Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

“You find out who your real friends are when you're involved in a scandal,” Elizabeth Taylor once said. Considering the eclectic array of the characters who made up her social circle, Taylor was often given the chance to live up to her words.

-Bronwyn Barnes

David Bowie

In 1975, photographer Terry O'Neill captured the first meeting of Taylor and glam rocker David Bowie on film.

"It would be very glamorous to be reincarnated as Elizabeth Taylor’s ring,” Andy Warhol once mused. In 2010, a painting of Taylor (titled "Men in Her Life") by the artist fetched more than $63 million dollars at auction.

After creating a gown for her to wear to the 1976 Academy Awards, Halston became one of Taylor's favorite designers and most frequent escorts. "She's irresistible," said Halston, who was often spotted with Taylor at 70s hot spots like Studio 54.

Taylor and Demi Moore posed for a shady photo-op at the 1998 CFDA Awards, where Taylor received the Lifetime of Glamour Award. "Eat your heart out, Mr. Blackwell!" the actress-who appeared on the fashion critic's annual Worst Dressed list more than once-declared.

According to Michael Jackson, it was Taylor who bestowed him with the moniker "King of Pop." The music icon often counted on Taylor for support and even named her godparent of his son Prince Michael and daughter Paris.

She had already joined the fight against AIDS in the early 1980s, but Taylor once said it was the death of friend Rock Hudson that moved her to become an advocate and activist. "As a friend she was always, always there for me. I'll miss her for the rest of my life, but I was so lucky to have known her," said Liza Minnelli, upon hearing the news of Taylor’s passing.

In 2001, President Bill Clinton awarded Taylor the second-highest civilian honor in the country-The Presidential Citizen's Medal-in honor of her work to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Bonded by their dedication to the fight against AIDS, Taylor and Elton John also shared similar tastes in precious gems. To mark her 73rd birthday, John presented his pal with a birthday cake topped with diamond jewelry made of icing.

In 2009, Oprah Winfrey singled out a 1988 sit-down with Taylor as her worst interview in 20 years. "It's still painful to watch," the talk show host said. "For many reasons-including my bad hair." Still, when the two crossed paths at the 2002 Carousel of Hope gala, it appeared as though they had smoothed things over.

Taylor was just nine when she landed a role opposite a then-15 year old Roddy McDowall in 1943's Lassie Come Home. The two struck up what would become a lifelong friendship on the set. “She keeps normal standards in a most abnormal existence,” McDowall told People in 1990. "She's a strong woman."