Elizabeth Taylor's funeral catches media by surprise
News crews await Elizabeth Taylor's funeral procession on Thursday in Glendale, California.
March 24th, 2011
07:50 PM ET

Elizabeth Taylor's funeral catches media by surprise

Elizabeth Taylor's funeral on Thursday caught many media outlets by surprise, prompting news helicopters, news vans and crews to scramble  in front of Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California.

We waited outside the wrought-iron gates under threatening skies in for nearly two hours for the funeral procession of five black limos.

Still photographers with long lenses lined both sides of the street, shutters clicking while camera crews shot the limos as they glided through the entrance.

The procession was small and quick. There was no hearse, and a law enforcement officer later confirmed the family rode in the limos.

These are the same gates where we, members of the media, stood in front of when pop star Michael Jackson was buried. The longtime friends will be entombed in the same building.

The family leaves after saying its final goodbyes, and so do we, before the rain starts.

Gregg Canes is a photojournalist for CNN in Los Angeles.

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Filed under: California • Elizabeth Taylor • Showbiz
soundoff (28 Responses)
  1. Jennifer

    RIP Lizzy u deserve it!

    March 24, 2011 at 10:40 pm | Report abuse |
  2. L64

    Very happy they beat out the protesters.

    March 24, 2011 at 10:51 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Jazz7

    Who would protest Liz Taylor ? Weird world we live in nower days

    March 24, 2011 at 11:02 pm | Report abuse |
  4. banasy

    I would guess the Westboro Baptist Goon Squad wanted to...

    Peace, Miss Taylor!

    March 24, 2011 at 11:18 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Jazz7

    Yes the Westboro Pshyco's , they almost look and act like a CULT , just saying , night all , I am going to bed with a SMILE on my face , I just cant stop , dont know why but it feels good after so long.

    March 24, 2011 at 11:40 pm | Report abuse |
  6. Kim

    So, does this mean Westborough Baptist wasn't there to protest? Just curious, since they said they were going to try to protest her funeral @_@. Maybe the family wanted to spare themselves from Westborough's hatred and so perhaps they had the funeral pretty quickly? I hope they didn't protest; I hope they didn't get the chance.

    March 25, 2011 at 12:18 am | Report abuse |
    • Justme

      Westboro was not there, but I bet they will try to come to the public memorial. That group is just after the free PR. They don't really have anything to say except to be the trolls of the world and just get everyone else upset.

      Elizabeth's family did a wonderful job getting her buried with the 24 hours required by Judaism and keeping the news crews at bay. What a respectful way to go for a respectful woman.

      March 25, 2011 at 4:33 am | Report abuse |
  7. free2drm

    I am so glad that she was laid to rest with dignity and they gave those disgusting inbred pigs from that church, the slip. I will be making my contribution, to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation today. I am living with HIV & it is because of her selfless, loving efforts that I am alive today. had it not been for this angel, there would have never been fundingfor research to help me live today, God bless you Elizabeth. I am so grateful that God sent you to us.

    March 25, 2011 at 12:23 am | Report abuse |
  8. crow

    in judaism, it is law that the deceased must be buried within 24 hours of dying. elizabeth converted in the late 50s. way to go, i say.

    March 25, 2011 at 2:29 am | Report abuse |
  9. irock

    Fred has a bas t ard grandchild why doesnt he ever mention that?

    March 25, 2011 at 9:41 am | Report abuse |
  10. aj

    R.I.P. Sapphire.

    March 25, 2011 at 1:29 pm | Report abuse |
  11. Elizabeth was a diamond in the crown of our nation. A true beauty in and out her love for the least of these was inspiring and noble. May God rest her soul and give her peace in His presence.

    God bless you Ms. TAYLOR! You were a hero to many in suffering. You love and compassion aweinspiring. REST IN PEACE.

    March 25, 2011 at 8:27 pm | Report abuse |
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