In Memoriam – Michael Jackson

Now I really am feeling old. Losing Farrah Fawcett was expected, given her known health condition, but losing Michael Jackson is just surreal.

Michael Jackson, a fellow Hoosier, grew up in Gary, Indiana, and from there went on to become the King of Pop. There was no one better on the stage than Michael in his prime. Even dance great Fred Astaire admired Michael: “Oh, God! That boy moves in a very exceptional way. That’s the greatest dancer of the century.”

Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the “King of Pop” and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. He was 50. [...]

The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the newspaper.

Jackson’s death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music’s premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album “Thriller” — which included the blockbuster hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” — remains the biggest-selling album of all time, with more than 26 million copies.

Michael Jackson was talented, troubled, eccentric, and generous. He was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback. I know this … it would have been a Thriller.

Rest in peace Michael.

Michael Jackson at 50: His Four-Decade Career in Photos

In Memoriam – Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Fawcett, best known as one of “Charlie’s Angles” has died at 62. Fawcett had waged a courageous battle against cancer.

“Farrah had courage, she had strength, and she had faith. And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels,” Jaclyn Smith said.

Farrah burst on the scene in 1976 as one of three “Charlie’s Angles” — Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson were the other two. A poster of her in a swimsuit sold millions. Even I had one. And her hair style was emulated by women and girls all across the country. Farrah left the show after one season to pursue a film career, but never quite made the transition to the big screen.

She did, however, receive praise for her television film “The Burning Bed” — where she portrayed an abused wife.

She had been diagnosed with cancer in 2006. As she underwent treatment, she enlisted the help of O’Neal, who was the father of her now 24-year-old son, Redmond.

This month, O’Neal said he asked Fawcett to marry him and she agreed. They would wed “as soon as she can say yes,” he said.

Her struggle with painful treatments and dispiriting setbacks was recorded in the television documentary “Farrah’s Story.” Fawcett sought cures in Germany as well as the United States, battling the disease with iron determination even as her body weakened.

“Her big message to people is don’t give up, no matter what they say to you, keep fighting,” her friend Stewart said. NBC estimated the May 15, 2009, broadcast drew nearly 9 million viewers.

Rest in peace Farrah, and sincere condolences to your family and friends.