Family Life

06.26.09 | FL News Team

Fans are saddened by the deaths of three stars in one week. Self-proclaimed "King of Pop" Michael Jackson and actress Farrah Fawcett died yesterday, while longtime "Tonight Show" sidekick Ed McMahon died Tuesday. Los Angeles city officials confirmed the 50-year-old Jackson died after suffering cardiac arrest at his home Thursday afternoon. Paramedics administered CPR and rushed Jackson to the UCLA Medical Center after they were called to his home. Jackson began performing as a member of "The Jackson Five," then enjoyed a wildly-successful solo career with hit recordings including "Thriller" and "Billie Jean." He was planning a tour in London next month.

Fawcett died yesterday morning at the age of 62 after a long battle with anal cancer at a Santa Monica, California, hospital. Her longtime partner Ryan O'Neal was at her side when she died. The woman with the broad smile and leonine mane of blond hair first gained fame in the campy 1970's drama "Charlie's Angels." Later, she won critical acclaim for her Emmy-nominated role as a battered wife in the 1984 television movie "The Burning Bed."

McMahon had been hospitalized with pneumonia and other medical problems when he died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. The 86-year-old was Johnny Carson's stalwart sidekick on the "Tonight Show" for decades. He also hosted "Star Search" and was a pitchman for the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes. He began his career in 1952 as an announcer for "Bandstand," which eventually became "American Bandstand."