Carrie Fisher pays tribute to Taylor

Carrie Fisher has paid tribute to Elizabeth Taylor.

The star, who died on Wednesday aged 79 as a result of congestive heart failure, was stepmother to the Star Wars actress and her brother Todd when married to their father, singer Eddie Fisher.

In a statement to the media, Fisher said: "A woman who rarely did things in half measure, Elizabeth lived her life to the fullest, whether by loving to the fullest or while also giving us some of the most memorable performances ever on film.

"A devoted mother many times over and even very briefly a stepmother to my brother Todd and myself, loyal to the lifelong friends surrounding her - even with all this she found time to become one of the earliest champions for those living with HIV."

Describing Taylor as "a remarkable woman", she added: "If my father had to divorce my mother for anyone - I'm so grateful that it was Elizabeth."

Carrie's mother Debbie Reynolds, who was married to Eddie between 1955 and 1959, also paid tribute to the actress yesterday.

> Obituary: Elizabeth Taylor
> Stars pay tribute to Elizabeth Taylor
> In Video: Elizabeth Taylor's movie roles
> In Pictures: Elizabeth Taylor on screen
> Elizabeth Taylor: A Life In Pictures
> Elizabeth Taylor: Her life on TV
> Elizabeth Taylor on Hollywood, sex and marriage