Hollywood took a hit last week with the deaths of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Billy Mays.
The world will be mourning these losses for weeks and months to come. The lives and careers of these icons made huge contributions to American media and show business.
Michael Jackson (August 29,1958-June 25,2009)
"The death of Michael Jackson was probably the biggest shock of the week. Jackson was found in his rented Los Angeles home by his in-home physician. Jackson reportedly went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the UCLA hospital.
Jackson was about to start rehearsals for his 'Comeback Tour' that was scheduled to premier July 9. Jackson is probably in a better place now, considering some of his more recent publicity, like his financial debt and child molestation charges.
But, all of that aside, Michael Jackson needs to be recognized for what he really was, The King of Pop. He paved the way for the genre. Without Jackson, Justin Timberlake might not have had enough money to buy matching denim suits for himself and Britney Spears, and then who would have brought sexy back? Jackson also made high pitched vocals into a viable choice for male performers. He not only made it possible, he made it a trend. Jackson also harnessed the art form of making a bad-ass music video, "Thriller" being one of the most popular music videos ever made. Jackson always managed to produce over-the-top videos that wowed audiences.
His transformation from a member of the Jackson Five to the King of Pop shows a long story full of success.
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Farrah Fawcett (February 2,1947-June 25,2009)
"Farrah Fawcett, one of the original Charlie's Angels, was well known for her stunning looks and beautiful blonde hair. Fawcett died at age 62 at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Fawcett had been diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2006. She is a multiple Golden Globe nominee, and she appeared in Broadway shows, TV series and many movies such as "Extremities" and "Dr. T and the Women." For those who don't remember Fawcett on TV or in the movies, they will surely recognize her contribution to hair styling. Fawcett's "wings" were the envy of young girls for generations.
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Ed McMahon (March 6,1923-June 23,2009)
"Ed McMahon, the definition of sidekick if there ever was one, died due to numerous health problems on Tuesday. He first struck big as Johnny Carson's sidekick, and with his famous line, "Heeeeeeeeeere's Johnny!!" After Carson's retirement from television, McMahon continued to secure his status as an American pop icon with his involvement as a host for Star Search, as the face of American Family Publishers' sweepstakes, and his continued appearances in Budweiser commercials.
In his last year, McMahon made headlines not through his popularity, but through his declining fiscal and physical health. In his last TV appearance, McMahon starred in a self-defacing commercial for Cash for Gold, during the 2009 Super Bowl, which not only skewered him for his declining finances but also cannibalized his famous line to "Here's money!" The worst part: the commercial was just passably humorous and far undeserving of McMahon.
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Billy Mays (July 20,1958-June 28,2009)
"Billy Mays, famous for his loud voice, thick beard and homely appearance while hawking assorted infomercial wares such as Orange Glo or Oxy Clean, died of unknown causes, but a head injury is suspected in his death. Mays, like every other D-list celebrity, had recently starred in his own reality show titled, "Pitchmen," which chronicled his life as an infomercial salesman. What really made the show was Mays' intense sincerity for the useless products he was selling. He believed the stuff he sold could make lives better. Mays should be honored for his apparent sincerity. An autopsy is expected by Monday afternoon."
