Farrah Fawcett (1947-2009)

When I was growing up, I shared a room with my brother.  He’s about 4 1/2 years older than me, and sometime during his early teens he put this poster up in our room.  I think he did so mainly to cover up any hint that he might be gay (he is), but he chose a poster that would end up becoming one of the most iconic images of that era. I remember looking at the poster and thinking how incredibly beautiful Farrah was.  Other guys probably were starring at her boobs, but I was captivated by her smile.

I’m not going to beatify Farrah now that she’s gone.  She was only human and not a saint, but I do admire the way she bravely fought her battle with cancer.  Like so many other now missing childhood idols (like the recently-departed Ed McMahon), she will be missed.