Elizabeth Taylor Hospitalized, ‘Seriously Ill’ With Pneumonia

Actress Elizabeth Taylor, hospitalized in Santa Monica with pneumonia, was “seriously ill” Monday after undergoing a lung biopsy and being placed on a ventilator to assist her breathing, her publicist said.

The two-time Academy Award winner was in the intensive-care unit of St. John’s Hospital and her children were at her bedside, publicist Chen Sam said from New York.

The biopsy was conducted Sunday to determine the exact nature and cause of Taylor’s pneumonia, Sam said.

Taylor, 58, was moved to the intensive care unit Friday, three days after being transferred to St. John’s from Daniel Freeman Marina Hospital, where she had checked in April 9 with what was described as a sinus condition and fever.

“(She) was moved to the intensive care unit . . . for further observation,” Sam said. “She is seriously ill.

“After (biopsy) surgery, her breathing is now being assisted by a ventilator,” the publicist said. “Her condition is presently stabilizing and physicians are pleased with her progress.”

A spokeswoman for St. John’s declined to release any information on Taylor’s condition.

At the time Taylor was transferred to St. John’s, one of her physicians, Dr. Patricia Murray, an infectious disease specialist, said the actress was diagnosed with pneumonia and was suffering from a high fever.

Taylor, at the same time, issued a statement denying rumors that she was suffering from AIDS. Taylor has been active in AIDS public education efforts and has raised millions of dollars for AIDS research.

The actress won Oscars for her performances in “Butterfield 8” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

Taylor has experienced other serious health problems, including a near-fatal bout with pneumonia in 1961.