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StuntDouble

by StuntDouble

A tribute to Farrah Fawcett

After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, 62-year-old Farrah Fawcett died this morning in Santa Monica, California.

Over the course of her career, Fawcett tackled the big screen and Broadway with tenacity, but what she will probably be most remembered for is her turn as Jill Munroe on the iconic '70s sitcom Charlie's Angels — that, and the hair. My goodness The Hair.

In reality, Fawcett only spent one full season with the Angels (she appeared in later seasons as a guest star), but her face spawned a million Charlie's Angels bubble gum cards, dolls, folders, notebooks, pencils, lunchboxes, toy cars, puzzles and, of course, that poster.

In 1976, she posed in a one-piece red bathing suit, all hair and smiles and perky breasts for a studio out of Nowhere, Ohio. The print sold a record 12 million copies worldwide, making her literally the poster girl for an entire generation of high schoolers and dorm-dwellers.

Fawcett started her career with guest spots on I Dream of Jeanie and The Six Million Dollar Man, and after her run on Charlie's Angels she went on to try her hand at more dramatic film roles. She finally settled on a place in TV movies and mini-series', where she earned nine Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.

In later years, Fawcett embraced her role as Jill Munroe, even though she'd spent most of her career trying to distance herself from the Angels. She told Aaron Spelling's biographer, "When the show was number three, I thought it was our acting. When we got to be number one, I decided it could only be because none of us wears a bra."

In 2006, the Angels reunited at the Primtime Emmys to pay tribute to Spelling. There, she tearfully told the audience, "The three of us didn't experience the Charlie's Angels phenomenon like the rest of the world did. We experienced it from the inside — the eye of that televised storm — together."

Shortly after the appearance, Fawcett was diagnosed with cancer. Her battle has been well-documented. She faced the treatments — occasionally in front of a camera — with guts and grace.

"Farrah had courage, she had strength, and she had faith. And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels," Angels co-star Jaclyn Smith said today.

In recent years, Smith and Kate Jackson have affectionately referred to Fawcett as "the money," which is, of course, true. Of all the sex symbols of the '70s and '80s, Farrah Fawcett shined the brightest — brighter even than The Hair. And that is saying something.

Share your favorite Farrah Fawcett moments in the comments.

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  • countrycomfort's picture

    Farrah

    Man, she was my favorite Angel...when she left I still watched but something was missing.  I saw her Off Broadway in "Extremities" and she was great! Loved her perfs in several tv movie/mini series. She was really good.

    She and Ryan had a show where they played a married couple who were co anchors on an ESPN type show. It was fun. Didn't last long. Great chemistry.

    I am so sad for Ryan and the rest of her family.

    Rest in Peace, Angel 

    hslp's picture

    What a...

     

    legend.

     

    I don't think there is much more to say.

     

    Nona J.'s picture

    Courageous Woman...

    I saw her documentary Farrah's Story, the courage and bravery of that woman.  I had never heard of Anal Cancer.

    May she be at peace, she certainly was an inspiration.

    " True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united" ~ Wilhelm von Humbolt

    Diva4Life's picture

    Farrah

    I saw that documentary also...cancer is no joke.  I luv Farrah, always thought she was a cutie.  She will b missed!
    BLoNDDyKe's picture

    And So michael jackson!!

    i'm sad one is the "king of pop" the other one "golden hair Beauty" such a lost but both well be remmeberd forever RIP both KiNG & ANGEL.

    SubtextRules's picture

    Today is a sad day...

    R.I.P Angel. You will always be in our hearts!

     "Mother Chucker!" - Blair, Gossip Girl

    she's_insane's picture

    R.I.P. Farrah

    I didn't really know you but from what I've heard, I think you were an amazing person. May your soul find comfort. R.I.P.
    shortypants's picture

    R.I.P Farrah>>

     

    Fave Farrah Moment: The Burning Bed.

    Period.

    Nona J.'s picture

    Love the Movie!

    I thought her performance was top notch! 

    " True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united" ~ Wilhelm von Humbolt

    hotdoc's picture

    Farrah

    I was 6 when the Angels first hit the screen.  It had to be one of my first sexual awareness moments.

    We will miss you, Farrah... such a loss... 

    MJ in Tenn's picture

    I'm really dating myself

    But the year that poster rocked the entire world I was visiting my boy cousins during the summer.  The one closest in age to me had the poster in his room and just would not shut up about how beautiful Farrah was.  He kept asking me, "Don't you think she's gorgeous?  Isn't she the most beautiful woman ever?" And of course secretly I agreed much, much more energetically than my tepid, "Oh yes, she's very pretty." I wanted to plaster myself to that poster the entire visit.  I could hardly stop looking at it myself and kept sneaking into his room to catch a glimpse.  I knew even then that having the poster in MY room at home was out of the question and after the visit was over I'd probably not get to gaze on her for long minutes again.

    If I hadn't realized already from about age 8 that I was a lesbian, my reaction to the poster would have screamed out to me "YOU ARE SO GAY! ONLY GUYS ARE SUPPOSED TO REACT THE WAY YOU ARE!!!"

    The world was lucky to have her.  

    www.twitter.com/mjintenn

    kiakgrl's picture

    The poster

    At age 12, I fought my brother to have the poster (you know the one) hang over my bed instead of his bed. That should have been my mom's first clue...
    Terri's picture

    It all comes down to this no

    It all comes down to this no one escapes death whether you are rich, poor, middle class. When its you're time to go its your time to go. Its just a shame that 3 very recognized icons had to die all in the same week
    SophiaBlueEyes's picture

    i admit i just had to google to see the poster

    for the first time, but i have seen some of the angels tv series which was mighty enjoyable. i hope she has some idea of how many people remember her now and it makes her happy :) i think i may now become the 12 000 001st person to buy the poster in honour...

    Gracious's picture

    Farrah

    Oh how she'll be missed

    Now cracks a Noble Heart, Good Night, sweet Princess,May Flights of Angel's sing thee to thy Rest

    moony's picture

    I bought the poster

    as a Christmas gift for my step-brother.. who, ironically, turned out to be gay.  Should have just kept it myself.

    My heart goes out to Ryan O'Neal and her son, and friends and loved ones.  Rest in peace, Farrah.

    Erika's picture

    I've only heard a little

    I've only heard a little about her but I'm still sad about this.  Cancer is no joke, I hope she can now rest in peace.

    --------

    "Great.  Not only do I feel creepy but now I look like I'm 1,000 and that I've been smoking meth all my life." -Sara Quin

    the linster's picture

    That smile

    Seeing the first picture of Farrah brought back that fluttery feeling I used to have every time I saw her smile. I tended to relate more to Kate Jackson's Sabrina, but it was Farrah's Jill Munroe that took my breath away. RIP.
    LL's picture

    but it was Farrah's Jill

    but it was Farrah's Jill Munroe that took my breath away.

    ......................................................................

    The same for me.

    Tall Cool One's picture

    It's a sad day...

    Right before she exploded into fame, she played "Sue" the girlfriend of "Harry O."  I was struck by the amazing light and depth of her beautiful eyes.  I loved the character Harry O, his unique philosophy, and Sue, the beautiful girl next door who brought light to his life.  I will always remember Farah in that role.  It is a sad thing that she was taken so young.  I wish her soul peace.
    Zette's picture

    Farrah.... My favorite Angel.

    I grew up with Farrah, I had her as a poster in my room. My parents were confused, b/c of the poster. They would not ask, about Farrah, but they knew in there hearts that I like her so much..... 

    jordan-writes's picture

    Man

    Losing two icons in one day. It's just too much. Such a sad day. Farrah was expected. Michael Jackson though... I just can't get over it.

    http://jordan-writes.blogspot.com/

    clairemoon's picture

    RIP Angel

    It's a part of my youth that died with Farrah. I'm sad.

     

    basha's picture

    First crush

    Yes, me too... She was my first crush when I was young and I'll never forget her radiant smile.
    Cheebras's picture

    Her life ended to short

    Wierd how two iconic celebrities died today. But sadly, I think Michael Jacksons death overshadows Farah's. It's sad to see them both go.

    www.cheebras.com, Nice things for Naughty Kitties

    FASTTCR's picture

    The Substitute Wife - 1994 Movie

    In 1994 Farrah made a movie called The Substitute Wife. It 
    was set in the early 1900s. In it she played a prostitute who is asked 
    by Lea Thompson (Some Kind of Wonderful) to be a wife to her husband (Peter Weller) and mother to her children after she dies. Lea's character is terminally ill and she wants her family to be taken care of. 

    Lea and Farrah share some great scenes as they learn to share the 
    husband.  Over time of course they begin to love each other and share a very special friendship.  Farrah is BEAUTIFUL in the movie and her acting surpasses the material.  I was always surprised to see how good of an actor she was even after seeing The Burning Bed.  Even in this melodrama she stands out. 

    Keep an eye out for the movie. They still play it on Lifetime 
    occaisonally. 

    I will be dusting off my VHS copy this weekend to experience all the 
    loveliness that was Farrah. 

     

    ~ This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime. ~

    im6ft's picture

    Farrah's Story

    Before the documentary she bordered on being a mythical being. After seeing the footage of her battle with cancer, she became real, and a woman to be admired.

     

     

    And the fine line widens.....

    Riven2310's picture

    My condolences

    to Farrah's loved ones for their loss.  And I hope her spirit rests in peace, free from the pain from cancer.
    Farrah's most memorable performance in a movie for me was "Small Sacrifices".
    Explorergal's picture

    No more Earthly Angel...

     

    I always enjoyed Farrah but it really wasn't until the moving and oh so candid documentary about her battle with cancer that I really saw the strong wonderful woman she was.

    It is clear she loved deeply and was much loved by friends and family.  I offer my sincerest sympathies to them and hope the wonderful memories of her can in time, temper their great loss.

    Heaven now has a new Angel.

    passion12's picture

    Thank you Stuntdouble

    For your coverage on Farrah. It is very sad that there is no coverage on Farrah now that the sudden death of Michael Jackson happened.At least Farrah's family and friends will be able to mourn without being mobbed by the media. 

    RIP to this strange celebrity week.  Ed, Farrah, Michael. Condolences to your family.

    BunnyBabe's picture

    I know!

    She was one of my idols and I was really sad about it. But what also upset me was that everytime I turned on the tv it was all about MJ. I know this is Brazil and she wasn't that famous here but still! The whole day was like: "MJ this, MJ that. Charlie's Angels actress dies today. And now back to MJ news!" lol

    I understand that MJ's importance to the pop culture but I can't believe they completely ignored her. She was an icon too. ;_;

    RIP <3

    ~.~.~

    When I Was Fifteen All I Wanted Was To Be Wanted. I Wish I Could Go Back And Tell Myself What I Know Now.

    Zbornak's picture

    They didn't ignore Farrah

    Ever since the world knew about her battle with cancer, it's been all over the news, even a document about her struggle. I'm really tired of some Fawcett fans complaining about media coverage. Hmm...Billy Mays died over the weekend, had he had died on the same day as Farrah, who would have gotten more coverage? Farrah. Let's not take this out on Michael Jackson.

     I wonder if Sammy Davis Jr. and John Ritter fans took their anger out on Jim Henson and Johnny Cash?

    ProudGoldStar's picture

    Farrah's Story...

    I've seen it and while I was watching...I really had to pull myself together.

    She was a stunningly beautiful, courageous and brave woman who fought for her life till her last breath.

    It's always tragic when someone dies but, given that they passed away on the same day, I think it's a shame that MJ got all the media coverage. After all, the woman was fighting the battle of her life against cancer. Farrah's story is important, it should be used to raise awareness about this particular kind of cancer and people should know about it.

    That's what I think...

    My condolences go out to the family..may your soul rest in peace, Farrah!

    Jill's picture

    We was robbed!!!!

    Two icons from when I was growing up gone on the same day - we was robbed!!!!

    My thoughts are with the family and friends of the wonderful Farrah Fawcett - she will be missed.

    I love that the radio stations have been playing heaps of Michael Jackson songs! RIP you musical/dance/creative genius - 1 of a kind magic.

    Jill
    imthey's picture

    RIP

    I was a big fan of the TV show Charlie's Angels back in the day, if for no other reason than to see women in the lead roles and solving crimes.  

    One cannot deny the presence of Farrah Fawcett on the show... for 1 full season and a few guest appearances in the 2nd season, Farrah as Jill Munroe became a household name and as big a star for her short time on the show as she was for her hair.

    Farrah will forever live on in the wonderful work she did onscreen and in the hearts of those people she left behind who truly loved her: Ryan O'Neal, Redmond O'Neal, Alana Stewart, her fellow "Angels" Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd and all those whose lives she touched over her all too brief time here on Earth! 

    My sincerest condolences to all her family and friends (and to her fans all over the world).

    Farrah

    ♡OTALIA Forever!♡

    "I have a simple philosophy. Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches." -Alice Roosevelt Longworth

    flor's picture

    A woman of substance

    I never knew much about the private Farrah Fawcett and was not impressed with the Charlie's Angels "sexualization", and it was obvious (that then) it was not acting talent that landed her the role.

    Not until "Farrah's Story" did I have any idea of the person she really was and I felt very sad for her suffering with her cancer treatment program. Her genuineness drew me in to her and I realized that I had not known the person she was beyond the sexist hype.

    She was in my thoughts every day. Also, literally, each day I checked the Latest Headlines on-line because I felt certain she would pass away in the month of June (personal reasons I sensed this). When I checked on the 25th, there was the news and then the very next second the breaking news about Michael Jackson being transported to hospital. I watched it unfold via streamed news feed in disbelief, but felt for certain he would be all right. Then a woman spoke and said "...light candles and pray" and read the headline "unconfirmed" that Jackson had died. I started to cry, and really, I have still not gotten quite back on track since. I just can't believe this has happened.

    This is a loss of two beautiful, sensitive, artistic and passionate people that struggled to be known for their authentic selves. Both came to fame because of a small but fateful exposition that changed them and the world. Farrah in a red swimsuit and Michael with a dance move. Also, he is known for a famous red jacket.

    I remember the same week of Princess Diana's unexpected and shocking death that Mother Teresa also died (she had been ill the last few years of her life). I felt Mother Teresa left to be with Princess Diana, that there was a bond--an affinity between them and she could not bear to have Diana alone in death.

    Now, these two are paralleled icons lost on the same day, one expected, the other sudden and shocking, and it has forever changed something in the world as we knew it.

    It has been a very sad last few days of loss. I wish for them both that they are resting, free of any pain and at peace and happy.

     

    Zbornak's picture

    Very touching Flor!

    The most beautiful post in this entire thread.

    Instead of whining and complaining who got more media coverage(Let's face it, Fawcett and Jackson are gone, I doubt neither of their families care about any media coverage, and neither should we), let's celebrate their lives. Whining over who got more coverage(as seen by a couple of posters on here and other Fawcett fans) is tacky and completely inappropriate, not to mention ghoulish. I feel bad for both families and what BOTH families DON'T need right now is the constant reminder about their loved one's death, nor the cameras and media in their faces.