Death is inevitable. Nonetheless, we are always saddened by it - especially when it touches our mortality. Such was the case the week of 23 June 2009 in Hollywood.
Three icons have died: TV’s greatest sidekick, one of Hollywood’s favorite blondes, and the King of Pop. For those old enough to have watched each rise to stardom, it can be difficult to accept. The line keeps moving – and we all get one step closer to the end.
Ed McMahon was 86; Farrah Fawcett 62; and Michael Jackson 50.
Most remember Ed McMahon as the sidekick of Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. I first remember Ed has Johnny’s sidekick on the TV game show Who Do You Trust.
To many, Farrah Fawcett’s fame began as a member of Charlie’s Angels. However, she became a heartthrob to many young men as the “hot” commercial girl for toothpaste and shampoo. That big smile. That big hair. That big poster.
And, while many will remember Michael Jackson’s great performances as the King of Pop – and his incredibly successful albums, including the greatest of all, Thriller; I will most remember his appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show on December 4, 1969, American Bandstand in 1970, and his first national tour stop in Boston on October 9, 1970. His was just a young child….and an amazing talent.
I thank them for entertaining me. May they each rest in peace.
What a sad irony how Farah Faucett’s passing is tarnished by Michael Jackson’s death on the same day. She fought valiantly and with honor to make her last years as meaningful and productive as she could. Perhaps, as a reward at heaven’s gate, God granted her one earthly wish. And selflessly, she wished for children to be safe. And then poof, Jacko’s fatal heart attack.
Comment by Bostonian — June 26, 2009 @ 9:50 am
Michael Jackson was a great entertainer, but let’s not forget his personal life and his alleged pedophilia. It was a shame that his death took headlines from Farrah.
Comment by D.Blue — June 26, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
Yesterday Karl Malden and Alexis Arguello on the same day seems to be doing the same thing. “On The Waterfront” was excellent and the Arguello-Pryor fight was a classic.
Comment by Carl Braun — July 2, 2009 @ 3:31 pm