The sources the reporter used for Elizabeth Taylor at the LA Times were Taylor's publicist Sally Morrison, Elton John, and President Clinton. The obituary also contained a quote from New York Ties critic Vincent Canby. Richard Burton was one of her husbands that was quoted from a diary.
The obituary does have a standard lead. It states the person's name, major achievements, cause of death, and age.
The lead works because Taylor is a famous actress that many people know about. Although this particular obituary is very long and includes a lot of history about Taylor that is negative, not just positive. She had drug abuse and marriage problems.
The obituary differs from a resume because it includes many negative drug abuse and marriage problems. It tells all about Taylor's lively personality and extravagant lifestyle. Telling all readers about her many diamonds and lavish life. It provides more then a resume asks for in a complete manor. It gives more than Taylor's credentials as an actress and AIDS activist.
