"I am proud of what I have got and I need an audience." -Farrah Fawcett
Farrah Leni Fawcett was born on February 2nd, 1947 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She attended the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in microbiology. The blonde, athletic beauty caught the attention of an agent who recommended becoming an actress. After graduating, she moved to Los Angeles and began appearing in TV commercials.
Farrah gained recognition through guest-star roles in shows like "I Dream of Jeannie", "The Flying Nun" and "The Partridge Family". As her career took off, she posed in a red bathing suit for an iconic poster that sold over 8 million copies. The poster landed her the role of private investigator Jill Munroe in the hit TV show "Charlie's Angles". Farrah's infamous hairstyle was fashioned by women all over North America. But grueling hours were beginning to take a toll on Farrah so she left the series to pursue a career in movies. Farrah was sued by the producers of "Charlie's Angles" for breaking her contract. She reconciled by returning to the series for guest spots in six episodes.
After leaving the series, Farrah starred in three poorly scripted movies that did not do well at the box office. Farrah's career was at a downfall. In 1984, she made a comeback by starring in the made-for-TV movie "The Burning Bed," which is based on the true story of a beaten wife. The role won her nominations for an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Farrah's received her second Emmy nomination for her performance in the TV movie "Small Sacrifices". In 1995, at the age of 48, Farrah posed for Playboy and the issue became the best-selling issue of that decade. In 2004, she received another Emmy nomination for her role in the film "The Guardian".
"Marriages that last are with people who do not live in Los Angeles." -Farrah Fawcett
In 1968, Farrah began dating actor Lee Majors. The couple married on July 28, 1973. But their careers took a toll on the marriage and they divorced in 1980. After the divorce, Farrah began dating Majors' friend Ryan O'Neal, also a fellow actor. In 1985, the couple became proud parents of a son, Redmond O'Neal. After a series of on-again, off-again patterns, the couple split in 1997. After her split with Ryan O'Neal, Farrah dated producer James Orr. Orr brutally beat Farrah after she rejected his marriage proposal. She ended their relationship and he was arrested for battery. But Ryan O'Neal was always her one true love and the couple reunited in 2001.
"When you do bad things, bad things happen to you" -Farrah Fawcett
Filming "The Burning Bed" inspired Farrah to raise awareness about domestic violence. She worked as a board member of the National Advisory Council for the National Domestic Violence Hot-line, a not-for-profit organization that helps victims of domestic abuse. In addition, Farrah was vigorously involved in charity work with the Cancer Society.
"I feel like a dog who has been to the vet too many times" -Farrah Fawcett
In 2001, Farrah's long-time companion Ryan O'Neal was diagnosed with leukemia. Then, in early 2006, Farrah's mother Pauline Evans passed away. Later in 2006, Farrah was diagnosed with anal cancer. On her 60th birthday, Farrah was declared "cancer free." But her cancer returned just three months later. Farrah acknowledged her battle with anal cancer in the documentary "Farrah's Story," which aired on NBC earlier this year. One highlight of the documentary features Farrah reading an emotional letter to her son Redmond, who is currently serving time in jail.
Early last week, Ryan O'Neal announced his engagement to Farrah. Unfortunately, Farrah passed away on June 25th, 2009 of anal cancer. Her best friend Alana Stewart and fiance Ryan O'Neal were by her side. Farrah will be laid to rest on Tuesday, June 30th, 2009.
"There are no words to express the deep sense of loss that I feel. For 30 years Farrah was much more than a friend, she was my sister, and although I will miss her terribly I know in my heart that she will always be there as that angel on the shoulder of everyone who loved her." -Alana Stewart, best friend
"After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we can take comfort in the beautiful times we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world." -Ryan O'Neal, fiance
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Author's Note: Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000396/bio
http://www.evliving.com/2009/06/25/7607/farrah-fawcett-quotes/
http://www.greatpersonalities.com/farrah-fawcett/index.htm
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20090625/ENTERTAINMENT/906259863?Title=Quotes-Friends-co-stars-react-to-Farrah-Fawcett-s-death-
