American actress, model, and artist Farrah Leni Fawcett was best known for her portrayal in the film The Apostle. In her career, she had received four Emmy Award nominations and six Golden Globe Award nominations. She started her career with commercials after being born in Corpus Christi, Texas. She also appeared as a guest star on television programs such as “I Dream of Jeannie” and “The Flying Nun.” She made her cinema debut in the French film “Love is a Funny Thing” in a supporting role. Her iconic red swimsuit poster, which eventually became the best-selling pin-up poster in history, brought her international recognition. Over the years, she has appeared in a number of other popular television series and films, which have helped to establish her as an industry icon. Her portrayal of a private investigator in the television series Charlie’s Angels was highly regarded. The series followed the adventures of three private investigators operating in Los Angeles. She was also well-known for her dramatic portrayals, such as the battered wife in the television film ‘The Burning Bed.’ She was ranked 26th on TV Guide’s list of the 50 greatest television performers of all time. At the age of 59, she was diagnosed with anal cancer, and she passed away three years later.
Youth and Early Life
Farrah Leni Fawcett was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 2, 1947. Her father, James William Fawcett, was a contractor in the energy industry, while her mother, Pauline Alice Fawcett, was a housewife. Her older sibling was named Diane. In Houston, Texas, she attended John J. Pershing Middle School. She attended WB Ray High School afterward. For four years, she was deemed the “Most Beautiful Student.”
She attended the University of Texas after graduating from high school. A year later, a celebrity publicist asked her to move to California and become a model. Her parents initially forbade her from traveling on the trip but later decided to accompany her. Within two weeks, she landed a modeling contract and began appearing in print and television advertisements.
Farrah Fawcett’s Career
1969 marked Farrah Fawcett’s film début with a supporting role in the romantic drama “Love is a Funny Thing.” The following year, she portrayed a supporting character in the film Myra Breckinridge. The film was a commercial failure, and over time it gained a reputation as one of the worst ever produced. Among her earliest television roles were appearances on “Flying Nun,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” and “Getting Together.”
In 1976, Pro Arts Inc. proposed the concept of Fawcett’s poster to her agent, following which a photoshoot was scheduled. It is believed that Fawcett styled her hair without a mirror. Her image in a red one-piece swimsuit became the most popular poster in history.
She was offered a part in the science-fiction film Logan’s Run due to her increased popularity. The film, directed by Michael Anderson, depicts a dystopian future society in which the population becomes too large and resource consumption is rationed by murdering anyone over the age of 30. The film was a financial success but received conflicting reviews.
From 1976 to 1980, she starred in the crime drama series Charlie’s Angels, which followed the exploits of three female private investigators. The program was a tremendous success, gaining widespread popularity. It was met with divided reviews.
In the 1978 comedy mystery film “Somebody Killed Her Husband,” she played the main role. It was helmed by director Lamoni Johnson. She continued her acting career, starring in films such as “Sunburn” (1979), “The Cannonball Run” (1981), “Extremities” (1986), and “See You in the Morning” (1990). (1989).
She was nominated for her first Emmy for her portrayal in the 1984 television film The Burning Bed. In the 1980s, she appeared in several television films, including “Nazi Hunter: The Beate Klarsfeld Story” (1986), “Double Exposure: The Story of Margaret Bourke-White” (1989), and “Small Sacrifices.” (1989).
She was not very active during the 1990s, but she had a significant role in the 1997 drama film The Apostle. Robert Duvall directed the film and also performed the lead role. The film was a financial triumph, grossing approximately four times its budget.
Her final films were ‘Dr. T & the Women’ (2000) and ‘The Cookout’ (2000). (2004). Her final television performances include “Spin City,” “The Guardian,” and “Chasing Farrah.” In 2009, she made her final appearance in the non-fiction special ‘Farrah’s Story,’ which marked the end of her career.
Farrah’s Major Opera
The first significant role Farrah Fawcett played on the big screen was in the 1976 thriller film Logan’s Run. Michael Anderson directed the film, which also featured Michael York, Jenny Agutter, Richard Jordan, and Roscoe Lee Browne. The film depicts a dystopian future society with a large population and limited resources. This results in the execution of everyone over 30 years old. The film is about a young man who kills others in order to avoid his own demise.
She performed one of the leading roles in the television crime drama Charlie’s Angels. Her character works for a private investigative agency in Los Angeles that combats crime. Although the series was well-received by the audience, it was criticized for its lack of intellectual depth. Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, Cheryl Ladd, Shelly Hack, and Tanya Roberts were among the other actors featured in the program.
In the American thriller film Extremities, Fawcett portrayed the lead role alongside Alfre Woodard, Diana Scarwid, and James Russo. It was adapted from William Mastrosimone’s controversial but successful 1982 play of the same name.
The film is about a young museum worker named Marjorie who resides with two female roommates. After being attacked with a knife by a masked man, she encounters a succession of bizarre occurrences. Fawcett was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.
Farrah’s Personal Life
Farrah Fawcett was married to Lee Majors from 1973 to 1982. Later, she developed a romantic relationship with actor Ryan O’Neal. Redmond James Fawcett O Neal was born in 1985 as their firstborn. During a limited period in the late 1990s, she was also in a relationship with Canadian filmmaker James Orr.
In 2006, she was diagnosed with anal carcinoma. Despite being declared cancer-free following cycles of aggressive treatment, cancer returned later. She underwent chemotherapy as well as alternative treatments and valiantly fought the disease until her death. Ultimately, she passed away on June 25, 2009. After five days, a private funeral was conducted in Los Angeles. Her mortal remains were interred in Los Angeles’ Westwood Village Memorial Park.
Estimated Net Worth
At the time of her demise in 2009, American actress and artist Farrah Fawcett had a net worth of $40 million. This estimate of her net worth incorporates a low valuation of her art collection. At the time of her passing, this collection contained at least one Andy Warhol portrait valued at more than $12 million.