Remembering Farrah Fawcett: More Than Just an Icon
It’s hard to believe that nearly a decade has passed since we lost the legendary Farrah Fawcett to cancer. And can you imagine? This year would have marked her 72nd birthday. It feels surreal, doesn’t it? When you think of her, it’s almost impossible not to picture her as Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels or recall that unforgettable poster from the 1970s. But here’s the thing—Farrah was so much more than just those iconic images. She was a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, earning four Emmy Award nominations and six Golden Globe nominations, with only one of those nods coming from her work on Charlie’s Angels. That’s right—she was an incredibly talented actress whose career spanned far beyond that one role.
(Photo Courtesy Mike Pingel)
Farrah Beyond the Poster
“Everyone just thinks of Farrah as a poster,” says author and pop culture historian Mike Pingel, who not only spent two years working as Farrah’s assistant but also runs the ultimate Charlie’s Angels fan site. “People picture her as just hair, teeth, and that all-American California girl smile. But that’s not who she was. Farrah was an incredibly gifted actress whose work in films, television, and theater earned her numerous award nominations. Projects like Extremities and The Burning Bed showcased her depth and range. Her career was so much more than just that poster or her time on Charlie’s Angels. The industry recognized her talent time and time again, tipping their hats to her as much as they did to any of her peers.”
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(Photo Courtesy Mike Pingel)
Her Global Fame and Impact
“When you’re on a hit show like Charlie’s Angels, that’s what you’re known for,” Mike explains. “And at some point, all the Angels didn’t want to talk about the show because they wanted to be recognized for their current roles or achievements. It’s tough when you’re on the number one show in the world and it becomes a global phenomenon. Farrah’s poster alone was a phenomenon. Her face was everywhere—in magazines, on billboards, and even on covers of magazines that didn’t even feature articles about her. There’s one cover from the ‘70s that literally says, ‘There’s nothing about Farrah Fawcett in this magazine.’ Yet, they still put her on the cover because it sold magazines. Today, her legacy continues through the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, which provides patient care and financial assistance to those battling cancer. Items like the lipstick and Mego doll bearing her likeness help fund this important cause.”
Farrah's Timeless Legacy
What’s truly remarkable is that here we are in 2019, and those iconic images of Farrah are still the ones that come to mind. “She was the Marilyn Monroe of the ‘70s,” Mike reflects. “Farrah is the ‘70s. Her impact and influence transcend generations, and her work continues to inspire people around the world.”
Scroll down to dive deeper into the life and career of this incredible woman, Farrah Fawcett.
