Elizabeth Taylor was put on a life support machine after suffering congestive heart failure, it was reported this evening.
The 76-year-old's condition was said to have deteriorated after she was initially diagnosed with pneumonia last week.
Her children were at her bedside and doctors warned she might not survive, said the U.S. publication National Enquirer.
Health fears: Elizabeth Taylor was reported to be 'still very sick'
But the following day she improved and the dual Oscar winner was breathing without medical help last night.
A source said: 'The doctors thought they were going to lose her. She's still very sick, but she's past the crisis.'