Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

Getty Images

1 of 10

Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

Getty Images

“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.

2 of 10

Andy Warhol

Getty Images

"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.

3 of 10

Halston

Hulton Archive/Getty

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.

4 of 10

Demi Moore

Getty Images

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.

5 of 10

Michael Jackson

Getty Images

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.

6 of 10

Liza Minnelli and Rock Hudson

Getty Images

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.

7 of 10

President Clinton

Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor - President Bill Clinton

Getty Images

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.

8 of 10

Elton John

Getty Images

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.

9 of 10

Oprah Winfrey

Getty Images

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.

10 of 10

Roddy McDowall

Getty Images

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."

Replay gallery

Badass Women

Splitting Hairs

Equal Pay

Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

1 of 10

Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

1 of 10

2 of 10

Andy Warhol

2 of 10

3 of 10

Halston

3 of 10

4 of 10

Demi Moore

4 of 10

5 of 10

Michael Jackson

5 of 10

6 of 10

Liza Minnelli and Rock Hudson

6 of 10

7 of 10

President Clinton

7 of 10

8 of 10

Elton John

8 of 10

9 of 10

Oprah Winfrey

9 of 10

10 of 10

Roddy McDowall

10 of 10

Up Next

Everything in This Slideshow

Account

More

Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

1 of 10

Six Degrees of Elizabeth Taylor

1 of 10

2 of 10

Andy Warhol

2 of 10

3 of 10

Halston

3 of 10

4 of 10

Demi Moore

4 of 10

5 of 10

Michael Jackson

5 of 10

6 of 10

Liza Minnelli and Rock Hudson

6 of 10

7 of 10

President Clinton

7 of 10

8 of 10

Elton John

8 of 10

9 of 10

Oprah Winfrey

9 of 10

10 of 10

Roddy McDowall

10 of 10

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery