Just An Average Joe: Where Have All The Icons Gone

Within five days, four Icons in the Entertainment World passed away. From June 23 to June 28, 2009, these four recognizable entertainers were taken from us but, they all left impressions that will resonate for years to come.

Ed McMahon, said to be the ultimate and perennial sidekick of Johnny Carson, a past host of the tonight show, was the first of these elites to pass away. Mr. McMahon died at the age of 86 at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA in Los Angeles California. In recent years Mr. McMahon was suffering from medical issues and had only recently been able to settle some severe financial difficulties that had plagued him for several years prior. Mr. McMahon spent over twenty five years on the Tonight Show patenting the phrase “Hhheeeerrreee’ssssss Johnny” when introducing Johnny Carson every night. Even though, Mr. McMahon went on to continue his success in other entertainment endeavors, it will always be his booming voice and introduction that will be ingrained in the halls of entertainment legacy for all time.

Farrah Fawcett was the next Icon to pass in the early morning of June 25, 2009. Ms. Fawcett was best known for the role of Jill Monroe on the television series Charlie’s Angels, which aired in the 1970’s. Considered one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, she holds the record for the most Posters ever sold. Her trademark golden locks were captured in a photo of her in a one piece red bathing suit and sparkling smile. Ms. Fawcett continued with her career after Charlie’s Angels and received much notoriety for various movie and stage performances. Ms. Fawcett waged a courageous battle against Anal Cancer. Though, she had a couple of bouts in remission and promised her last beau Ryan O’Neal that she would marry him when she felt better, she passed before she could get the chance. Farrah Fawcett was 62 when she died and many a male heart went along with her.

In the afternoon of the same day Farrah Fawcett died, Michael Jackson, said to be the King of Pop, was pronounced dead at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center at UCLA. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office must wait for all the toxicology tests to be performed before he will issue the final cause of death. Michael Jackson was 50 years old. Mr. Jackson’s life has been chronicled through the years with accolades for his music and criticisms, for what some have said, are bizarre behavior. Much of the criticism was about alleged inappropriate behavior with minors and his parenting skills. However, on stage and performing, he is unmatched in talent and creativity as acknowledged by his peers. His mark on the music industry is forever etched.