RIP to 3 Superstars

2009-06-27 10:33 p.m.
watching/listening to: "Girl, Interrupted" on cinefil

I wrote this same entry on my other blog at Life is a Bowl of Cherry Blossoms I'm sorry I haven't updated this one lately. If you read the other one, you'll understand why. It's been quite a busy, emotional week.

Three entertainment icons passed away this week.

First, there was Ed McMahon. I remember feeling lucky when I was allowed to stay up late as a child. (I had a strict bedtime curfew.) One of the TV shows I always looked forward to watching when that permission was allowed was "The Tonight Show." I've always enjoyed talk shows, but there was something special about "The Tonight Show" back in the days when it was hosted by Johnny Carson with his sidekick Ed McMahon. I also remember watching Ed when he hosted the first "Star Search" series. (My dance teacher was one of the contestants on the first show!) Although his life seemed to have its ups and downs, I think everyone will always remember Ed's cheerfulness and boisterous laughter.

Next, there was Farrah Fawcett. (Remember when she was Farrah Fawcett-Majors?!) Who could forget Farrah in her prime as she graced the media with her trademark hair and radiant smile?! She wasn't my favorite Charlie's Angel (I was a Kate Jackson fan!) but she definitely made "Charlie's Angels" one of the most memorable TV shows in TV history. I think I became a bigger fan of her when she made the leap into more dramatic roles. Remember "Extremities?" She did such an amazing job in that movie. I also have 2 of her TV movies on video, "The Burning Bed" and "Small Sacrifices." Her roles in both of those movies proved to everyone that she was capable of being more than just a pretty face. I think the past few years have also shown what a fighter Farrah has been. I can only imagine how painful and exhausted she must have felt as the cancer took over. Perhaps now, she can rest peacefully as she becomes an angel again.

And then, there was Michael Jackson. Whether you were a fan of his or not, you cannot deny that Michael Jackson was an incredible musical and entertainment superstar. I feel like I grew up with Michael (we were both born in 1958). Ever since he debuted with his brothers, I anxiously awaited each new single. When he became a solo artist, I always looked forward to each new album and the amazing music videos he created for each new single. I can't even decide on my favorite Michael Jackson song because he had sooooOOo many songs that I absolutely loved. His dancing was so uniquely his own and seeing him perform live was well worth the money and the wait in line to get tickets. I had the pleasure of seeing him at Dodger Stadium. Although we all know Michael had his eccentricities, oddities and questionable behaviors, I don't think anyone could deny that he was such a positive force in the music world. He definitely was an original and his music often sent messages 'round the world. Although his life ended so suddenly and unexpectedly, he will forever live on through his music.

You know, I have a little Michael Jackson story. When my brother and I were younger (I was maybe around 13 or so?), my family and I were coming home from a family trip and we were on the same plane as the Jacksons! We were flying home from a vacation (was it Florida?) and we had a stopover in Georgia. We had the luxury of flying first class (thanks, Dad) and were allowed to wait in the First Class lounge. The receptionist of the lounge told us that the Jacksons were also in the lounge and they were on our flight. At that time, the Jackson 5 were still a fairly new group, but very popular so of course, my brother and I were excited. I vaguely remember Marlon and Michael being with their manager. We were too shy to ask for autographs or pictures. Now, the flight was super rough. I don't recall the actual turbulence, but my parents remember it as being one of the roughest flights they had ever taken. What I do remember is when the plane landed, all the Jacksons applauded and clapped. Who would have guessed that Michael would go on to be the superstar that he was?!

xox

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