Actress Elizabeth Taylor dies

LOS ANGELES—(UPDATE) Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, famed for her striking beauty and a film career that spanned five decades, has died at the age of 79, a statement by her publicist said Wednesday.

“Legendary actress, businesswoman and fearless activist Elizabeth Taylor died peacefully today in Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles,” said the statement.

“She was surrounded by her children—Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd and Maria Burton,” it added, noting that she was also survived by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.