Two Icons Dead
Michael Jackson has past away and so has Farrah Fawcett, two icons dead.
Farrah Fawcett who had been battling cancer for some time now, had recently allowed the public a more intimate look at her life with cancer in a documentary. Her claims to fame were starring in Charlies Angels and the infamous swimsuit poster but also appeared in various films. One in particular that stood out for me was the The Burning Bed (1984), a comeback for the actor. I remember being astounded by the transformation and the depth of character that was shown for her role. The so called “pin-up” really could act.
I’m glad that she let people see her in these last months, as it brings home the strength it takes to battle cancer but also that she is more than image. Farrah was a WOMAN.
Then on the same day, we are faced with the death of Michael Jackson due to an apparent heart attack. As controversial as his life has been he was a man, an artist and incredibly gifted individual. He leaves a legacy that will go down in history and will be as timeless as the likes of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Each of their lives had tragic elements to them but nobody can dispute their contribution to our culture.
I, have more admiration for Michael Jackson (than the Elvis, Monroe years) because his music was a part of my lifetime, growing up in the Jackson age there are plenty of memories. Watching Michael and his brothers on TV, following his solo career and who can forget when we first had Much Music/MTV. There weren’t a lot of videos at first but as time past many musical artists started to hit the screen. Well….it blew me away and millions of others to watch Michael’s Thriller video, MY GOD! No matter how many times I watch it, I still get goosebumps from the singing, music, dance, story, costuming. Fabulous!
Michael never did anything halfway and despite how others cruelly mocked this man and made many an accusation, I remain convinced that he was one of the most talented entertainers of “our” time. Each generation has somebody to look back on and say “they were all the rage”, “he/she was the best…” well, Michael Jackson will go down in history accordingly and so he should.
Two celebrities, icons of our popular culture, passed away and this will be a time of mourning for many devoted fans. Collectively it is good to give thanks for all stars, famous or not, that brighten our life.
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When we woke up this morning and turned on the BBC Breakfast show, all we heard about were “tributes” to Michael Jackson and interviews with those who had met him, however briefly, while entering or leaving a stage that they once shared with him, or when he had been a guest on their Radio/TV shows.
Last evening we heard the sad news that Farrah Fawcett had lost her battle with the big “C”.
Farrah for me will not only be remembered as a very good and accomplished actress, but as the girl with “that” wonderful hairstyle, copied by so many seventies and eighties young people, including my older daughter.
Farrah also deeply loved Ryan O’Neal, for a rather long time in show business terms. They had a son, Redmond, who was also haunted by some of the demons that plagued his father. I pray that they will be comforted in their loss and that the love will sustain and heal them.
I smiled when fantasised for a moment about a conversation that Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett might have, if they find themselves on the same bench in Heavens waiting room!
Two very different but talented people. One death with a front page spread… one consigned to a small column on the second page.
What a great fantasy, Michael and Farrah having a conversation in heavens waiting room. Hopefully no paparazzi have an “in” there; it would be nice to think a quote will not be in the daily rag the next day.
Michael Jackson’s death was definitely overshadowing Farrah. His scope of work was greater, he was a curious person and his fan base worldwide. Being known mainly for a smile, hair and a swimsuit poster held back her chances of eclipsing Mr. Jackson in the media frenzy. That’s entertainment.
She was a woman, mother, partner, actor, friend, daughter and a celebrity. A full life that those closest to her can celebrate, as they were touched by her love.