Pop Culture Icons Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett

Posted on June 28, 2009
Filed Under Guest Columnist | 2 Comments

By Jennifer Akers

In one day, the world lost two pop culture icons: Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett. Though the two celebrities were loved for different reasons, they were an important part of social fabric of the 1970’s and 1980’s.

The sexy TV actress, Farrah Fawcett lost her fight with cancer at age 62. Given the rare cancer prognosis, her death was expected, but her fans had hoped their beloved Farrah would find a miracle. Within a few hours of her death, the shocking and unexpected death of Michael Jackson spread to fans across Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, MySpace, and blogs. Jackson had suffered cardiac arrest. At 50 years of age and the start of his world tour, the King of Pop was dead.

Famous Good Looks

farrah-fawcett1432121Farrah shot to fame with her sexy good looks, mile-wide smile, and tousled blonde hair. The iconic hair. Every girl wanted to look like Farrah, and that look started with having that hairstyle. Hairstylists quickly learned the “Farrah” cut, and women’s hair turned longer, layered, and rumpled. For a poster that ended up on the walls of both guys and girls, Farrah posed in a red, one-piece swimsuit. Sitting with one arm on a bent knee, Farrah tilted her head back, her million dollar smile and layers of ringed hair lighting up the frame. Her famous poster sold 12 million copies and remains the largest selling poster of all time. The poster gave her acting career a jump to the TV series, “Charlie’s Angels”.

Winning the Critics

farrah-fawcett143212One of the original of Charlie’s beautiful angels, Farrah stood out: her girl-next-door wholesomeness combined with sexiness made girls want to “be” her and the guys want to date her. Though she became best known for her work on “Charlie’s Angels”, she left after one season to pursue meatier acting roles. Farrah wanted to move beyond lightweight roles, which only showcased her beauty. She got her chance — and proved critics wrong about the blonde bombshell — in the movies, Burning Bed and Extremities. Fans and critics acknowledged Farrah’s acting strength in gritty roles about abused women. In later years, an actress’s “burning bed” referred to changing their career by taking a more serious acting role.

Extraordinary Talent

APTOPIX People Michael JacksonMichael Jackson’s fame started with his family’s singing group, The Jackson Five. He stood out as a star at only five years old. When he was embarked on his solo career, his upbeat vocals and unparallalled dance moves shot him into a career few entertainers would ever enjoy. Fans and wannabe singers emulated his singing, moves, and clothing style. His music crossed genres and audiences. In 1983, The King of Pop was born; he changed the music, video, and entertainment industries with his 14-minute, tightly choreagraphed, mini movie of “Thriller”. To date, the Thriller album remains the best selling album of all time.

Genius Moves

In the 1990’s, Jackson became the highlight of MTV. For fans, seeing him became as important as hearing him. His videos were events, as he combined raw singing talent and amazing dance techniques into an art production. He continued to amaze fans with stunning videos, like “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, and “Black or White“. Fans copied his style: the famous, one handed glove or red leather jacket. Fans were in awe of Jackson’s complicated dance techniques, like the robot and his signature moonwalk. His talent as a singer, songwriter, and artist was extraordinary. Jackson received many awards, including induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a member of The Jackson Five in 1997; second as a solo artist in 2001), 13 Grammy awards, 13 number one singles, and the sale of 750 million records.

Pop Culture Icons

What made them Pop Culture Icons? They began as part of American culture, and their talents became known worldwide. Most importantly, their influence changed culture. We wanted to “be” them. Many fans will reminisce about having Farrah’s poster in their bedroom or curling their hair to get her look. Others will tell you they wore one glove for months, while trying to imitate the seemingly inimitable slide, called the moonwalk. Fans will remember where they were when they watched Thriller on TV. Some fans will pursue their own dreams, as they find inspirations in the stories of these stars.

Of course, one also knows that Farrah’s and Jackson’s personal lives have been less than stellar. Their behavior has been considered eccentric, bizarre, and possibly criminal. That kind of turbulence makes people wonder if famous people have to endure a lion’s share of problems and pain. Yet, their fame is greater than their personal demons; generations of new fans enjoy their work, especially in Jackson’s case, where grade school kids listen to the King of Pop for the first time.

Because of all the changes to industry, culture, and global recognition, Jackson’s influence is arguably more widespread. Yet, both Farrah and Jackson influenced their respective industries. Their talent and their existence changed the things in our lives, as well as our lives. They changed how we saw ourselves. Both Farrah and Jackson wanted more from their careers, and their accomplishments will remain as a goal for new talent to reach.

In grieving both these icons, fans will reminisce and hope that an Angel and a King are out of pain and finally at peace.



Comments

2 Responses to “Pop Culture Icons Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett”

  1. Lynda Lukow on July 8th, 2009 3:56 pm

    May they rest in peace.

  2. Ziona Etzion on August 13th, 2009 1:48 am

    They are both people that had amazing
    impact and courage.

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