For those Who Died this Past Week

by Tricia Hein

       Last week was a difficult one for the Entertainment world and those who follow it. We lost several legends who were well known.

          Farrah Fawcett, a popular star in the seventies, lost her battle with anal cancer on Thursday, June 25. Posters of her famous pinup pose hung in bedrooms everywhere and women emulated her feathery hairstyle. She became famous for her role in the original "Charlie's Angels." She appeared in off-Broadway plays, TV commercials, TV shows, and even dramatic roles.

            Micheal Jackson's death probably hit many people the hardest, perhaps because it was not believed that he would ever die. Certainly, his influence, clothing styles, music videos, and least of all his scandals never will. He broke molds and showed his style even when on trial. Jackson's career began as a child singing in the family band, The Jackson 5. The songs he sang were cute, innocent numbers such as "Rockin' Robin" and "ABC." His solo album, "Thriller" is one of the best selling records of all time. His looks, props and moves made him an icon of the eighties. Truly, only Micheal could make a single white glove famous and get people doing "the moonwalk."

          Ed McMahon began his career working with Johnny Carson on the Gameshow Who do You Trust? and later he was the announcer on Carson's The Tonight Show where he coined the Phrase, "Heeeeeere's Johnny!" McMahon (more commonly known as "McMan") hosted his own show, Star Search, which launched many famous careers. McMahon did several commercials, including Budweiser, but is perhaps best known for showing up on people's front porch with a giant check from the Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes.

             Finally, the most recent death was that of Billy Mays, the well-known pitchman for Oxi-Clean, Kaboom, and Orange Glo. He worked for twelve years selling washing machines and As seen on TV products. Mays credited his style of selling to old pitchmen who taught him the trade. He began to sell on the Home Shopping Network in St. Petersburg, Florida. He founded his own company, Mays Promotions, Inc. and became sought after to sell products for use around the house as his informercials got improved customer results. He was well-known for his loud voice and almost pushy style of selling. The Discovery Channel was about to launch a show called Pitchman starring Billy Mays and Anthony Sullivan at the time of Mays death.

            No one will deny that this has been a rough week. While some of these deaths were less surprising than the others, others happened entirely too soon. Sympathy goes out to the families and all of these icons will be missed and their contributions to their respective fields will never be forgotten.