There are days that you’ll remember, maybe not your entire life, but at least for a while. Thursday was one of those days. Not a lot of things can make me feel old, but the death of two icons of my teen years is one of them.
I was never a big fan of Farrah Fawcett. Oh, I didn’t dislike her, just sort of “blah”. I followed her career/life in a periphery fashion, the little boxes next to the big story. But her fight against cancer caught my eye, and my heart. I don’t think there is anyone who hasn’t lost someone to cancer. And I’m not saying that your/my loved ones didn’t fight. But here was this always fragile looking woman saying “no, I’m not going” and giving her all in the fight. I grew to admire her strength and her determination. But, as often is the case, you can’t always beat that particular devil, no matter how strong you are.
And then there was Michael. I’m going to refer to the Michael Jackson of my teen and early 20s, not the bizarre figure he became in his later years. I was a Donny Osmond fanactic! But you couldn’t ignore the other family that dominated the preteen airwaves – the Jackson Five. And there was Michael, soul’s version of Donny, and I might add the better performer. You kind of knew that he was going places. Not that Donny didn’t, but wholesome Pat Booneism will only take you so far. No, Michael became the bigger star, culminating in his iconic “Thriller” album – which I think I might still have somewhere. Michael Jackson will have a place in entertainment history – and should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame some day.
But I said three in the title. Ed McMahon didn’t make the big headlines that Farrah and Michael did when he passed less than a week before them. He’s most known for a phrase “Heeeerrrrreeee’s Johnny”, and yet his presence in our lives also made it’s mark. Few remember he was the host of “Star Search”, and that stars such as Sawyer Brown, Britney Spears, Brad Garrett, Drew Carey got their start on the show. Publisher’s Clearing House spokesman, as well as other commercials. Yes, Ed McMahon made his mark too, probably not as big of one as the other two, but a mark nonetheless.
6 comments:
It's weird that they all came w/in a week - and 2 on the same day.
People here at work are not talking about J... they are talking about Farah. I find that amazing and somehow comforting.
I too have Thriller somewhere and it really was my favorite album. I hear prescription drugs played a part - shades of Elvis. I never thought Farah was a very good actress but I admire her giving it a good fight - not so much the melodramatics of Ryan O'Neal.
They all made an impact in their own way. Hopefully they will find peace.
I was watching the news yesterday with shock. Two entertainment icons in one day. I hope now they are without pain and with God.
A huge hole has been left in the entertainment industry
You can now add Billy Mays, the OxyClean, Orange-Glo guy to the list
Gale Storm and Fred Travelina (or however it's spelled). I remember him mostly from his appearances on Match Game - and the wonderful impressions he did while giving his answer.
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