These Three Deaths
“Do not fear death so much, but rather the inadequate life” — Bertolt Brecht
I’m sure everyone in the world is writing about the three celebrity deaths that occurred this week. I just couldn’t let it go without writing about their impact on me anyway.
“Heeeeeeere’s Johnny” – Ed McMahon
The Tonight Show was a staple in my house growing up. My parents watched every night. As I got older I was allowed to stay up to at least watch part of it too. I was saddened when Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon left the show. It was a significant part of my childhood. Even before Ed McMahon’s death, watching clips of The Tonight Show always made me feel nostalgic.
Music has always been a huge part of my life. It’s important to me. Some songs can immediately transport me to another place and time. To a memory of an exact moment. Star Search. I loved it. Long before American Idol, this show attempted to pluck amateurs out of obscurity and into a famous career. I loved that show. I secretly wanted to be on it.
The bloopers show with Dick Clark. Now, it seems corny and outdated. At the time, it was hilarious.
More recently, I was saddened to read about his financial problems. I felt so sorry for him when I saw that he had to resort to those awful commercials for that company that pays cash for gold alongside M.C. Hammer.
While I was still sad to learn of his death, it was not exactly a surprise. He lived a long (and I hope) mostly happy and fulfilling life. He was 86 years old and had been in poor health.
“God made man stronger but not necessarily more intelligent. He gave women intuition and femininity. And, used properly, that combination easily jumbles the brain of any man I’ve ever met.” — Farrah Fawcett
I only vaguely remember watching Charlie’s Angels. I do remember she was the sexy one. Of course I remember the poster.
I became a fan later on after watching The Burning Bed. What an amazing movie and performance. She proved that she was not just some bimbo but could actually act. She drew much needed attention to the previously secret, yet huge problem of, spousal abuse.
When I saw her in Small Sacrifices was when I truly fell in love with her. I am an avid reader of true crime books and this one by Ann Rule had a major impact on me. The movie, and Ms. Fawcett’s portrayal of Diane Downs did not disappoint.
Recently, during her very public battle with cancer, I was touched by her continued relationship with Ryan O’Neil. I don’t follow celebrity gossip or tabloids much but I knew enough to know that theirs had been a tumultuous relationship for many years. The fact that they stuck by each other, through it all, until the very end, was amazing to me. Whatever their problems may have been, they were lucky to have had each other.
“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” – Michael Jackson
I’m having a hard time even believing that Michael Jackson is gone. His music and performances were so much a part of my childhood. I remember roller skating to his disco songs. Remember that video in the shiny silver suit? The year the Thriller album was released, that was the one and only thing I asked for for Christmas. I got it too. Yep, vinyl. I played that thing about a million times. I vividly remember waiting impatiently for the video premiere on MTV…the long version. It blew me away. So many songs, dance moves, incredible performances. That is how I choose to remember him. I don’t know what happened in more recent years and now that he’s gone, I feel badly for poking fun of his appearance and strange behaviors. He was a legend and I hope history remembers him the way I do.
His death has made me profoundly sad. Maybe it’s just the combination of all three deaths, but his definitely was the most shocking. He’s also the one of these three to whom I feel the most connected. Not personally connected, just that I literally grew up with him when he was in his prime and many events in my life played out with his songs as the soundtracks.
All three deaths have reminded me of my own mortality and that of my loved ones. They have reminded me how important it is to live the life I want to live and to let those that I love know it, every chance I get. We humans are sometimes afraid to reach out to someone, not certain of the reaction we’ll get. What does it matter? I would rather take the risk of making someone I love a little uncomfortable than regret never telling them how much they meant to me after they’re gone.
Ed, Farrah and Michael….thank you for everything you contributed to my life and for some great memories. You will be missed. Rest in peace.
Thanks for stopping by!
I wasn’t exceptionally close to any of the 3, just knew who they were and some of what they were associated with. I think just the bam-bam-bam of them right in a row, coupled w/ the shocking unexpectedness of Michael’s death (Ed was eldery and Farrah was sick) reminds you of how precious and fragile life is. Very sad for their families and loved ones, but a good wake-up and reminder for the rest of us.
I no sooner finished my post on these three that I saw yours on FB. Although we’re no doubt two of many blogging on this subject, I hear that great minds think alike.
Michael Jackson was definately a musical & entertainment icon. I too, am nogstalic and enjoyed the many musical tributes on my drive home. Yet, as I flip from news station to news station I am astounded that he is taking the lime light. I am astounded that in his death his sins are being forgiven. How quickly we forget the sins he committed against children. Farrah has barely been mentioned since the announcement of Jackson. It makes me a little sad.
I know that in his later years, his behavior could sometimes be described as, bizarre, at the very least. He definitely never grew up and behaved like a child. As far as committing sins against children, that was never proven. He was found not guilty and the parents accepted a settlement. I’ve always suspected that they just saw dollar signs and trumped up the charges. On the other hand it did all creep me out, just in case it was true. As a mother though, if my children were truly harmed, I don’t care how much money I was offered, I wouldn’t go away without a public trial, conviction and sentencing. I do agree that I felt badly that news of his death took over and Farrah’s death turned into, “and in other news…”. But, she had been sick for a long time and his death was sudden and you know our media runs with anything that will grab them more ratings.
Honestly, I didn’t even know who Farra Faucet (I know I spelled it wrong but I’m to lazy to look) was. I’ve never seen anything she was in. And I could really care less about Micheal Jackson. He used to be a good singer. Then he turned into a freak. Then he started touching kids (even though it was never proven but we all know he did it). So really, them dying hasn’t really had any impact on me at all. And Dick Clark? Was that the other one? I don’t know him either xD
No, this doesn’t make me feel old at all.
I was thinking about this a lot more, especially while enjoying his music on the drive in to my office.
Michael Jackson has been in the public eye since he was very young. He never did have a childhood. While most of us grow up learning from various life experiences, he had everything taken care of for him. He had to kept from the public because people were so crazy about him.
His life so seclusive he must have been very tortured as a soul.
One thing is for sure, he is in a better place now wherever that may be.
As for Farrah, I just think it is so sad she died of such a terrible disease at such a young age.
I agree, his life was never “normal”.
The whole sensation of the day reminded me “Death Happens.” Loved the quote that you included in the post. And, by the way, I was the first one here to comment but I could NOT find the comment button. I’ve been out of coffee for a few days and it shows up in little ways.
LOL – that comment button can be elusive pre-coffee.
wow, the ending of an era. i remember wearing a farrah fawcett “do”, dancing to michael jackson’s “thriller” and “beat it”, and watching the johnny carson show. my college years.
regardless of their personal issues (and mj definitely had many), they changed the face of entertainment each in their own way. farrah fawcett was an admirable force who, i agree cyndi, brought things to light that had been ignored before. she was never the dumb blonde that was portrayed on “charlie’s angels”.
i was in the city today, and had some time to wander and watch. i saw a group of young african-american men crank up a boom box, and break-dance to michael jackson’s music. it was a wonderful moment. i watched and listened.
the years tick by, don’t they.
MJ’s songs have touched my life too especially “Heal the world”. I have seen an era of dancers who followed and still follow his style..
I truly believe that his Music would survive forever and over a period of time it would withstand more than any other “news”.
I enjoyed both of these entries, the one about cheating and the one about the death of these celebrities. You brought up many great points in each entry. I agree with you that the cheating spouse is probably the one missing something inside. It’s about the only thing that makes any sense. And yes, we’ll miss these celebrities!
Lisa
billy mays just died too.