Whereas Elizabeth Taylor, a world-renowned actress and
activist whose legendary career spanned 7 decades, passed away on March 23,
2011;
Whereas with the death of Elizabeth Taylor, the State of
California and the United States lost 1 of the most talented entertainers,
philanthropists, and humanitarians in the United States;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor was born on February 27, 1923, in
London, England to American parents;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor and her family moved to the
United States, settling in the State of California, just prior to the start of
World War II;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor started acting at the age of 10
and became a star at a young age;
Whereas the hard work and dedication of Elizabeth Taylor
earned her numerous acting roles in film, television, and theater;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor became 1 of the most successful
and sought after actresses in the world;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor received 2 Best Actress Academy
Awards for her work in BUtterfield 8
and Who’s Afraid of
Virginia Woolf?
, and she became the first woman to earn a 7-figure
paycheck for appearing in a film;
Whereas many films that feature Elizabeth Taylor,
including A Place in the Sun
, Raintree Country
,
Giant
, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
, have become
classic films appreciated by generations of moviewatchers;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor used her fame to raise awareness
and advocate for people affected by HIV/AIDS;
Whereas, at a time when HIV/AIDS was largely an unknown
disease and those who were affected by HIV/AIDS were ostracized and shunned,
Elizabeth Taylor called for and demonstrated compassion by publicly holding the
hand of her friend and former costar, Rock Hudson, after he had announced that
he had AIDS;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor testified before Congress saying,
It is my hope that history will show that the American people and our
leaders met the challenge of AIDS rationally and with all the resources at
their disposal, for our sake and that of all humanity.
;
Whereas, in 1985, Elizabeth Taylor became the Founding
National Chairman for the American Foundation for AIDS Research (commonly known
as amfAR
);
Whereas, in 1991, Elizabeth Taylor founded the Elizabeth
Taylor AIDS Foundation to provide direct support to those suffering from the
disease;
Whereas the extensive efforts of Elizabeth Taylor have
helped educate the public and lawmakers about the need for research, treatment,
and compassion for those suffering from HIV/AIDS;
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor is survived by her children
Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton, as well as
10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and
Whereas Elizabeth Taylor was truly a legend who touched
the lives of generations of people of the United States and millions worldwide
with both her inner and outer beauty: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)recognizes and
honors the courageous, compassionate leadership and many professional
accomplishments of Elizabeth Taylor; and
(2)offers its
deepest condolences to her family.