Elizabeth Taylor: 'Cleopatra' co-star Martin Landau calls her 'a singularly spectacular individual'

By Jeff Labrecque

March 23, 2011 at 06:55 PM EDT

Andrew Evans/PR Photos; Everett Collection

Oscar-winning actor Martin Landau, who played the loyal Roman, Rufio, in the 1963 spectacle, Cleopatra, released a statement about this morning’s news that Elizabeth Taylor had died. “It’s a terrible loss. A unique talent and a singularly spectacular individual.”

For more on Liz Taylor and her storied life both on-screen and off, pick up the issue of Entertainment Weekly on stands April 1.

Read more:

Elizabeth Taylor dies at 79

Mike Nichols pays tribute to Elizabeth Taylor

All About Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor: 11 Roles for the Ages

Elizabeth Taylor: What’s your favorite role?

Elizabeth Taylor movie tribute marathon to air on TCM

Elizabeth Taylor: The unpublished photos from Life.com

Cover Story: 60 Years of Liz (1992)

Book Review: Donald Spoto’s A Passion for Life: The Biography of Elizabeth Taylor (1995)

Book Review: C. David Heymann’s Liz (1995)