What was Farrah Fawcett's lasting impact on American culture?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the lasting impact of actress Farrah Fawcett on American culture, particularly focusing on her influence in the entertainment industry, her iconic status, and her battle with cancer. Participants reflect on her contributions to television, her personal struggles, and the cultural phenomena surrounding her image and legacy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recall Fawcett's famous poster and her status as a cultural icon during her peak, noting her role as a "hearthrob" in America.
  • Several comments highlight her strength and courage during her battle with cancer, with mentions of a documentary that showcased her positive attitude despite her illness.
  • Participants discuss the influence of her hairstyle, suggesting that many girls imitated her look, which became a significant trend.
  • There are references to her role in "Charlie's Angels," with some participants providing details about her career timeline and her marriage to Lee Majors.
  • Some participants express unfamiliarity with Fawcett, indicating generational differences in recognition of her impact.
  • There are personal anecdotes shared about owning memorabilia related to Fawcett, such as dolls, and the nostalgia associated with her image.
  • One participant mentions the broader implications of her story, suggesting that it raised awareness about the consequences of refusing medical treatment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a mix of agreement on Fawcett's cultural significance and personal impact, but also reveals disagreement regarding her recognition in different demographics and the extent of her influence overseas. No consensus is reached on the overall assessment of her legacy.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about Fawcett's international fame and the specific cultural contexts in which she was recognized. There are also varying personal interpretations of her impact, influenced by individual experiences and generational perspectives.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the cultural history of American television, the evolution of celebrity influence, and the societal perceptions of health and illness in the public eye.

Ivan Seeking
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Actress and incandescent beauty Farrah Fawcett, 62, died this afternoon at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif., after a long battle with cancer.

Hers was the face that launched a million push pins...
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20090625_Farrah_Fawcett_dies_at_62.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRtNeSOGkvI

I can remember when her most famous poster was seen EVERYWHERE! For a decade she was America's hearthrob.
 
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I saw a recent documentary about her battle with cancer. It showed an amazing amount of strength and courage right to the end that she had them filming her at her worst moments to help raise more awareness about cancer, and that she seemed to be remaining very positive in her attitude in spite of knowing she was dying.
 
Moonbear said:
I saw a recent documentary about her battle with cancer. It showed an amazing amount of strength and courage right to the end that she had them filming her at her worst moments to help raise more awareness about cancer, and that she seemed to be remaining very positive in her attitude in spite of knowing she was dying.

That documentary was playing in the background as I was doing chores, so I only caught a bit of it. But I was impressed by her wit and optimism.
 
Farewell... you were my favorite Angel.

http://www.gizmotastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/farrah-fawcett.jpg
 
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Moonbear said:
I saw a recent documentary about her battle with cancer. It showed an amazing amount of strength and courage right to the end that she had them filming her at her worst moments to help raise more awareness about cancer, and that she seemed to be remaining very positive in her attitude in spite of knowing she was dying.

Yes, I have seen a bit of this and was impressed as well. It seems that beneath all of that beauty, she was a real beauty.
 
I'm clearly showing my age, but I've never heard of her... !
 
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cristo said:
I'm clearly showing my age, but I've never heard of her... !

You're not showing your age; you're showing your planet.
 
DaveC426913 said:
You're not showing your age; you're showing your planet.

:biggrin: Thank goodness, because I was worrying he was showing MY age!
 
cristo said:
I'm clearly showing my age, but I've never heard of her... !
Fawcett starred with Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith in Charlie's Angles, which aired from 1976 to 1981. Fawcett was in the first season 1976-77, then skipped a year and reappeared during 1978-80. Prior to Charlie's Angels she starred in commercials during the late 60's through early 1970's.

She was married to Lee Majors, star of TV's The Six Million Dollar Man, from 1973–1982, although the couple separated in 1979. At the time she was known as Farrah Fawcett-Majors.

Apparently millions of girls imitated her hair style.
 
  • #10
Astronuc said:
Apparently millions of girls imitated her hair style.

Including most of the ones that I knew.
 
  • #11
DaveC426913 said:
You're not showing your age; you're showing your planet.

I don't know that she was ever big overseas.
 
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  • #12
Ivan Seeking said:
I don't know that she was ever big overseas.
Overseas. Yeah. Isn't that what I said? :biggrin:
 
  • #13
Astronuc said:
Apparently millions of girls imitated her hair style.

I had a Farrah doll. It was basically a Barbie doll with Farrah's head. I wish I still had it...it'd probably be worth a lot of money today.

Though, Kate Jackson was always my favorite angel.
 
  • #14
Moonbear said:
Though, Kate Jackson was always my favorite angel.
Mine too! :-p :biggrin: I liked serious, intelligent woman with dark hair.
 
  • #15
Astronuc said:
Fawcett starred with Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith in Charlie's Angles, which aired from 1976 to 1981. Fawcett was in the first season 1976-77, then skipped a year and reappeared during 1978-80. Prior to Charlie's Angels she starred in commercials during the late 60's through early 1970's.

Oh right, of course I've heard of the original Charlie's Angels, though I don't recognise them by name (or even face!). Still, seems like all the things she was renowned for were done way before I was born :wink:
 
  • #16
Moonbear said:
Though, Kate Jackson was always my favorite angel.
Mine too.

I liked her so much, I paid full price to see her in 'Making Love'.

(Note: she was not one of the ones making love, or having love made to her)
 
  • #17
I decided to keep all three of them.
 
  • #18
Astronuc said:
Mine too! :-p :biggrin: I liked serious, intelligent woman with dark hair.
I always thought that she was the "pretty" one.
 
  • #19
DaveC426913 said:
Mine too.

I liked her so much, I paid full price to see her in 'Making Love'.

(Note: she was not one of the ones making love, or having love made to her)


Mine too, and me too. :smile:

Farrah's hair. Oh the hours of lost sleep she cost me every morning when I woke really early to try and imitate her hairstyle every day before school.

She's truly a part of a large collective memory.
 
  • #20
On the up side she certainly raised awareness of the fact that refusing medical treatment kills people.
 
  • #21
Farrah always turned on my faucet. Sorry, that's an old joke from the 70's. I usually take 'em from the 50's. Everything is harder when you are in the public eye, even dying.
 

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