leading lady Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) feeds the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, London.

Photo: Chris Ware/Getty Images
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British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor kneels on a bed and wears a sheer white nightgown and robe, circa 1950s.

British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor kneels on a bed and wears a sheer white nightgown and robe, circa 1950s.

Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Full-length portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor as she stands in a garden and holds a handkerchief in her right hand, circa 1950s.

Full-length portrait of British-born actor Elizabeth Taylor as she stands in a garden and holds a handkerchief in her right hand, circa 1950s.

Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Actress Elizabeth Taylor Poses In An Old Film Still, circa 1955. Taylor Is An Award Winning Actress Who Has Appeared In Such Films As "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? And "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof."

Actress Elizabeth Taylor Poses In An Old Film Still, circa 1955. Taylor Is An Award Winning Actress Who Has Appeared In Such Films As "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? And "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof."

Photo: Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton received the Golden Mask, the annual prize given by the Rome Newsmen Association, as the best non Italian film stars on October 5, 1966 in Rome, Italy.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton received the Golden Mask, the annual prize given by the Rome Newsmen Association, as the best non Italian film stars on October 5, 1966 in Rome, Italy.

Photo: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor during 42nd Annual Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Elizabeth Taylor during 42nd Annual Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California, United States.

Photo: Ron Galella/WireImage
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Actress Elizabeth Taylor Poses In USA, mid-1960s. A Childhood Star After Her Appearance In "National Velvet" At Twelve, Taylor Would Later Win Best Actress Oscars For "Butterfield 8" And "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?" 

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Actress Elizabeth Taylor Poses In USA, mid-1960s. A Childhood Star After Her Appearance In "National Velvet" At Twelve, Taylor Would Later Win Best Actress Oscars For "Butterfield 8" And "Who's Afraid Of

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Photo: Getty Images
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A portrait of Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950s.

A portrait of Elizabeth Taylor in the 1950s.

Photo: API/Gamma-Rapho Via Getty Images
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British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor runs along a beach with her friend, actor Marshall Thompson (1925 - 1992), circa 1948.

British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor runs along a beach with her friend, actor Marshall Thompson (1925 - 1992), circa 1948.

Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images
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British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Welsh actor Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) on their yacht 'Kalizma' off Capo Caccia on the coast of Sardinia, August 1967. They are both there for the location filming of 'Boom' by Tennessee Williams.

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British-born actress Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Welsh actor Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) on their yacht 'Kalizma' off Capo Caccia on the coast of Sardinia, August 1967. They are both there for the

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Photo: Express/Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on the film set of "The Sandpiper" in 1965.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on the film set of "The Sandpiper" in 1965.

Photo: API/Gamma-Rapho Via Getty Images
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(1932 - 2011) touches up her lipstick during a stay in London, November 1948.

(1932 - 2011) touches up her lipstick during a stay in London, November 1948.

Photo: Keystone Features/Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, in a studio portrait, against a pale yellow background, circa 1955.

Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, in a studio portrait, against a pale yellow background, circa 1955.

Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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Actress Elizabeth Taylor poses for a portrait on the set of the movie "Giant" which was released on November 24, 1956. 

Actress Elizabeth Taylor poses for a portrait on the set of the movie "Giant" which was released on November 24, 1956. 

Photo: Frank Worth, Courtesy Of Capital Art/Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, wearing a red dress with a white fur stole in a studio portrait, against a white background, circa 1955.

Elizabeth Taylor (1932-2011), British actress, wearing a red dress with a white fur stole in a studio portrait, against a white background, circa 1955.

Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011), with her Oscar for Best Actress in 'Butterfield 8', at the 33rd Academy Awards, Santa Monica, California, 17th April 1961.

British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011), with her Oscar for Best Actress in 'Butterfield 8', at the 33rd Academy Awards, Santa Monica, California, 17th April 1961.

Photo: Archive Photos/Getty Images
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British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) in a swimming pool, wearing a one-piece, leopard print swimsuit, circa 1955.

British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) in a swimming pool, wearing a one-piece, leopard print swimsuit, circa 1955.

Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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15th March 1964: British film stars Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) and Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) at their first wedding in Montreal, Canada. They married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce.

15th March 1964: British film stars Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) and Richard Burton (1925 - 1984) at their first wedding in Montreal, Canada. They married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce.

Photo: William Lovelace/Getty Images
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British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011), wearing an evening gown and a pearl bracelet, circa 1955.

British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011), wearing an evening gown and a pearl bracelet, circa 1955.

Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) in a white, off-the shoulder ball gown, circa 1951.

British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) in a white, off-the shoulder ball gown, circa 1951.

Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) in a white, fur-trimmed cardigan, circa 1960.

British-born American actress Elizabeth Taylor (1932 - 2011) in a white, fur-trimmed cardigan, circa 1960.

Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
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Elizabeth Taylor during the Academy Awards.

Elizabeth Taylor during the Academy Awards.

Photo: Getty Images
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FRANCE - CIRCA 1950: Elisabeth Taylor in the fifties, France.

FRANCE - CIRCA 1950: Elisabeth Taylor in the fifties, France.

Photo: REPORTERS ASSOCIES/Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images
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In this 1957 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor is shown in costume for her character in the film "Raintree County."
In this 1957 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor is shown in costume for her character in the film "Raintree County."
Photo: AP
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In this April 19, 1961 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor holds the Oscar she won as 1960's best film actress for her role in "Butterfield 8," while speaking with reporters in Hollywood, Calif.
In this April 19, 1961 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor holds the Oscar she won as 1960's best film actress for her role in "Butterfield 8," while speaking with reporters in Hollywood, Calif.
Photo: AP
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This file photo shows actress Elizabeth Taylor in the film "Butterfield 8" in 1961.
This file photo shows actress Elizabeth Taylor in the film "Butterfield 8" in 1961.
Photo: AP
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Sen. John Warner, R-Va., and his then wife, actress Elizabeth Taylor, are seen at the 42nd New York Film Critics Circle Awards dinner in New York City in this Jan. 30, 1977 file photo.
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., and his then wife, actress Elizabeth Taylor, are seen at the 42nd New York Film Critics Circle Awards dinner in New York City in this Jan. 30, 1977 file photo.
Photo: AP
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Elizabeth Taylor was considered the first celebrity AIDS activist, taking up the cause after Rock Hudson died of the disease. She testified before Congress in 1986, asking the government to greatly expand its spending on efforts to find a cure. less
Elizabeth Taylor was considered the first celebrity AIDS activist, taking up the cause after Rock Hudson died of the disease. She testified before Congress in 1986, asking the government to greatly expand its ... more
Photo: LANA HARRIS, AP
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In this file photo from May 31, 1950, Elizabeth Taylor and her new husband, heir to a hotel empire Nick Hilton, pose on the terrace of a hotel in Paris during their honeymoon.
In this file photo from May 31, 1950, Elizabeth Taylor and her new husband, heir to a hotel empire Nick Hilton, pose on the terrace of a hotel in Paris during their honeymoon.
Photo: AP
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This May 8, 1962 file photo shows actress Elizabeth Taylor on the set of the movie "Cleopatra," in Rome.
This May 8, 1962 file photo shows actress Elizabeth Taylor on the set of the movie "Cleopatra," in Rome.
Photo: GIROLAMO DI MAJO, AP
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In this May 12, 1959 file photo, Eddie Fisher stands with his wife Elizabeth Taylor after their marriage in Las Vegas.
In this May 12, 1959 file photo, Eddie Fisher stands with his wife Elizabeth Taylor after their marriage in Las Vegas.
Photo: AP
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In this photo from June 15, 1962, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor arrive in a boat to the small town of Porto d'Ischia, on the island of Isqhia in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, to shoot some scenes of "Cleopatra." . less
In this photo from June 15, 1962, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor arrive in a boat to the small town of Porto d'Ischia, on the island of Isqhia in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, to shoot some scenes of ... more
Photo: Girolamo, AP
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Taylor appears during an exclusive interview with talk show host Larry King on CNNs Larry King Live at the CNN studios in Los Angeles on May 30, 2006.
Taylor appears during an exclusive interview with talk show host Larry King on CNNs Larry King Live at the CNN studios in Los Angeles on May 30, 2006.
Photo: ROSE M. PROUSER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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This 1961 file photo shows actress Elizabeth Taylor in the film "Butterfield 8" in 1961.
This 1961 file photo shows actress Elizabeth Taylor in the film "Butterfield 8" in 1961.
Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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This 1966 file photo shows Elizabeth Taylor in the role of Martha, and Richard Burton in the role of George in a scene from the 1966 movie "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
This 1966 file photo shows Elizabeth Taylor in the role of Martha, and Richard Burton in the role of George in a scene from the 1966 movie "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Film star Liz Taylor showing ring worth 127 thousand pounds that she offered Richard Burton on May 20, 1968.

Film star Liz Taylor showing ring worth 127 thousand pounds that she offered Richard Burton on May 20, 1968.

Photo: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone Via Getty Images
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Walt Disney displays four Oscars he won at 26th annual Academy Awards to actress Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Michael Wilding in Los Angeles on March 25, 1954.
Walt Disney displays four Oscars he won at 26th annual Academy Awards to actress Elizabeth Taylor and her husband, Michael Wilding in Los Angeles on March 25, 1954.
Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Dame Elizabeth Taylor arrives with her children, (L-R) Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Maria Burton and Liza Todd Burton, for Taylor's 75th birthday party at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas on February 27, 2007 in Henderson, Nevada. less
Dame Elizabeth Taylor arrives with her children, (L-R) Michael Wilding Jr., Christopher Wilding, Maria Burton and Liza Todd Burton, for Taylor's 75th birthday party at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas on ... more
Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images
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Actress Elizabeth Taylor appears on stage at Macy's Passport 2006 Gala and Fashion show held at Santa Monica Airport Hanger on September 28,2006, in Santa Monica, Calif.
Actress Elizabeth Taylor appears on stage at Macy's Passport 2006 Gala and Fashion show held at Santa Monica Airport Hanger on September 28,2006, in Santa Monica, Calif.
Photo: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
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A Jan. 6, 1953 file photo shows one of the first pictures of Elizabeth Taylor with son Michael Howard Wilding, son of Taylor and English actor Michael Wilding.
A Jan. 6, 1953 file photo shows one of the first pictures of Elizabeth Taylor with son Michael Howard Wilding, son of Taylor and English actor Michael Wilding.
Photo: AP
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In this March 2, 1959 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor, accompanied by her physician, Dr. Rexford Kennamer, walks through Waldheim Cemetery in Chicago where she attended ceremony dedicating the grave marker of her late husband, showman Mike Todd who died a year earlier. less
In this March 2, 1959 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor, accompanied by her physician, Dr. Rexford Kennamer, walks through Waldheim Cemetery in Chicago where she attended ceremony dedicating the grave marker ... more
Photo: Ed Maloney, AP
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In this 1943 file photo, 11- year-old Elizabeth Taylor is shown with Lassie around the time of her performance in "Lassie Comes Home" in Los Angeles.
In this 1943 file photo, 11- year-old Elizabeth Taylor is shown with Lassie around the time of her performance in "Lassie Comes Home" in Los Angeles.
Photo: AP
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Taylor was voted the 11th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly.[IMDB] Here she is in Sept. of 1946.
Taylor was voted the 11th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly.[IMDB] Here she is in Sept. of 1946.
Photo: AP
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Along with Julie Andrews, Taylor was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II on New Year's Eve, 1999. [IMDB]
Along with Julie Andrews, Taylor was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II on New Year's Eve, 1999. [IMDB]
Photo: AP
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Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr. and Elizabeth Taylor get married in 1950.
Conrad Nicholson Hilton Jr. and Elizabeth Taylor get married in 1950.
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In this 1959 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor is seen with singer Eddie Fisher before their marriage.
In this 1959 file photo, actress Elizabeth Taylor is seen with singer Eddie Fisher before their marriage.
Photo: AP
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Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor appear during the masked ball at the Ca' Rezzonico in Venice, Sept. 9, 1967. Ms. Taylor's hairstyle was by French stylist Alexandre.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor appear during the masked ball at the Ca' Rezzonico in Venice, Sept. 9, 1967. Ms. Taylor's hairstyle was by French stylist Alexandre.
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Elizabeth Taylor tries on a pair of Elton John's spectacles as they stand backstage at the Spectrum Theater in Philadelphia, July 7, 1976.
Elizabeth Taylor tries on a pair of Elton John's spectacles as they stand backstage at the Spectrum Theater in Philadelphia, July 7, 1976.
Photo: DAVID NUTTER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Elizabeth Taylor was belle of the ball and her date, Bob Precht, the envy of other students at the UCLA junior prom in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on Dec. 10, 1949 as winner of the student-sponsored "Great Lover" contest. 19-year-old Bob, as the university's greatest romancer, escorted 17-year-old Elizabeth to the ball. More than 3,000 students crowded Paramount studio's largest sound stage for the prom. less
Elizabeth Taylor was belle of the ball and her date, Bob Precht, the envy of other students at the UCLA junior prom in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California on Dec. 10, 1949 as winner of the student-sponsored ... more
Photo: LA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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This is Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari ring, featuring a 7.4 carat emerald surrounded by twelve pear-shaped diamonds. The ring was a gift from Taylor's late husband Richard Burton.
This is Elizabeth Taylor's Bulgari ring, featuring a 7.4 carat emerald surrounded by twelve pear-shaped diamonds. The ring was a gift from Taylor's late husband Richard Burton.
Photo: Anonymous, AP
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Elizabeth Taylor is shown with then-fiancee Larry Fortensky on September 11, 1991 in New York.
Elizabeth Taylor is shown with then-fiancee Larry Fortensky on September 11, 1991 in New York.
Photo: AP
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Elizabeth Taylor reads aloud some of the thousands of names of people who have died from AIDS in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday Oct. 12, 1996. The event was one of dozens designed to again focus attention on the AIDS epidemic, as part of weekend-long activities in Washington. less
Elizabeth Taylor reads aloud some of the thousands of names of people who have died from AIDS in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Saturday Oct. 12, 1996. The event was one of dozens designed to again ... more
Photo: AP
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A visitor signs a condolence book next to a figure of actress Elizabeth Taylor in her title role in the 1963 epic film, "Cleopatra," at Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum in Los Angeles.
A visitor signs a condolence book next to a figure of actress Elizabeth Taylor in her title role in the 1963 epic film, "Cleopatra," at Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum in Los Angeles.
Photo: Reed Saxon, AP
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Elizabeth Taylor Poses In An Old Film Still.
Elizabeth Taylor Poses In An Old Film Still.
Photo: Getty Images
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The spring sun shines on the house in Hampstead, London, where Elizabeth Taylor was born in 1932.
The spring sun shines on the house in Hampstead, London, where Elizabeth Taylor was born in 1932.
Photo: Alastair Grant, AP
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Elizabeth Taylor died in 2011, but this week the iconic actress would have celebrated her 85th birthday.

The British-American actress was born February 27, 1932 and it was the start of her life in the spotlight.

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During her decades in the public eye, Taylor worked her way into the film industry beginning as a child actress in the early 1940s and her successes continued as she became one of the most popular stars in Hollywood cinema in the 1950s.

During the late 1950s and throughout the '60s, Taylor was nominated for five Academy Awards for Best Actress, two of which - one in 1961 and 1967 - she won.

Her off-camera life was just as exciting as the iconic films she starred in. During her 79 years, Taylor was married eight times and each husband gave her a lofty engagement present in the form of precious (and VERY large) diamonds and other gemstones.

Her love for diamonds became so popular that her fifth and sixth husband Richard Burton (yes, she married one man again after divorcing him) gave her the famous Taylor-Burton Diamond, which is a shocking 68 Carats. 68 CARATS!!

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton have one of the most passionate love stories of all time.

Media: ELLE

To see Taylor's life in photos, as well as the infamous diamond necklace featuring that rock of a diamond, click through the gallery above.

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