Death of an Icon Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett, 70s TV icon and Emmy Award nominee, has died. The world is a sad place today, mourning the death of a television icon and an international role model, Farrah Fawcett. The beautiful Farrah Fawcett, only 62 years old, has died of anal cancer which had spread to her liver. Fawcett's battle with anal cancer started in 2006, with numerous treatments and hospitalizations that followed. Fawcett leaves behind her long-time love Ryan O'Neal, and their son Redmond O'Neal.

Late Wednesday nights, news reports came in that Farrah was in a Los Angeles intensive care unit, and her family had been asked to say their final goodbyes. A Catholic priest had been summoned to give Farrah her last rites. Farrah was known as a devout Catholic, with last rites keeping true to her faith.

Part of a blog post on Farrah's official blog, run by her business partner and publicist, stated that it was "It is time now to make contact with your god and say a prayer. "
The website has since been shut down by Ryan O'Neal, with a cease and desist letter being served. Website controversy started over a letter to the media and Ryan O'Neal, and reasons as to why Farrah should not marry O'Neal.

Farrah Fawcett started her career in the late 1960s, with commercials for products such as Noxema shaving cream, and Ultra Brite toothpaste. The early TV series appearances included a guest spot on I Dream of Jeannie, and in The Six Million Dollar Man.

Fawcett's breakthrough came from a poster idea by Pro Arts Inc, where Farrah posed in a now infamous one-piece red bathing suit. The poster became an international hit, and a best-seller, with millions of copies sold worldwide. Fawcett's bathing suit poster is still a hit with fans today, and a popular poster purchase for fans worldwide. Playboy's June magazine edition included a picture of Farrah's red bathing suit poster as #2 reason "Why We Love The 70s".

The red bathing suit, along with her infamous role in the TV series Charlie's Angels, made Farrah Fawcett a superstar. The entire world, including a small, third world country that my family came from, knew of Farrah and treated her as a household name. My parents were huge fans of Charlie's Angels, and Farrah's later roles which included movie work as well. I remember my childhood watching re-runs of Charlie's Angels, and seeing Farrah's poster hanging in my uncle's auto repair shop. She was stunning, and that hair -- even women today are envious of Farrah's infamous golden locks.

Farrah was first diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006, and began treatment which included chemotherapy and surgery. A brief relief came when Farrah announced she was "cancer free", on the 60th birthday. The joyful moments did not last, as Fawcett's anal cancer returned, requiring additional surgery. An aggressive and holistic treatment followed in Germany, but anal cancer seemed unbeatable for Farrah. In April 2009, Fawcett was hospitalized, reportedly unconscious and in critical condition.

On May 7th, her longtime lover and partner, Ryan O'Neal went public with statements that Farrah was "critically ill". As she was in the last stages of cancer, her son Redmond was allowed to visit under supervision, as he was facing legal troubles and had been imprisoned at the time. In June, Ryan O'Neal made statements to the news again in regards to Farrah. This time, he announced his marriage proposal and that Farrah has said "yes". The couple planned to wed soon, and perhaps even in the hospital. O'Neal wanted to finally have the chance to marry Farrah, as the couple had been romantically involved since 1982.

Farrah Fawcett's brave battle with anal cancer has been documented in film, and a special was aired May 2009 on NBC. Farrah's Story was watched by nearly 9 million people in its premiere airing, with several stations broadcasting the documentary at later dates.

Farrah Fawcett was a brilliant and beautiful person, and a talented actress. No words will be enough to describe her beauty and grace, and the world will truly miss this Angel.

Sources:

Farrah Fawcett's Official Blog

Reports: Actress Farrah Fawcett Close to Death

Playboy Magazine, June 2009 Edition