About Last Night: Remembering Michael and Farrah

What a day. What a day. Is anyone else famous going to die? Let's hope not.

It was hard when Barbara Walters told me over my morning latte that Farrah was close to death, and when she died about an hour later I felt immense sadness. As a child growing up in the '70s, I saw Farrah everywhere. She was gorgeous. She was seductive. She was an icon. And I got to sleep with her in my bed every night—that sex kitten image in her bathing suit was on a satin pillow my dad bought me when I was about eight. Little did he know I wasn't pining away for her as he had hoped, but still loved rubbing against that pillow (can you blame me? It was satin!). She was an Angel. Not only Charlie's, but mine, too, and for so many others. Even though she somewhat disappeared from the spotlight over the next few decades, she was still that lovable Farrah. Hearing about her being diagnosed with cancer a few years ago was sad, but knowing it was there softened the blow of her ultimate death.

And then came the most unexpected news of the day. Michael. How could the King of Pop, self proclaimed or otherwise, be—gasp!—dead? It was unbelievable even to hear he'd suffered cardiac arrest. And then was in a coma. Then just moments later, we heard the news, which still is surreal. When my partner called me in the car on my way to a wine tasting, I screamed. Not like a little girl, but an audible shock that was done in unison with anyone who has been touched by his music. Michael Jackson dead? And just when he was going to, maybe, make a comeback. He lived a reclusive life and many people wrote him off as a freak. We didn't hear about him that often since his 2005 child molestation case, but he was still around. His music was still played in clubs, on the radio and at home. We didn't have to see him for MJ to have an impact.

They say celebrity deaths come in threes and the only thing that could be worse for gay community today would be if we, god forbid, received news that Cher, Bette or Madonna (or Liza or Diana for that matter), too had died. But fortunately for us, Jackson was actually the third tragic death this week; Ed McMahon, the lovable sidekick to Johnny Carson and host of "Star Search," where it could be said he kicked off Britney's career, died on Tuesday.

The news of Jackson's death sadly overshadows that of Farrah's, but you can't argue the impact both had on so many people. Around the world today people talked how much both meant to them. Throughout the morning, people Twittered their condolences and memories of Farrah. And as the afternoon turned into evening, fans around the globe played Michael Jackson songs and danced in the streets. A friend told me that in the heart of Chicago's hippest 'hood, Wicker Park, hundreds of people gathered at the main intersection and randomly started singing "Billie Jean."

Gay friends emailed to say they left work early because they were distraught over both deaths. People got together in the early evening for drinks to toast the pair. And as the night dragged on, more glasses were raised to the man whose music will live on forever.

So as I sit here, with "The Way You Make Me Feel" playfully bouncing around my head, and the image of Farrah with her pearly whites beaming back at me, I mourn the loss of two icons. Icons for very different reasons, but icons—to the gay and straight worlds—nonetheless.

How did their lives impact you? What did you do last night to remember Farrah or Michael or both? Let us know. Talk to each other. It's a sad day in the entertainment world and no one wants to go through it alone.

(Photos: Amazon.com and Getty Images)

Comments

[ltr_search]

It is much better to be KIND THEN PERFECT! And no one person is "PERFECT" WE ALL HAVE OUR DOWN-FALLS. More airtime
would be needed by the networks if we all were on the NEWS at 11. Talking about the mistakes and life-styles of each of us naming names. Think about hou you would feel first.
Michael and Farrah both will always be loved by me.
And you are so right....Michael's emotional suffering is over. Let's remember all the wonderful contributions that made to our lives and not any of the bad....THANK YOU

[JORDANO SANTORO]

Well i was doing porn and one of the other models say .. OMG michael jackson is dead
WTF!! ... and i lost my erection!

Seriously when i was little i LOVE michael Jackson is one of the most amazing artist of all the times!

We gonna miss u M!

[Rodder]

What did I do last night? First thing I did was change the TV channel from the news channel. Michael Jackson did nothing to impress me (in fact quite the opposite) and I was tired of listening to all the people that used to criticize him praise him now that he's dead. Now Farrah that's another story.

[Amy Ess]

I was born about 8 months after Michael Jackson. I didn't know the man but I grew up with him. Listened to his unbelievable music. He was a genius. Berry Gordy said that at 9 years old he had more musical savvy than most of the recording artists he had ever met. Quincy Jones said flatly, "He was a genius." As did throngs of other musicians and musical producers. He was, in a word, brilliant.

Unfortunately, that brilliance extended to his job, his talent but not to his life. I believe he was one of the most tormented human beings on the planet. It is a sad homage to the fact that fame and fortune are not the keys to happiness. We will never know the true story of his childhood (or lack of one) or of the accusations of child abuse. I believe that he was quite sick. And it disturbs me that his illness which traumatized several children may go uncommented on in the rush and babble of media frenzy that will surround the event of his death.

His tragic desire to physically change who he was was a limitless source of jokes to the world. To me it was infinitely sad. To reject your 'self' in such a concrete way. However, he is not the first to do so, and will not be the last.

So, I was quite torn emotionally when I heard of his death. On the one hand I mourn a man who's music brought great joy and happiness to my life. On the other, I had an almost savage feeling of relief that he will no longer be a threat to the innocence of children. And, I hope that whomever gains custodianship of his children will give them a home that they can thrive in.

I hope that he finds the peace in death that he could not find in life. And wish comfort to those who were close to him and loved him.

As far as Farrah goes, I never thought much of the woman, not my type.*smile* UNTIL she made the movie "The Burning Bed." More than anything that made me respect her as a woman and as an actor. I think it took great strength of character for her to make that film and I believe it had a huge impact on how domestic abuse was viewed by our society.
She went through her illness with dignity and donated millions of dollars for research for her illness. I wish her Godspeed on the next part of her journey.

I always find it interesting that those people who say, "Their death meant nothing to me," take the time to post that "Their death meant nothing to me." I guess I would expect someone who really believed that not to take the time to read the article or make a post. I get where you're coming from, but your supposed indifference doesn't seem terribly genuine--it just seems to be an attempt to placate your ego.

And to the other folks who so self-righteously attempt to shame the people who are posting here by trumpeting the REAL tragedies that are happening in the world; may I respectfully suggest that your attempts at drawing attention to situations that you feel are critical would be more successful if your manner was not so patronizing, bombastic and self-aggrandizing?

[Outtaline]

I suppose now we'll be bombarded for months about the fighting of custody of his kids and listening to all the crap about his financial mess! (all his own fault btw)

[hellrazor]

The children are safe again. Who woulda thought we'd lose two famous white women in one day...(inaudible whispering)...what do you mean hes a black man????

[Chad]

Forget about all the ways he touched so many lives. We must remember how he touched the lives (and touched other things) on all the little boys he slept with. ONE LESS PEDOPHILE ON EARTH!

[GOD]

MICHAEL --- IF YOU HAPPEN TO MAKE IT TO MY HOME HERE IN HEAVEN I GUARANTEE YOU THAT YOU'LL NOT EVEN BE CLOSE TO ANY LITTLE BOY ANGELS!

[David]

I was more interested in the death of Anna Nicole. We lost Michael Jackson a long time ago. Farrah had her crazy moments, but she definitely went out on a much more respectable note than anyone could have predicted. She may be overshadowed, but she is also riding the length of Jacko's press which is more than she would have got.

[Eli]

Frankly, as far as Mr jackson is concerned, i just carried on with my life. Weirdo child molester drug addict dies while being shot up..wow..big suprise...big loss...NOT. I liked Farrah..she was a hottie. I hope her family is doing ok.

[Poor Baby !]

What am doing after hearing the new's of his death you ask.
Im going to throw a freaking awesome party, that the freaking
pedophile is finally dead. Shame that he wasnt murdered instead. It would of made his death more appealing ! ! ! ! !

Ding Dong The Pedophile is dead, the wicked pedophile, the wicked pedophile is dead !

"HOOOOO RAYYYYYYY"

[Eli]

The other thing I just realized is that this is probably a realistic preview of the story we will soon hear about paula as well.

[JohnC]

I was saddened by both celebrity deaths, especially Farrah's after such a long, brave, and hard fought battle. And yes, both deaths did out a lump in my throat, but leaving work early because someone is to distraught over a celebrities death. How stereotypically gay! MAN UP! That's is ridiculous!

[Poor Baby !]

Im going to throw a freaking awesome party, that the freaking
pedophile is finally dead. Shame that he wasnt murdered instead. It would of made his death more appealing ! ! ! ! !

Ding Dong The Pedophile is dead, the wicked pedophile, the wicked pedophile is dead !

"HOOOOO RAYYYYYYY"

[David Araujo]

I am sad too. but I believe on continuation and still pray for both of them, to say the truth for all of us as well.

[Patrick]

What did I do? I went on with my life as usual. I went to the gym, and definitely did not watch t.v. The fact that Michael Jackson is plastered all over the news and websites because he died is ridiculous! There are many, many other things going on in the world that is much more worthy of headline news! What happened with all the rioting in Iran? What about that other crazy, Kim Jong II? He impacts our lives WAY more than Michael Jackson ever will. Who cares about his mountains of debt? This has nothing to do with us, that is between his family and no one else. People die everyday, lets get over it already. It's strange that Farrah's death has just disappeared though. I saw something on yahoo news, and then MJ died and she just disappeared more or less. Why isn't there ever some REAL news featured here?

[Good Bye Pedophile !]

Im going to throw a freaking awesome party, that the freaking
pedophile is finally dead. Shame that he wasnt murdered instead. It would of made his death more appealing ! ! ! ! !

Ding Dong The Pedophile is dead, the wicked pedophile, the wicked pedophile is dead !

"HOOOOO RAYYYYYYY"

[Jerry]

I was saddened about Farrah because I was keeping up with her battle and praying that her battle would result in her beating the disease. What is odd is I remember thinking before I turned on the internet," I hope the headline for the day isn't that she died." Sure enough, it was.

With Michael, memories of my childhood came back. I wasn't a big fan, but my sisters were, so hearing his music all over the news stations took me back to when I was a kid living in Turkey and my big brother letting me watch the Thriller video with him even when my sisters said it would scare me. Big talent and it's a shame that he left the world so early.

Did I cry or change my usual routine? No. I wished them both a silent prayer to make it to heaven and then went about my day. Life goes on, folks, and as selfish as it may sound, if it's not a friend or relative or pet, I won't cry and change my routine.

[Bryce]

I continued on with my normal routine.

[Jared]

People say that Michael Jackson was a pedophile, yet on any given time, there are about 25 men over the age of 35 in the College room on this site. I do not think it is wise for gay men to throw stones when they live in glass houses.

[Homohirsutus]

Well there is no doubt both of these people were a structural part of Americana. I had Farah Faucet feathered hair and wore one glove for a while as a child in the 80s. And a retrospective article about their lives is certainly a worth while thing to watch. A lot of people do enjoy seeing a "life review" of some kind after people that are prominent figures die. Its like the "year in review" stories we watch every year right around New Years. Some people reading this wont agree, and thats why you can watch another channel. But...thats only if you can find one with out 24/7 live footage of "Deathgate!"

So I have to say one thing....the media has gone totally out of control once again. Round the clock live coverage of Michael Jacksons death with Prime Time being pre-empted was too much. (Thank God for Hulu so I could watch something else). Its not like we are waiting for Michael Jackson to rise from the dead like black Jesus. He is dead, and a simple report to tell people that on the evening news was perfectly sufficient. There is no breaking news to report....he is still dead! The media in this country is out of control. I wish they would stop.

[Zack]

I was not to shocked to hear about Farah seeing as she had cancer but it was still tragic, the Sex Kitten Blonde bombshell, then the king of pop god i can only imagine what is going to happen with his kids and how his family will hold up and then an even bigger icon Ed this has been a really bad year for hollywood all my condolences to the families of the deceased we loved all of you and always will

[Jason]

Granted yes...They were both celebrities..But they were also human beings. We all make mistakes...I see many writing about MJ being a pedophile...Sure...Maybe he was...Maybe he wasn't. I don't see any of you trashing others out there....Like R Kelly? And I'm sure many others...But hey we all have faults...So to the Bashers out there...Judge lest ye be judged and let those who have made no wrong throw the first stone. So To finish what I was saying is...Don't dwell on the past...Move on and get over it. Farrah was a good actress. I didn't know either. Was shocked over their deaths..I moved on as quickly as it happened. Sure they both will be missed. And may they both rest in peace and be happy wherever they both are.

[Joe]

All of you need to get over this shit. He was some freak who wasn't happy with the way he looked and was all too happy to tell the whole world about it yet wanted to be left alone? She was dumbass who let every man she ever loved beat her senseless and always went back for more. She died of cancer and taped the whole thing for the world to see. Why???? What is ANYONE learning by watching your stupid ass die? This obsession with people you'll NEVER meet or have ZERO in common with needs to be addressed more often than when someone like these two die. They've never done anything truly meaningful for anyone but themselves.

[carter]

i love how all of you people with your entertainment tonight sourced information think you know more than a jury who was presented with all of the facts. how someone can be found innocent and people still want to crucify them is beyond me. oh right, they killed jesus too. i'm pretty sure he was probably innocent, but i'm just guessing. this was clearly a tortured man, but mostly because of society's cruelty and people's ignorance. i would have expected a little more than name-calling on a gay website. didn't we all grow up with that? and to the dumbasses who think this man didn't impact your life - wake the fuck up. he changed music and culture in ways people will discuss for years to come. i wasn't even that big of a fan, but i do have respect for talent and for the dead. i hope he finds the peace in death that so eluded him in life. god bless you michael. thank you for the music and the memories.

[Whiskey]

I've read through the comments and I get that pedophilia is disgusting. Michaels' name and reputation were sullied but his talent never was. It wasn't even a style of music that works for me, but wow, what a collection. For young bitches who don't remember, Michael desegregated MTV. Celebrity, superstar, genius and such are pop culture shorthand. It's a part of how we identify and communicate. When Michael died gen x stopped being young.
I miss the sick, hot mess that was Farrah too. It's a damn shame she had to die on the same day. I'm queer as a football bat but I jacked off to that poster too.

[David]

It truly was sad day yesterday, we lost two of the biggest icons of any generation, I was just a teenager when Farrah was at her peak, I was practically grown (in my 20's)when MJ hit his zenith, both were huge influences in their time, both will be missed for many many different reasons. Farrah we had come to sort of anticipate her passing, but Michael Jackson came as a complete and utter shock. It is my sincerest hope that both of these incredibly talented people will now finally have the rest they have for long deserved. We should all take a moment and in our hearts remember both of these hugely gifted people for the contribution they made to our world and the influence they had on generations.
To both Michael & Farrah: We miss you and will remember you always. Rest in Peace Dear Ones.

[Just some man]

It's not Myanmar. It's Burma. Myanmar is what a dick renamed the country. I hate kids who talk about politics without any understanding of history.

[JosephHfx]

I was impressed with Farrah's work in TV movies. She was an actess with substance tackling social issues like domestic violence. Her cancer doucmentary was so up front, and probably meant a lot to people dealing with a serious illness. I hope she is remembered as a heroine of modern times.
MJ was on the path of self destruction for a long time. All those plastic surgeries he subjected himself to, and the medications, had to take a toll. It was inevitable. It's such a great loss to the world of entertainment.

[xwinger]

I did nothing. Michael Jackson's was not my type of music. As far as Farah, I wasn't into Charlie's Angels back then, and still am not now.

[Ed]

I feel really bad for Farrah. She had suffered alot over the last 3 years and I was a big Charlie's Angel fan. As far as Michael Jackson where as I did like alot of his music I have to say it did not affect me in the least. This wanna be bleached white boy was a bit crazy and also a pediphile. That is why he paid millions of dollars to keep people's mouths shut. Well one thing is sure even though I am not judge and jury of his life I have to say that wax burns very fast in hell.

[Tom Schroeder]

Not everyone makes headlines in the paper. Not everyone appears in a high rated TV show. Not everyone sings in concerts all over the world.
But, I do not know the name of everyone.
Farah and Michael were people in our view, who in my opinion, made our lives more enjoyable. I don't begrudge them their high profiles ... I like them both for the work they did. It's great to have had these two people to help make some years of my life more enjoyable.

I won't judge them for mistakes in their lives. Who am I to cast a stone?

[Joe]

The poster photo of Farrah in the tank top....with her nipples protruding....was probably jacked off too by millions of horny boys in the 80s. She was a Fantasy. And while that photo is fully clothed, it WAS the porn of the 80s. Now you can see chicks eating poo with a mouse click. I miss the simpler times she represented.

[fockinmeen]

I would have preferred that the world's favorite pedophile had died after being raped, beaten and tortured in prison, but hey, as the song says, "You can't always get what you want."

[Matt]

You know what I said when my friend informed me that Michael Jackson passed away? Good riddance!

[Brandon]

Did I miss something here? While I am young enough (26) to not have grown up with Farrah or been heavily influenced by Micheal's singing over the years, what is the big deal about two icon people (for vastly different reasons) dying? Can someone PLEASE explain to me how people who have not had a personal relationship/connection with either of the deceased individuals in question take their deaths "personally?" I mean, come on folks, yes you may have grown up with them and enjoy his singing and her acting, but it's not like you were friends with them for 10, 20, or 30 years. They are people you see on tv, in concert, etc, but don't have a real connection to, so why take it that hard? Does it suck that someone who you enjoyed seeing on TV or in concert is no longer there to entertain you? Yes. Does it suck that two people died? Yes. Does it suck for both of their families and close friends that have to deal with the emotional fall-out of losing a loved one? Absolutely! But don't take it personally and start getting all teary-eyed about the death of someone who had no greater impact on your life than that of a stranger at a distance.

[JOE]

FARRAH IM GLAD HER SUFFFERING IS OVER SHE WAS A GREAT ANGEL, SHE WAS FUNNY AND GREAT AND IT SUCKS TO HAVE THE BEST OF US GO THREW THAT!!

MICHAEL, HE CAN BURN IN HELL I DONT GIVE A FUCK ABOUT WHAT ANY OF YOU THINK OF ME BUT I CANT STAND THE PLASTIC DOLL!!!!! I THINK THE WORLDS A BETTER PLACE WITH ONE LESS PERV!! SO YEA IM MEAN O WELL HE SHOULDN'T HAVE EVEN BEEN ABLE TO KEEP HIS KIDS AFTER ALL THAT CAME OUT THEN HE HELD ONE OUT A WINDOW!!

EVERYONES FEELINGS ARE THERE OWN! AND THEY HAVE A RIGHT TO PUBLICLY SAY THEM SO BYE FARRAH YOULL BE MISSED!! FUCK YOU MICHAEL BURN IN HELL!!!!

[Phillip]

i cryed when i hear about Michael's death. i was in the car driving when i heard the news i had to stop on the side of the rd.i still remember the day i brought his record On the wall..my first record with my first pay us a 18 year old.He will leave on us a legent and will be loved for ever.lets remember him for how he has touched many life's.the pain and suffering is over may he find peace the peace a lot of people have taken away from him.my respect and love are with you Michael for ever. Phillip

[Jo]

I agree with an earlier poster...I absolutely LOVED Jackson and his songs will live on in my heart and mind for years to come. I grew up to his music and Im only 21!

But...call me in denial, but Im just not completely believing his death. You just never know what actually happened non of us were there. It could be staged, he has the funds to do technically whatever he wants. I'd also be saddened if it was a possible suicide also.

If all is true, its a reminder that we are all human...nobody is perfect and at any time it could be time to go. Dust is dust no matter if its worth $5 or $5 billion. But still...didnt really expect it at all. A warning would have been easier ;-(

[splerrk]

I haven't cried for either & we can only try & avoid this latest news.
But at least Farrah opened our eyes to the struggles of battling with cancer along with her close ones & still beautifully was strong enough to have strength & hope & yearning to make a difference to others.
No offense to MJ fans, but he only contributed to himself, brainlessly buying over priced garbage just to prove to the world that he can.
And only having a FAILED press conference to cover his own ass after dangling his kid over a balcony rail.
Look at how poorly he was handling the kid in that interview
He only cared about his image & it showed evidently in that interview.
I can't believe he died 500 million in the hole.
What kind of contributions has he made to anyone other than himself?
I don't mean to sound horrible, but maybe death is the best thing that could ever have happened to MJ.

[edward]

The coroner investigating Michael Jackson's death issued a statement: "Michael Jackson died picking his nose." He didn't blame it on the sunshine, he didn't blame it on the moonlight, he blamed it on the boogie.

[Jeff]

Like many others, I raised a glass to celebrate MJ's death. Unlike the majority of his 'fans', I listened to the same jurors who acquitted him say they were certain he's a pedophile. Hopefully he will be forgotten...and quickly.

[Tim Sargeant]

Any other Pedophile dying would not cause such a hulabaloo, many children damaged for life that will struggle with there memories of "michael"

[Lisa Edwards]

My comment is about Michael Jackson, I wish all the people who are saying mean and hateful things about him would stop. They are not God so they have no right to judge him. I think he was an amazing person who never got to be a child. And I strongly believe he is in Heaven being the little child he never got to be. So all of you mean and hateful people leave him the HELL alone for crying out loud he just died. In my book he was never a freak. The real freaks in this world are all the mean and hateful people who never liked him, they were all just jealous that's all. Because he had all the talent and they didn't ha ha. Lisa. Rest in peace Michael. P.S. PLEASE RESPECT THE JACKSON FAMILY'S PRIVACY LEAVE THEM ALONE THEY ARE GRIEVING.

[oldkingtroll]

The media - mainly mainstream -- reported Michael Jackson's life in terms of his huge influence on pop culture. I can still remember the first time he did the Moonwalk -- amazing!

Most people younger than 40, however, seem to have taken a much different view on his life. One bartender at last night's Sunday tea dance was devastating in mocking every single MJ tune that got played; from the hand wrapped in a surgical glove to the faux kicks, poses and dancing while serving people. He told me that I could have no idea how much of this he'd put up with these past four days; he also opined that MJ wasn't "all that" for over 20 years.

These reactions made me realize that my own views are also tied to my age and the fact that I remember when both were iconic. In other words, my reactions were fundamentally nostalgic.