2011.03.23
In memory of Elizabeth Taylor (Updated with archival photos)
Photos from the Roanoke Times archive:
Elizabeth Taylor has died.
Most remember her as a famous actress, but we in Virginia also remember her as Mrs. John Warner, whose celebrity status helped propel the former Navy Secretary into a Senate seat in 1978.
It was a lot more complicated than that, of course, including the tragic death of Republican nominee Dick Obenshain in a plane crash, which resulted in Warner winding up as the candidate.
In any case, Warner (with Elizabeth Taylor in tow) drew large crowds that Democratic nominee Andrew Miller couldn’t hope to match. I was a college student at James Madison University at the time, and I remember a big crowd of gawkers who came out to watch when the couple came to Harrisonburg. Critics took to grousing that Warner should really be called “Mr. Elizabeth Taylor.” Warner, of course, won a very narrow victory that year, and then went on to become of the state’s most popular political figures (much to the chagrin of some Republicans who never considered him conservative enough for their tastes.)
Years later, when I was covering politics for The Roanoke Times, I heard a story from a Republican activist that underscored the curiosity that surrounded Warner and Taylor at the time. It seems that while campaigning down in the coalfields, they spent the night at the home of a local Republican leader — a customary enough practice for candidates. What wasn’t customary, though, was what happened next: I’m told the Republican leader auctioned off the sheets that they slept on.
– Dwayne Yancey
UPDATED: Roanoke College has sent out a remembrance of Elizabeth Taylor’s visit to the Salem campus during the 1978 campaign. You can find it, along with photos, on our Salem community news site.
John Warner was a magnificent representative for the Commonwealth – far superior to any ‘Byrds’ that might have flown in to scoop up all the monetary wealth available. Elizabeth Taylor was full of grace and dignity. Her public persona certainly eclipsed her private failings. Many thanks to John Warner for his worthy service (I voted for him EVERY time) and to Elizabeth Taylor for her iconic presence.
Comment by abdnva — March 23, 2011 @ 10:38 am
She was indeed an icon and a remarkably beautiful woman of real substance. I will always consider her a star personified.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — March 23, 2011 @ 11:01 am
Bummer,as Richard Burton said”shes the most beautiful woman in the world.”
“Many thanks to John Warner for his worthy service (I voted for him EVERY time) and to Elizabeth Taylor for her iconic presence.”
Loved Liz,but Warner was a doddering ole fool,who voted for the Patriot Act and Real ID.I remember seeing him at a photo op at the Market and thinking what a pathetic weakling he was with so much power.
Comment by Jack Mcguire — March 23, 2011 @ 11:50 am
i remember watching her as i grew up, and loving her and i know she will be truly missed
Comment by jeannie — March 23, 2011 @ 11:53 am
R.I.P. Elizabeth. I will never forget the visual impact of seeing Cleopatra delivering herself to Caesar in a rug. Made quite the impression.
Comment by Cold n P — March 23, 2011 @ 2:05 pm
Oh come on! This is about Elizabeth, not Warner!
Comment by Deborah Baker — March 23, 2011 @ 4:14 pm
Leave it to JM to be the jerk in the crowd. Always the fool…
Always fond memories of ‘Liz’, as well as of John Warner, the best Senator to ever serve the Commonwealth.
Comment by abdnva — March 23, 2011 @ 7:38 pm
liz was a terrific actress…. will miss you
Comment by cindy — March 23, 2011 @ 9:00 pm
I was 21 years old and working for Piedmont Avation, where private planes came into the Roanoke Valley. During that time, Elizabeth Taylor was married to John Warner. She flew into Roanoke many times while I was there and she was alway so gracious and friendly. I can remember thinking that I never realilzed how strikingly beautiful she is. I will always remember how terrific this lovely lady was.
Comment by Pamela — March 24, 2011 @ 3:14 pm