Dame Elizabeth Taylor
Hollywood’s Earliest Responder to the AIDS Epidemic

Aug 27 | archive | subscribe

Hollywood legend and AIDS activist Dame Elizabeth Taylor has devoted much time and energy to AIDS-related charities and fundraising. She helped start the American Foundations for AIDS Research (amfAR) with Dr. Mathilde Krim, after the death of Rock Hudson her friend and Giant co-star.

Since its inception, many public figures have given their time, energy and money to amfAR. Currently, the Chairman of the Board is Kenneth Cole (a shoe designer who has used controversial advertising campaigns to raise awareness about AIDS), and Sharon Stone serves as the trustees Chairman, Campaign for AIDS Research.

Taylor also created her own AIDS foundation, Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation (ETAF), to provide funding to organizations around the globe, offering critically needed support services for people suffering with HIV/AIDS.

Taylor remains fully committed to amfAR, and chaired the Cinema Against AIDS benefit in Cannes for many years. In 1987, Taylor made her debut appearance at Macy's Passport, elevating the San Francisco AIDS fashion event fundraiser to a new level. From the stage Taylor is quoted saying, “It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance.”

It was estimated that by 2006 she has raised $270 million dollars for AIDS research.