Elizabeth Taylor

Almost non-stop since I heard the news that Elizabeth Taylor passed away, Michael Jackson's song "Leave Me Alone" has been stuck in my head. Of course, that's because of the music video...



In the midst of the surreal carnival ride, there's Michael's "shrine to Liz," and there she is in all her ageless beauty.

Her most iconic movie roles took place before I really began to watch a lot of movies, so I can't really speak about her acting career. For me, she's defined by her powerful advocacy in the fight against AIDS, dating back to the days when the stigma and prejudice was so extreme.

On a less important level, she's defined by a lot of the pop culture buzz that sprang forth from her life. Her many marriages. (Richard Burton, okay, but Larry Fortensky? Really?) Her illnesses. Her treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic. Her weight. Her appearances on "The Simpsons." And, of course, her friendship with Michael Jackson.

Rest in peace, Liz.