Dirty Shiny Pretty

Musings on Dirty Shiny Pretty Life

Mar 23, 2011

Elizabeth Taylor

1932-2011

I'm not one who is usually affected by the death of a celebrity but finding out that Elizabeth Taylor died this morning hit me in a different way. I don't know if it's because I'm already so emotional over the devastation in Japan and the general sense of chaos that seems to be affecting global politics right now but I feel the need mark this day with a nod to her life, talent, activism, wit and wisdom. She was a intelligent, beautiful woman, a talented actress, and vocal AIDS activist who seemed to have it all but struggled constantly to keep hold of it. Her life was a roller coaster marked with love, scandal, heartbreak, success, and passion and she seemed to accept and embrace it. Unlike many of today's starlets who feign remorse and sorrow when caught in a scandal Elizabeth, love it or hate it, did as she pleased and didn't worry about pandering to public opinion. Her focus was on her own desires, goals, and happiness and while I don't agree with some of her life choices I do greatly respect her for refusing to play to the crowd.

Some of my favorite Elizabeth Taylor gems

“Success is a great deodorant. It takes away all your past smells.”
“If it is not to make the world better what is money for?”
“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, and I’m not afraid to look behind them.”


Her portrayals of women on the edge are mesmerizing to me.
The hurt, despair, anger, and fear she breathes into these roles is
a continual reminder of how talented she really was.


4 comments:

  1. "Unlike many of today's starlets who feign remorse and sorrow when caught in a scandal Elizabeth, love it or hate it, did as she pleased and didn't worry about pandering to public opinion. " -- exactly. Even better than wearing what you want, is living HOW you want.

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  2. hey Jac. What a beautiful tribute. Amazing. really. and I agree I too really took it hard. hate waking up to emails like that. i hope you have a great weekend. xoxo

    Please swing by and check out my picks for FASH FAVE and FASH FAIL of the week.

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

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  3. i agree...she did her own thing, not many people really lived that way, and i loved her for it!

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  4. Wendy, I agree, and would say living how you want goes hand in hand with wearing what you want.

    Me too, Jennine. Ms. Taylor had the guts to do what many of us are afraid to, myself included. I tend to err on the side of caution but I really admire people who are not held down by the opinion of others or the doubts of themselves.

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