FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI - ZEFFIRELLI FEARS FOR TAYLOR'S HEALTH

ZEFFIRELLI FEARS FOR TAYLOR'S HEALTH

Filmmaker FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI has expressed his concern for the well-being of veteran British actress DAME ELIZABETH TAYLOR. The star celebrated her 75th birthday at a lavish ceremony in Las Vegas last month (FEB07), but the ROMEO AND JULIET director admits the frail screen legend's ill health puts a strain on their long-term friendship. He says, "Poor Liz. We are still good friends but it's almost impossible to stay friends with someone so isolated and fragile who lies there awaiting death. "Last year I was to be given a prize in Palm Springs. She rang me sounding desperate - she couldn't face dealing with the photographers. So I went to find her; she has remained sweet, affectionate and simple at heart. "Liz has managed to salvage a part of her which remains weak, but has lost all other strength."