Private Memorial Held For Elizabeth Taylor, Many Pay Respects

Wiley Taylor
10/17/2011


Elizabeth Taylor's family and friends paid tribute to the late actress during a private memorial held yesterday at Warner Bros. Steven J. Ross Theater lot in Burbank, CA.

BBC News reported that nearly 400 people paid their respects to the actress, who died March 23 this year of congestive heart failure at age 79. Her children, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, Maria Burton, and Michael Wilding were at her bedside when she died.
Colin Farrell hosted the event with a closing performance of Blue Eyes as a tribute to Taylor.

Michael Caine and Taylor's stepdaugher Kate Burton paid tribute to the late actress' life and career, and shared stories about her generosity and standing up for what she believed in.

The director who directed Taylor to an Oscar-Winning nomination, Mike Nichols, contributed a video message.

Her grandson Rhys Tivey played "Amazing Grace" on the trumpet that she loved very much.

The program also featured tributes to Taylor's career outside of Hollywood, including her successful fragrances and her advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Hollywood Reporter quoted a few words from her son, Michael Wilding:

“My mother was an extraordinary woman whose life touched so many, most of whom we will never know….Our whole family is extremely proud of her accomplishments, and know what a unique and special experience it was to have her in our lives. Today it was especially meaningful for us to be with so many good friends to celebrate her spirit, which will be with us forever."

Link: thecelebritycafe.com