Farrah Fawcett, a renowned television and beauty icon, gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s for her stunning appearance and her role in the popular series Charlie’s Angels. She was widely recognized for her sun-kissed good looks, which captivated audiences and earned her the title of a timeless pin-up model. Tragically, on June 25, 2009, Farrah Fawcett passed away at the age of 62 after battling anal cancer. Now, 14 years later, let’s reflect on her remarkable life through a collection of photographs.
One of the most iconic images of Farrah Fawcett was her appearance in a red swimsuit, featured in Life magazine in 1976. This image came to symbolize an entire decade and became a sensation, adorning the walls of countless teenage boys’ bedrooms. The poster, with over 12 million copies sold, solidified Fawcett as the ultimate pin-up of her time.
Farrah Fawcett’s love affair with the American public began when she landed a role in producer Aaron Spelling’s hit crime series, Charlie’s Angels. Although she only portrayed Jill Munroe regularly during the show’s first season, from 1976 to 1977, it was enough to establish her as the breakout star of the series. A promotional shot featuring Fawcett and her co-stars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith struck a memorable pose, cementing their status as wholesome sex symbols.
Even before her television success, Fawcett had captured attention with her radiant Southern blonde beauty. Voted “Beautiful Woman” by her high school classmates in Corpus Christi, Texas, she became a Hollywood sensation with her trademark flowing locks and megawatt smile. Fawcett’s popularity extended beyond the small screen, as she became the face of Wella Balsam shampoo and Ultra-Brite toothpaste.
After leaving Charlie’s Angels, Fawcett ventured into the world of movies, starring alongside Charles Grodin in the 1979 film Sunburn. Although the movie did not fare well, Fawcett’s mass appeal remained intact. She graced the cover of Playboy in December 1978, and at the age of 50, repeated the feat, making the December 1995 issue one of the magazine’s best-selling editions worldwide, selling over 4 million copies.
In 1975, Fawcett proved that she possessed more than just a pretty face. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, she embraced challenging roles in both television and film, receiving critical acclaim for her performances in works such as The Burning Bed, which earned her the first of four Emmy nominations, and The Apostle, which garnered her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award.
By the 2000s, Fawcett had made guest appearances on popular shows like Ally McBeal and Spin City. However, during this time, her name became associated not only with her professional achievements but also with her courageous battle against anal cancer. Despite the difficult circumstances, she faced her illness with remarkable bravery, humor, and resilience. On June 25, 2009, at the age of 62, Farrah Fawcett passed away, leaving behind a legacy that transcends her work in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on their time together, Kate Jackson, Fawcett’s co-star from Charlie’s Angels, spoke of her courage and humor during her fight against cancer in an interview with PEOPLE in November 2007. Fawcett’s personal life also gained attention due to her tumultuous relationship with actor Ryan O’Neal, with whom she had one son named Redmond.
