Elizabeth Taylor, a two-time Oscar winner and one of Hollywood's most glamorous superstars, died on Wednesday at the age of 79.
Here are some reactions to the death of the actress, who starred in some 55 films and six television movies, was married eight times and later in life raised large sums for AIDS research.
DIRECTOR MIKE NICHOLS
"The shock of Elizabeth was not only her beauty. It was her generosity. Her giant laugh. Her vitality, whether tackling a complex scene on film or where we would all have dinner until dawn. She is singular and indelible on film and in our hearts."
EX-HUSBAND AND FORMER U.S. SENATOR JOHN WARNER
"We were always friends to the end."
"I shall remember her as a woman whose heart and soul were as beautiful as her classic face and majestic eyes."
ACTRESS DEBBIE REYNOLDS
"It was a long productive career and she was the most glamorous and sexual star of our generation. No one else could equal Elizabeth's beauty and sexuality. Women liked her and men adored her, and her love for her children is enduring. She was a symbol of stardom. Her legacy will last."
ACTRESS/SINGER BARBRA STREISAND
"It wasn't just her beauty or her stardom. It was her humanitarianism. She put a face on HIV/AIDS. She was funny. She was generous. She made her life count."
BILL AND HILLARY CLINTON
"Elizabeth became thoroughly American royalty. For more than a generation, she brought to life unforgettable characters on film, and her tireless efforts to combat AIDS brought hope to millions of people around the world."
SINGER ELTON JOHN
"We have just lost a Hollywood giant; more importantly, we have lost an incredible human being."
ACTOR MICHAEL CAINE
"So sad to hear about my beautiful friend Elizabeth Taylor, she was a great human being."
ACTRESS ANGELA LANSBURY
"Elizabeth and I began our careers about the same time at MGM. Throughout her tumultuous life, she will be remembered for some unique and memorable work."
ACTOR MICKEY ROONEY
"Our loss in the motion picture business with Elizabeth Taylor's passing is momentous. She was a lady who gave of herself to everyone. I know I consider it a great personal loss."
LA TOYA JACKSON
"She was an incredible friend to my brother, at his side through some of his most difficult times and of course loved by his children and our family. She will live on in our hearts forever, my prayers go out to her family."
POP STAR MADONNA
"I admired and respected her not only as an actress but for her amazing and inspiring work as an AIDS activist. She was one of a kind."
SINGER GEORGE MICHAEL
"She was also the only person I've ever met that had violet eyes. They were genuinely violet. So beautiful."
DESIGNER VALENTINO GARAVANI
"I personally saw her sitting on the floor next to terminal(ly) sick people, holding their hands and comforting them. She was beautiful, super talented as actress, a dear friend, I will miss her forever."
SINGER BARRY MANILOW
"Elizabeth was the last great movie star. And a great human being. What I'll always remember about Elizabeth was her laugh. She would walk into a room looking like a princess and suddenly there would be this cackle that filled the room that would crack us all up."
US TV HOST LARRY KING
"Elizabeth Taylor was a great friend, a great star and one gutsy woman. She was so special. You won't see the likes of her again."
ACTRESS AND AUTHOR JOAN COLLINS
"She was the last of the true Hollywood icons, a great beauty, a great actress and continually fascinating to the world throughout her tumultuous life and career."
PAUL NEWMAN (BEFORE HE DIED IN 2008)
"I was always staggered by her ferocity."
"Her life has not been an easy or a private one, but a series of tribulations, serious illnesses, senseless tragedy and lost love."
THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR AIDS RESEARCH
"Dame Elizabeth was without doubt one of the most inspirational figures in the fight against AIDS."
"She leaves a monumental legacy that has improved and extended millions of lives and will enrich countless more for generations to come."
JARRETT BARRIOS, GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION
"At a time when so many living with HIV/AIDS were invisible, Dame Taylor fearlessly raised her voice to speak out against injustice. Dame Taylor was an icon not only in Hollywood, but in the LGBT community where she worked to ensure that everyone was treated with the respect and dignity we all deserve."
E. SCOTT BEATTIE, CEO OF ELIZABETH ARDEN
"Her sense of humor, passion for life, never-ending dedication and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all of us. She will be deeply missed."