**GALLERY UPDATED ** The one and only Cleopatra has passed away aged 79. No doubt her two-time husband and oft co-star, Richard Burton, is popping the etheral champagne as legions of journo sorts/bloggers type manically across the globe. As for Michael Jackson, well, he's probably whipping himself into a frenzy choreographing her homecoming.
But back to the facts: born in February 27th, 1932, the child star - who came to fame aged 12 via roles such as National Velvet and The Courage of Lassie - grew to be known for her acting talent and beauty, as well as her Hollywood lifestyle, including many marriages (eight in total - the first of whom she married and divorced when she was 18). She garnered four consecutive Oscar nominations during her heyday in the late 1950s. Her first win came for her role as Gloria Wandrous in Butterfield 8, which co-starred her then husband Eddie Fisher. Her second Best Actress Academy Award win was thanks to her electric turn as Marth in Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf - which co-starred her then husband Richard Burton.
Taylor, considered one of the great actresses of Hollywood's golden age, entered Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles six weeks ago for treatment of symptoms of congestive heart failure. She was surrounded by four children. Her son, Michael Wilding, released the following statement: "My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world."
Her publicist Sally Morrison added: "Though she had recently suffered a number of complications, her condition had stabilised and it was hoped that she would be able to return home. Sadly, this was not to be."
In addition to her four children, she is survived by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
