A sad week in Hollywood
For anyone like me who grew up in the 1970's, this week was a sad one, as we lost three people from the entertainment industry that we felt we knew. I must confess I never did watch the Tonight Show after Johnny Carson left. Johnny and Ed McMahon made me laugh no matter how the day had gone. Many nights after college, I watched them with their silly sketches and jokes, and Ed always impressed me as likable, personable and genuine. It was sad that in latter years, he suffered both health and financial problems, but there was some faith in human nature when Donald Trump stepped in to help Ed when Ed was going to lose his home.
Not unexpectedly, but sad was the death of Farrah Fawcett yesterday. Farrah fought a three year battle with cancer. Farrah was the epitome of beauty and glamor in the 1970's and she worked hard to overturn the public's impression of her innocence and ditziness by succeeding in serious dramatic roles. She will always be remembered as one of Charlie's beautiful Angels and she died with dignity, her long-time love Ryan O'Neal at her side.Later yesterday, we were all shocked by the sudden death of Michael Jackson. Love him or hate him (and I'm sure like me, there were many people who did both), Michael was one of the most talented composer/singer/dancers we have seen in a long time.
I am saddened that after Michael was burned filming a Pepsi commercial, he seemed to start on a downward spiral that he could not get out of. (I have always hated Pepsi.) Back in the 1970's, I was fascinated by Michael and Donny Osmond, who were the same age as me. How could kids my age do what they did? Michael went on to do great things with Billie Jean, the Moonwalk and Thriller. I feel sad for how he became in latter years - he seemed so alone and crying for help.When people we grew up watching on film and TV die, we suddenly feel our own mortality rushing ever closer, as well as the realization that life is very short and we are only here for a short time. At least these three lived a good life, albeit cut short, and their work and impact made a difference to people. That is what we all need to strive for - making a difference and influencing others in a positive way. Our theme here at Globespotter is: 'Together we can make our world a better place.' These three did that.