In a New Light: A Call to Action in the War Against AIDS

Elizabeth recorded an introduction for the first In a New Light: A Call to Action in the War Against AIDS, “an unprecedented information and entertainment program” co-hosted by Linda Lavin, Bruce Davison, and Robert Guillaume.

“Good evening, I’m Elizabeth Taylor,” she began her introduction. “Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are all living with AIDS. I am in a fight against AIDS because I have lost too many friends, so many loved ones. Today, over nine million people in the world are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Some experts believe that by the end of the century that number could explode to a hundred and ten million people. The following program is not intended to scare you, but to show you how, as an individual, you have the power to act, to fight back against AIDS. There is a way to turn the helplessness you may feel into a hopefulness that we so desperately need in this worldwide epidemic. AIDS is deadly, but it’s preventable. It is vitally important that you watch with me tonight. Watch with your family, your friends, and loved ones. You’ll see some wonderful performances from some great artists who have volunteered their time. You’ll also hear some things that could, literally, save your life. It is bad enough, you see, that people are dying of AIDS. But no one should die of ignorance.”

The star-studded show, which benefitted the Design Industries Foundation for AIDS, also featured: Arthur Ashe, Anita Baker, Kathy Bates, Clint Black, Carol Burnett, Nell Carter, Phil Donahue, Sandy Duncan, Gloria Estefan, John Forsythe, Gerardo, Sara Gilbert, Joel Grey, Julie Haggerty, Arsenio Hall, Dustin Hoffman, Sally Kirkland, Judith Light, Chad Lowe, Patti LuPone, Shirley MacLaine, Barry Manilow, Andrea Martin, Marlee Matlin, Reba McEntire, Olivia Newton-John, Dr. Antonia Novello, Lou Diamond Phillips, Christopher Reeve, Paul Rodriguez, Salt-n-Pepa, Curtis Stigers, and Marlo Thomas.