Today, the world mourns the loss of a fine talent.
Farrah Fawcett, age 62, passed to spirit after a long battle with a rare cancer early this morning.
Known for her gorgeous mane of lustrous hair, a smile a mile wide, and a slight hint of vulnerability, the former Charlie Angel's epitomized an era that was bold and brassy and often pushed the limits of jiggle TV, of which she was a formidable part in the 70's.
Just the other day, when I spied the infamous poster of Farrah in a window at "Baby Jane" memorabilia shop in West Hollywood, the image floated up memories of teenage boys - their hearts all-a-flutter over an "it" girl poster that packed a passionate wallop - and a fan base that was the envy of any aspiring (or established) star in Tinseltown.
Even still, it was tough getting some respect.
Although Ms. Fawcett was often written off as as a piece of fluff by power-brokers who could make or break a career in Hollywood's ever-elusive dream factory, the perky blond with the infectious personality remained undaunted and hung in there.
Undoubtedly, it was the charismatic beauty's stellar performance in the thought-provoking drama - "Burning Bed" - that triggered a remarkable turning point in her career.
And, there was no looking back, after that.
Ferrah Leni Fawcett was born in Corpus Christi, Tex., on Feb. 2, 1947.
While attending University in that great state, she got the acting bug, and consequently moved to the West Coast to carve a career out for herself in the thriving film & television industry.
Farrah's first money-making assignments arrived in the form of lucrative commercial spots - which not only thrust the fresh-faced beauty into the glare of the spotlight which gobbled her up - but rustled up enough cash to keep the wolves away from her front door.
Producer Aaron Spelling's eye for for talent catapulted Farrah into superstardom when he cast her in a plum break-out role as one of Charlie's Angels in the tongue-and-cheek hit detective show (which scored big with audiences around the country back in the 70's).
But, it was her personal life that garnered the most attention, especially after she tied the knot with actor Lee Majors - another American Icon - who snagged the limelight briefly when he stepped into the indestructible shoes of the - "Six Million Dollar Man" - and scored big in ratings heaven for the network.
A second marriage to former soap star Ryan O'Neil, was explosive, to say the least.
The on-again off-again romance continued right up to the final hour when it was announced just a couple of days ago that the former lovers would take their vows at the altar once again in the near future.
Unfortunately, fate intervened when Ms. Fawcett succumbed to a mysterious illness that not only cut her down in what some would say was the prime of life, but resulted in a heated debate and controversy over privacy rights issues.
Angered at the tabloid press for disclosing her life-threatening illness to the public (she would have preferred - instead - to face the final curtain with a modicum of dignity and grace) Farrah was forced to take matters into her own hands.
With the kind assistance of long-time friend, Alana Stewart, Ms. Fawcett thumbed her nose at the ambulance-chasers and cruel gossip mongers - and proceeded to document the events with signature style - by virtue of an insightful thought-provoking documentary she helmed.
It was an extraordinary move on her part.
But, as the saying goes, extraordinary events often require extraordinary measures.
Farrah Fawcett is survived by a loving tight-knit family - father James - and one son, Redmond James Fawcett O’Neal.
Handsome couple cut a fine swath
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