Death of a Celebrity

Man...what can I say?  I know so many people are touched by death, especially in Iran, Iraq, Somalia.  Even in our own backyards with gang warfare, domestic violence, and police brutality.  But it's so interesting to see how people (including myself) are affected when celebrities die.  Although I am not a die hard fan or extreme fanatic of anybody, I do sense a sort of loss when I heard that Ed McMahon had succumbed.  I remember growing up watching Johnny Carson, listening to Ed's intro and his hearty laugh.  Sometimes Johnny's jokes weren't all that funny, it was Ed's laughter that made everyone bust their sides. 

And who of us did not want to be one of Charlie's Angels?  Girl, please!  Everyone knew that Farrah was the pretty one, Jaclyn was the sultry tempress, and Kate was the smart one.  I loved their big hair, feminity, and cute outfits.  All of that with smarts and can kick butt too?  Count me in!  From what I hear, Farrah lived a challenging personal life, but who of us doesn't?  She's at peace now.  Her work lives on.  She's left her mark.  In the most important ways, we'll probably never know.

Lastly, Michael Jackson.  I'll admit it, he was troubled and weird.  I don't know if he was a child molester. I hope not.  I tend to think he lived in la-la land.  In my opinion, he thought he was Peter Pan in the truest sense.  And it, no doubt, was partly to his undoing.  I'll comment on what I do know.  I know he was talented - he dance like the devil, gave life to a song as only he could, and entertained people like his life depended on it.  I can't tell you how many talent shows I went to while growing up where people thought they could dance like this man, wanted to sing like this man, and dressed like this man. 

In the end, celebrities die as we all do.  Exception:  a little more fizzle at the after party.  Lesson:  live your life like you mean it because tomorrow is not promised.