Silver screen icon Elizabeth Taylor has been personally honoured by President George Bush and a host of Hollywood stars at a two-day celebration in Washington, DC.
The achievements of actor James Earl Jones, songwriter Paul Simon, conductor James Levine and dancer Chita Rivera were also commended at the 25th annual Kennedy Center Honours for their contribution to American culture.
"Each one of you is known to the American people in a way that runs deeper than fame," said the President at a reception in the White House. "Each new group represents a picture to remember – a conductor from the Met, a legend from Broadway, the composer of Mrs Robinson, the face of Cleopatra and the voice of Darth Vader."
The following day at the Kennedy Centre, actress Glenn Close spoke in tribute to 70-year-old Taylor, praising her campaigning for AIDS research and legendary screen performances. "She commanded the screen with unparalleled power... and she used her power to help the less fortunate, lending her money, her time, her passion to causes most in need of her help."
The veteran actress, whose stardom has endured for nearly 60 years, was in some pain due to her back and hip problems and used a wheelchair to get around. That wasn't a problem however, as people came to offer her congratulations at her table, where she was seated beside legendary musician Burt Bacharach.
The benefit included tributes and biographies from Hollywood heavyweights such as John Travolta and Sydney Poitier along with Secretary of State Colin Powell. In his speech, Powell offered thanks to all those in attendance at the $2 million benefit, which is the centre's biggest annual fundraiser.
For more on Elizabeth Taylor and her fabulous jewellery collection, see the Diamond Special in HELLO!'s premium content section.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
