Friends, family say farewell to Farrah Fawcett
By Kim Devore / Staff Writer
Funeral services took place Tuesday for Farrah Fawcett at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. Services were private, but fans turned out to show their love for the ’70s icon and star of “Charlie’s Angels.”
The actress and longtime partner of Malibu resident Ryan O’Neal died at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica at 9:30 a.m. last Thursday.
“After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away,” O’Neal said in a statement released through his publicist. “Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world.”
The actress was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006. She told the world of her fight in an NBC documentary, which friends said was meant to serve as an inspiration for others.
Fawcett shot to fame in the 1970s as sexy private eye Jill Munroe in the hit TV series “Charlie’s Angels.” Her blonde tresses and megawatt smile made her an iconic pin-up poster girl. The actress went on to critical acclaim in the television drama “The Burning Bed.” In that more serious role, she won the first of three Emmy Awards for her portrayal as a battered wife.
Following her divorce from “Six Million Dollar Man” actor Lee Majors in 1982, Fawcett developed a relationship with “Love Story” star O’Neal and had a son, now 24-year-old Redmond. They parted after 17 years, but Fawcett was back at his side when O’Neal went through his own battle with leukemia. In her waning days, Fawcett, who spent some time at O’Neal’s Malibu condominium during the last few years, reportedly agreed to marry the “Love Story” actor, but was apparently too weak to do so.
O’Neal was at her side at the time of her death along with longtime friend Alana Stewart. Her son, who has a history of drug problems, was in jail at the time. Although he is serving time for a probation violation, arrangements were made for Redmond to be temporarily released in order to attend his mother’s funeral.
Tributes to the star soon came pouring in, including this from fellow “Charlie’s Angel” star Jaclyn Smith: “Farrah had courage, she had strength, and she had faith. And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels.”
In addition to her son, her father, James Fawcett, survives Fawcett. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to The Farrah Fawcett Foundation. P.O. Box 6478 Beverly Hills, California 90212.