It has been a harrowing week in the entertainment world. Just yesterday we heard that Farrah Fawcett lost her battle to cancer at the age of 62. Farrah took us all on the road with her in the documentary, “Farrah’s Story” that was aired on NBC, May 15, 2009. She shared her struggle with nearly 9 million viewers.
What Farrah did by creating this documentary is, she helped everyone see how a battle with cancer can play out and to not give up, no matter what. And so we were not as shocked or surprised to hear she lost her battle (even though I am sadden) as we were when the news came out about Michael Jackson on the very same day that he had died of cardiac arrest.
But Farrah deserves our attention too. She was a product of her time. We, as baby boomers, best remember her on “Charlie’s Angels” as Angel, Jill Munroe. However, she also received both Emmy and Golden Globe award nominees for deeper, more serious roles. And another fact I did not know is she has performed off Broadway. As well as her famed posed partly nude in Playboy at age 50!
I think what got me thinking about Farrah Fawcett is all the news about Michael Jackson. Just thinking about how both of these entertainers affected us. For me, personally Farrah Fawcett affected me more. Why? Because she was living with something all of us deal with….aging and disease. Michael Jackson was a shock whereas Farrah Fawcett we all knew about her battle daily. However, both entertainers remind us that health issues are very real.
You know I never even watched Charlie’s Angels or followed Farrah Fawcett’s career. I vaguely was aware she was married to Lee Majors for a time and of course I knew of her marriage to Ryan O’Neal. But I think what really hit home about her is how “human” she became at the end of her journey. We all have a story, all it takes is hearing about someone to know their story. I am not even sure why this woman matters to me other than the struggles she went through.
What I want to remember Farrah Fawcett for was that long flowing hair with the big toothy smile. A pretty woman with a gentle way about her.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:56 am
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