A Farewell to Farrah
Heaven is no longer missing an angel.
Charlie's most famous is gone, but her legacy lives on. The image of this iconic princess of 1970's Hollywood will forever be imprinted on the minds of once young men who worshipped "that" poster, and on the minds of once young women who wanted "that" hair. But she was far more than just the poster and the hair. Farrah was a star for all ages. Don't we all remember that smile, that giggle, that radiant being who never seemed to have a care in the world? Her appearance in commercials for Faberge shampoo and Ultra Bright toothpaste found us reexamining our definition of beauty. And sex. She was the girl next door and the sultry lioness with a mane of tangled blond tresses. Very warm and very seductive. Farah could sell it all. That took some talent.
Beyond the perfect golden locks and supermodel physique, however, there was a vulnerable quality about her that everyone could identify with. She introduced this to us after Charlie's Angels. The characters she portrayed following Jill Munroe provided us with a look inside the depths of her vulnerability. She was anxious to represent women who would not allow themselves to be victimized. The Burning Bed, Small Sacrifices, and Extremities, just to name a few.
Despite the obvious genetic gifts she was endowed with, she seemed to maintain a simple country-girl persona. That was a large part of her appeal. Even when she floundered, we were there rooting for her. When she once appeared on David Letterman in a somewhat lost and confused state, we wanted to help her. If we could have plucked her from the jowls of Letterman's subtle but beastly ridicule, we would have done so in a New York second.
We came to her defense when she was scrutinized for some controversial magazine appearances, along with some artistic endeavors of self discovery.
And two failed marriages had us hoping she'd find true love. In the end, she did. Ryan O'Neill was at her side as she passed away. An ironic and iconic Love Story.
In the days to come, we'll hear from her friends, co-stars, and numerous fans. They will do a better job than I of describing her most endearing qualities. My final respects go out to her... for her longevity, her mass appeal, and her ability to inspire so many people during this 35 year love affair with us. Farah took more than a little bite out of pop culture, and left us all smitten in the process.
Charlie said it best.....
"Goodbye, Angel."
