STARS around the world have paid tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor, following the screen legend's death at the age of 79.

Singer Sir Elton John said of his friend: "We have just lost a Hollywood giant. More importantly, we have lost an incredible human being."

Actor Sir Michael Caine said: "So sad to hear about my beautiful friend Elizabeth Taylor. She was a great human being."

Mike Nichols, who directed Richard Burton and Dame Elizabeth in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, said: "The shock of Elizabeth was not only her beauty. It was her generosity.

"Her giant laugh. Her vitality, whether tackling a complex scene on film or where we would all have dinner until dawn. She is singular and indelible on film and in our hearts."

US former chat show host Larry King said: "Elizabeth Taylor was a great friend, a great star and one gutsy woman. She was so special. You won't see the likes of her again."

Veteran film-maker Michael Winner said: "Elizabeth Taylor was the last of the great glamour stars. She was the longest-running soap opera in history, and represented all the allure and tragedy that attracts people to Hollywood."

Veteran actress Angela Lansbury said: "I am deeply saddened that Elizabeth has passed away and send my love and sympathy to her family.

"Elizabeth and I began our careers about the same time at MGM. Throughout her tumultuous life, she will be remembered for some unique and memorable work. And she will be ever remembered and appreciated for her forthright support of amfAR (the American Foundation for Aids Research)."

Film critic Barry Norman knew the actress "very well" during her relationship with Richard Burton.

He said: "They were at that time perhaps the two most famous people in the world but she was an extremely nice woman and wore her great fame very lightly. She certainly did not swagger about."

Several celebrities took to Twitter following news of the actress's death.

US actor and comedian Steve Martin said: "I met Elizabeth Taylor several times. She was witty and self-deprecating, which I found surprising and delightful. She loved to laugh."

Singer George Michael wrote: "Such a sad day, Elizabeth Taylor was the last of the Hollywood greats, and a fantastically charming woman.

"She was also the only person I've ever met that had violet eyes. They were genuinely violet. So beautiful.

"She also did a great deal in the last 25 years to help the world deal with the HIV epidemic. I am proud to have known her if only a little."

Pop star Kylie Minogue wrote: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor.....Like a pure white diamond you'll shine on and on and on."

Actress Kirstie Alley said: "Elizabeth...thank you for the lessons you taught me about life...suffering and joy....you are the brightest star in the universe...Eternal love".

Broadcaster Stephen Fry wrote: "RIP Dame Elizabeth Taylor, surely the last of a breed..."

Singer Boy George said: "R.I.P the amazing Liz Taylor, goddess, actress, aids activist and one of the world's true beauties!"

Actor Nick Frost said: "Terribly sad news about Elizabeth Taylor. What a life she had!"

Presenter Fearne Cotton said: "So sad to hear Elizabeth Taylor has passed away. A Hollywood legend. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is one of my fave films. RIP".

Chat show host Piers Morgan wrote: "Liz Taylor has died. One of the great movie stars of all time, on and off screen...Surely the greatest screen beauty of them all?"

Comedian and actress Sandra Bernhard wrote: "Elizabeth Taylor, when love was passionate, hair was always coiffed, acapulco was sizzling, and dreams were there for the taking."

Singer and actress Paloma Faith said: "RIP Elizabeth Taylor. Glamour queen."