Southampton - Iconic actress and beauty Dame Elizabeth Taylor died March 23, 2011, in California. She was 79 years old.

As well known for her breathtaking beauty (those violet eyes) as she was for her acting abilities, husbands, jewels, and philanthropic work, the actress was born in Northwest London in 1932 to American parents, and became a child star.

Affectionately referred to as "Liz" by her legion of fans, she starred in her first film, "Lassie Come Home" with life-long friend Roddy McDowell. The nine-year-old child star followed up with "National Velvet" with Mickey Rooney, and became one of the most recognized beauties in the world. Taylor was plagued with back problems for her entire adult life which she attributed to her fall from a horse during the filming of "National Velvet."

As a young adult Taylor received acclaim for her role in "Father of the Bride," starring with Spencer Tracy. Starring with another life-long friend (Montgomery Clift) in "A Place in the Sun," Taylor went on to have one of those most acclaimed and prolific careers in film history.

Her numerous films throughout her career garnered her two Academy Awards - her first in 1960 for Best Actress in a Leading Role, for her performance in "BUtterfield 8," where she co-starred with then husband (number four) Eddie Fisher. She received her second Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, for the 1966 film "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," co-starring with then husband Richard Burton (number five and six). Taylor and Burton appeared together in six more films. Among her other notable film roles in a career spanning 70 years, was her role in "Cleopatra."

Taylor was constantly in the public eye for her numerous marriages, including those to Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, Michael Wilding, Michael Todd, Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (who she married twice and many considered to be the love of her life); [Senator] John Warner, and finally Larry Fortensky, who she divorced in 1996.

The legendary beauty was also well known for her jewels, and began designing her own, The Elizabeth Collection, as well three fragrances, including "Passion," "White Diamonds," and "Black Pearls." Among her notable jewels, Taylor owned the 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond and the 69.42-carat pear-shaped Taylor-Burton Diamond, as well as the 50-carat La Peregrina Pearl, formerly owned by Mary I of England. All the jewels were gifts from Burton.

Highly regarded for her philanthropic work over the decades, in particular the AIDS organization, AMFAR, Taylor was plagued with health problems most of her life, and was treated for alcoholism in the 1980s, as well as congestive heart failure, which she finally succumbed to.

Taylor is survived by two sons (with Wilding); and two daughters (one with Todd and one with Burton), as well as numerous grandchildren.

Considered one of the great actresses of Hollywood's 'Golden Age,' The American Film Institute named her seventh on its Female Legends list.