Elizabeth Taylor: the life of a screen icon and Hollywood beautyHollywood's most passionate love story
A talented actress, she was known for her remarkable charisma and wicked sense of humour. And even after her passing, Elizabeth Taylor was still able to bring a smile to people's faces. In a true Hollywood ending, the screen icon had left specific instructions that she wanted to "be late for her own funeral."
So 15 minutes after the scheduled service time, pallbearers at Forest Lawn Memorial Park finally carried out the Cleopatra actress. Her casket was beautifully decorated with gardanias, violets and lily of the valley. The star was laid to rest in The Great Mausoleum – just a stone's throw from her dear friend Michael Jackson. The ceremony came one day after her death, in keeping with the Jewish faith to which she converted in her 20s.
The speed with which the funeral was arranged meant the service did not garner too much media attention, and it was a small and private affair, consisting of only 40 friends and family members. Readings were performed by Elizabeth's son, daughter and grandson, and celebrity friend Colin Farrell recited a poem. A public memorial service is planned for a later date.Elizabeth passed away peacefully on March 23 at the age of 79.