Transformation

Elizabeth Taylor lived a big life. "'The more the better' has always been my motto," she once said. Indeed with three Oscars, eight marriages, 12 bestselling fragrances, and countless carats of gemstones, she was a one-woman epic, dressed for the part with towering sculptures of ebony hair and artfully blended sweeps of jewel-toned shadow. Yet despite her timeless beauty, juicy personal history, and legendary film performances, her most extraordinary role was that of a tireless fundraiser for AIDS awareness. For Taylor, living large meant giving big.

The ravishing former child star made her transition to teen flicks with Cynthia and Life with Father.