Brian Williams just bumped Farrah Fawcett for Michael Jackson. Two American icons who meant so much to so many in so many surreal situations during their heyday, dead today; Farrah suffering terribly with cancer, Michael suffering terribly with everything.
Brian Williams was appropriately shocked when he announced on the NBC Evening News that word had just come in of Michael Jackson's death "just as they had prepared a memorial for Farrah Fawcett." And with that, Fawcett's struggle was set aside. She became the follow-up story. For the first time, I really felt for Farrah.
I like Brian Williams, but his sentiment seemed inappropriate even to someone as insensitive to any of this as I am.
Speaking of giving people their due, I remember an incident a couple of decades ago of two celebrities dying on the same day-- Count Basie and Ted Knight. Oh, the dewy-eyed encomiums and fond reminiscences of "Ted Knight"s comic genius". Every major network had a five- minute prime-time news spot with interviews and "favorite Ted Knight moments" from the Mary Tyler Moore show. Count Basie got a three-sentence obituary. My father and I, both jazz musicians, were outraged. My mother snapped "No one knows who Count Basie is. Everyone knows Ted Knight!" I'll bet the majority of people don't know either of them any more, but in terms of who left more and deeper experiences for future generations to enjoy, my money's on the Count.
So, I think Brian Williams went to the shock story. And that makes sense to me.
Never the less, both Michael and Farrahs death were tragic and I pray both of them are at peace.
R.I.P.
I was thinking this evening about the week. We lost Ed McMahon, a household voice and face for decades; Farrah Fawcett, a blonde turned wonderful actor and brave survivor and Michael Jackson, an incredible icon who changed the face of music forever. Now we hear Walter Kronkite is about to meet his end.
Bryan Williams has a difficult job. The world will never see the likes of these people again.
May Farrah and Michael Rest in the Perpetual Light of our Lord Jesus Christ
We ask in Jesus name to bless their families, watch over their children, and show us all how precious the life he gave us really is. God treats us all like little children, he always makes us desire exactly what he wants us to have.
Farrah's died with dignity and grace...prepared with those who loved her the most by her side, her pain now over...but my God the woman fought a brave fight..would that I had her courage as I face cancer and spend way too much time asking "why me"...there is no why..cancer does not care if you are rich or beautiful or famous...
Michael, while perhaps not 100% unexpected was till a shocker...50!...and (maybe a rumor)...received a shot of friggin demerol the day he died... like Elvis..too many enablers...making too much money keeping him "happy"...(and yes..Anna Nicole).... I Know Michael suffered chronic pain..but demerol...my gosh...his poor little body could not handle it..he looked like Karen Carpenter in his thinness...
both these Icons...will live on..in memories. Michael was the "bigger" star, if you will...sadly, Farrah was able to say goodbye in grace, surrounded by those who loved her....poor Michael... at least , yes, he DID have an Angel to guide him to the light (or whatever awaits us)....
Peace to all the unknowns who also died yesterday...
it's akin to the journalist crying while reporting on the Hindenburg...he was fired because he got too emotional...but he was FEELING THE MOMENT...being human...a good thing, for a change
bad timing...all around...a mistake in 'editing'...but there you have it
respect
My condolences to both families.
I remember the day that both Sammy Davis Jr. and Jim Henson died. To me it seemed like most of the tributes went to Davis, who was indeed a magnificent, groundbreaking entertainer but whom I did not know very well. I felt sad because it was Henson I was really mourning for. Having grown up with Sesame Street and the Muppet Show, I felt like a major part of my childhood had been wrenched away much too early. Kermit's voice has never sounded "right" since his passing.
Today we lost Farrah Fawcett, who was a major icon during my 70s childhood -- I remember how everyone wanted her feathered hair! So I was still absorbing that when I came home and heard about the death of Jackson, a major icon of my teenage years in the 80s. The man was an incredible, one-of-a-kind artist, and I think his death would have overshadowed almost anyone else's. Still, it's too bad that Fawcett's death was so close to his that it will likely be crowded out in the shuffle. Both deaths are tragic, and both people deserve our respect. May they both rest in peace.
And I vividly remember singing along with Michael Jackson's "Rock with You" on my am/fm radio back in the 5th grade while getting ready for school. That has got to be one of the greatest songs of all time.
Great memories. Farah and Michael--you are greatly missed. May you both rest in peace.