The Barbara Walters Special

Elizabeth, in her second appearance on one of Barbara Walters’ iconic Oscar specials, was profiled along with Celine Dion and Susan Sarandon. It aired before the Academy Awards on the East Coast, and following the ceremony on the West Coast.

In the two years before this interview, Elizabeth had undergone surgery to remove a benign brain tumor and suffered a series of falls, including one that saw her fracture her back. She credits Rod Steiger with helping her survive these setbacks, and denies rumours that the two are more than just friends. Barbara asks Elizabeth to show off how well she can move and, happily complying, she gives a flirtatious strut for Barbara and her viewers. “Okay, come back,” Barbara says, laughing, “we have to finish this interview.”

Barbara also asks Elizabeth whether she has received any film offers. “They’re scared to insure me,” Elizabeth says. “I finally found out.” Asked if she would like to work, Elizabeth says, “That made me want to work. It was like putting a red flag in front of a bull.”

Asked what winning Academy Awards meant to her, Elizabeth replied: “Well, it was a great thrill—it’s the greatest thrill, I think—no matter what some snotty actors say.”

Elizabeth also gives an update on her former husband, Larry Fortensky, who also suffered a fall. She says he “sounds much improved, considering what happened to him.” She says she believes he will make a complete recovery.

Finally, asked what she would like inscribed on her tombstone, Elizabeth, after slipping up and referring to herself as Liz, says: “Here lies Elizabeth. She hated being called Liz,” she said with a laugh. “But she lived.”