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MICHAEL MICHA EL JACKSON: JACKSON: 1958-2009
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INSIDE: A look back: Michael Jackson’s life; discography. 2A
KING OF POP DEAD AT 50
Quick Read
PERRY SETS SPECIAL SESSION Only a month after Texas lawmakers adjourned their regular session, they’ll be meeting again in a special session to pass legislation to keep the transportation department and other state agencies running. TEXAS, 3B
NEKESA MUMBI MOODY AND DERRIK J. LANG Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — M i c h a e l Jack son , the sen sat ion al ly gifted “King of Pop” who emerged from childhood superstardom to become the entertainment world’s most influential singer and da ncer before his life and career deteriorated in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. He was 50.
LIQUOR STORE OPENING SOON Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods, a Houstonbased liquor store chain, is coming to town. It has leased the old Office Max site on South Padre Island Drive and plans to open the store in the fall. BUSINESS,6C BUSINESS, 6C
The person said Jackson died in a Los Angeles hospital. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity. The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times . Theparamedics performed performed Please see JACKSON, 2A
Jackson performs at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1984 at the height of his fame. He was preparing for a large-scale comeback tour at the time of his death. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE
Farrah Farra h Fawcett Fawcett 1947-2009
BRING DOGS TO WORK TODAY
n Cancer claims
life of original origina l ’70s sex symbol
Today is the 11th annual Take Your Your Do g to Work Day, but some fourlegged friends already come to work full time with their masters, allowing employers to experience the value of pets in the workplace. LOCAL, 1B
BOB THOMAS Associated Press
IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A ROBOT Flamingo art takes over the botanical gardens while the second “Transformers” overpowers the big screen. WEEKEND D:: 5 B E N D E B T H E D T O U N D RO A R T IM ES IM ES LE R- T T I C I C A L LE R C HR IS HR IS T PU S C C O C O R PU S
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LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS WINS REALITY SHOW Lou Diamond Phillips, an actor who lived in Flour Bluff, won NBC’s second season of the reality show “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!” PAGE 2 INDEX
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Actress fought a brave battle
Angel ngel for etern eterniity Corpus Christi’ Christi’ss girl girl next next n Corpus
door stayed true to friends JAIME POWELL
angel,” former Corpus Christi resident Jan Alexander wrote in an e-mai l to a Farrah Fawcett was more group of Fawcett’s childhood than just a pretty face. friends. Friends who grew up with Alexander and Kathy Harher in Corpus Christi remem- rison, who now live in Frederbered the Hollywood actress Thursday as a bubbly, smart, Please see ANGEL, 4A funny and loyal friend. Fawcett died Thursday, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO nearly three years after being Farrah Fawcett joins friends Jan diagnosed with ana l cancer. Snyder Alexander (left), Kathy She was 62. Harrison (background) and “We just lost our first Karen Cox Spellings in 1993.
[email protected] / 886-3716
LOS ANGELES — Farrah Fawcett, the “Charlie’s Angels” star whose feathered blond hair and dazzling smile made her one of the biggest sex symbols of the 1970s, died Thursday after battling cancer. She was 62. The pop icon, who in the 1980s set aside the fantasy girl image to tackle serious roles, died shortly before 9:30 a.m. in a Santa Monica hospital, spokesman Paul Bloch said. Ryan O’Neal, the longtime companion who had reunited with Fawcett as she fought cancer, was at her side, along with close friend Alana Stewart, Bloch said. “After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away,” O’Neal said. “Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world.” Said Stewart: “There are no words to express the deep sense of loss that I feel. For 30 years Farrah was much more than a friend, she was my sister, and although I will miss her terribly I know in my heart that she will a lways be there as that angel on the shoulder of everyone Please see FAWCETT, FAWCETT, 7A
SEE MORE PHOTOS AND AN AUDIO SLIDESHOW OF FARRAH FAWCETT’S LIFE AT CALLER.COM
WHO’S MILLER PLAYING? Check out the 2009 H.S. football schedule for Miller H.S. at Caller. com/overtime To subscribe:
883-3800
Born Feb. 2, 1947, in Corpus Christi
Attended St. Patrick Elementary School and Hamlin Junior High
Graduated from Ray High School in 1965; attended University of Texas
Married actor Lee Majors in July 1973; the couple divorced in 1982
Longtime relationship with actor Ryan O’Neal began in 1979. The couple’s son Redmond O’Neal was born in 1985. Their relationship was off and on for several years, although O’Neal revealed earlier this week their plans to wed.
In July 1984, Fawcett spoke at the groundbreaking groundbreaking for a proposed health spa attached to the La Mirage Racquet and Athletic Club in the 6600 block of South Staples Street. The spa plans fell through during the economic downturn in the mid-1980s and the planned complex never was completed.
In December 1993, Fawcett spoke at a fundraiser on behalf of the Women’s Shelter of the Corpus Christi Area, which included a three-hour telethon and the showing of Fawcett’s 1984 movie about domestic violence, “The Burning Bed.”
4A » Friday, June 26, 2009 » C A L L E R - T I M E S
FROM THE COVER ANGEL from 1A
Alexander said. Skinner said. “Most of that A s R e d m o n d g r e w , was she probably did not icksburg, and local busiO’Neal coached his soccer know what to expect. It was nesswoman Christine Skinteam, and Fawcett spent difficult to step back into ner were fast friends with time at his school raising where she came from.” Fawcett after she transmoney. The schedule on Later that same year, she ferred to Hamlin Middle their bulletin board looked came to Corpus Christi to School from Catholic school like any other family’s, full raise money for the Wom50 years ago. of soccer games and dentist en’s Shelter of the Corpus The friendship was sealed appointments, Alexander Christi Area. after Harrison’s mother took said. After Fawcett was dithe trio toilet-papering and “It was important to her agnosed with cancer and Fawcett’s father, Jim, caught to raise him with normal was going through chethem mid-roll in his yard. family values,” A lexander motherapy and radiation, Everyone ended up inside said. “He adored her.” Alexander, a retired stress for coffee and sodas, and Despite the Hollywood management counselor, Farrah went home with the limelight and raising a fam- was in regular contact with girls to spend the night. ily, Fawcett remained close the actress. Over the years Alexanto her childhood friends. “She thought she had der and Harrison have visIn June 1993 she made a licked it, that it was over, it ited their friend in Los Ansurprise visit to Fredericks- was done,” she said. “And geles, Dalla s and New York, burg for the annual Amigas the nasty old thing came and Fawcett has come home reunion. back.” to Texas to visit the larger When she arrived sevAlexander and Kathy CONTRIBUTED PHOTO group of about 40 child- Farrah Fawcett (from right) joins Karen Cox Spellings, Jan Snyder Alexander, Pam Pruit t Walker, Kathy eral of her friends who had Harrison spent Thursday hood friends known as the Putman, Mary Lou Ray Hamilton and Kathy Harrison at t he 1993 Amigas reunion at Alexander’s home. not seen her in a while were afternoon flipping through Amigas. surprised at the movie star old photos and talking about “My best friend for 50 Roberts recalle d a trip to hand when Fawcett married that strong it can be really who had arrived in the liv- their old friend. years” was how Alexan- Laredo when Fawcett was a actor Lee Majors in 1973. difficult, and it can be really ing room, Skinner said. “She was such a wellder described Fawcett on senior at Ray and he was a When Alexander was amazing fabulous.” About an hour later that fa- rounded person,” Harrison Thursday. “We giggled like freshma n at Texas Tech. preparing to leave following After Fawcett gave birth cade slid away, and she was said. “She was a true light to nobody giggled. We just “We went to Cadillac Bar another visit, Fawcett cried to son Redmond O’Neal in the Farrah the crew had all of those who knew her, had an instant connection. to have lunch. It was noisy, because friends were hard to 1985, Alexa nder flew to Cal- known and loved for years, and she was that before she We just didn’t part. There clanging and banging, and come by in Hollywood. ifornia again to visit. Faw- Skinner said. went off to Hollywood. She was nothing we didn’t do when we were 10 or 12 feet “She said it felt so good cett loved being a mother, “She was always shy,” was just a good person.” together.” into the restaurant, the for me just to want to Back then, to local lawyer whole place went quiet,” know about her,” Alexand former state Rep. Bill Roberts said. “I realized ander said. “And at that Harrison and his group of then that she is the center time she had a hard time friends, Farrah was just an- of attention. Everybody was making real friends in other girl hanging out with staring. Hollywood because she his younger sister Kathy. “I remember it like it said they always wanted “We called her Drippy was yesterday. She was something — her to read (Fawcett),” Bill Harrison wearing a white linen a script, get the best hairrecalled. “She was just an- pantsuit. The hair, the dresser, introduce them other little punk coming teeth, the makeup — peo- to someone.” over to my sister’s house.” ple were inviting us to join Alexander visited Plants, Shrubbery & Trees • Garden Necessities & Gifts • Arbors & Pergolas Harrison introduced Faw- their parties and offering Fawcett in Los Angeles A Custom Pergola cett to his best friend, Gary to pick up the tab.” after Fawcett divorced Roberts, the guy she dated It took Bill Harrison a Majors and moved in Affordable Beauty For through high school and into little longer to figure out with Ryan O’Neal. They The Home & Garden! college. that Fawcett was something were madly in love, sevPERFECT for Backyard Barbeques Fawcett’s father thought special. By the time Harri- eral friends said. or Poolside Parties! Roberts and his daughter son was at t he University “You talk about chemPRETTY for Outdoor Gatherings were getting too serious, so of Texas, he realized the istry,” Alexander said. and Weddings! it was up to Bill Harrison to line of friends coming to “Those two had some PRACTICAL for Heat Reduction pick Fawcett up for dates. his apartment was there to extreme, furious chemon Patio Doors & Windows! “He liked me because catch a glimpse of Fawcett, istry. When chemistry is I was the son of a minis- who lived one floor up. 10’ X 12’ Reg. $1,595 ter,” Bill Harrison recalled. During Fawcett’s ONLY $1,449 “Gary would be sitting next freshman year at the UniHARDWOOD FLOORING sq.ft. Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm to my date, and I’d go pick versity of Texas, where Sunday 10am - 4pm up Farrah. And we’d go she majored in microbi www.arborsnursery.com around the corner, and Far- ology and minored in art, rah would jump in the back she was voted one of the 15946 Northwest Blvd • FM 624 (In Calallen) • 361-767-8710 with Gary, and my date university’s 10 most beauwould get in the front.” tiful coeds. Roberts, now a Kerrville Despite her good banker, watched Fawcett looks, Fawcett was always evolve from a schoolgirl nice — maybe too nice for into one of the world’s most the California scene, Bill renowned beauties. Harrison said, reminiscIn the eighth grade, ing about a conversation Fawcett was beautiful in he had with her. a wholesome way, Rob“I was studying for my erts said, sort of sheltered, bar exam, and I was givwith bobbed hair wearing ing her advice, telling her a Catholic school uniform. not to go to Hollywood After a visit with an aunt because they would eat in Houston who mentored her up,” he said. “I told her her, Fawcett blossomed in pretty girls are a dime a her sophomore year at Ray dozen. And six months High School, becoming later she got there and interested in clothes and wow. Boy, she was big fashion, growing her hair, deal.” getting it highlighted and Jan Alex ande r, Ka thy wearing makeup, Roberts Harrison and Fawcett’s said. She was voted Most college roommate Karen Beautiful her sophomore, Cox Spellings were among junior and senior years at the select few from CorRay High School. pus Christi who were on
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C A L L E R - T I M E S « Friday, June 26, 2009 « 7A
FROM THE COVER FAWCETT from 1A who loved her.” Other “Charlie’s Angels” stars paid tribute as well. “Farrah had courage, she had strength, and she had faith. And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels,” Jaclyn Smith said. Said Cheryl Ladd: “She was incredibly brave, and God will be welcoming her with open arms.” Fawcett burst on the scene in 1976 as one-third of the crime-fighting trio in TV’s “Charlie’s Angels.” A poster of her in a clingy swimsuit sold in the millions. Her full, layered hairstyle became all the rage, with girls and women across America adopting the look. She left the show after one season, but had a flop on the big screen with “Somebody Killed Her Husband.” She turned to more serious roles in the 1980s and 1990s, winning praise playing an abused wife in “The Burning Bed.” She was diagnosed with cancer in 2006. As she underwent treatment, she enlisted the help of O’Neal, who was the father of her now 24-yearold son, Redmond. This month O’Neal said that he asked Fawcett to marry him and that she agreed, but they were unable to wed before she died. Her struggle with painful treatments and dispiriting setbacks was recorded in the television documentary “Farrah’s Story.” Fawcett sought cures in Germany as well as the United States, battling the disease with iron determination even as her body weakened. In the documentary Fawcett was seen shaving off most of her trademark locks before chemotherapy
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY
acting credentials, Fawcett appeared off-Broadway in “Extremities” as a woman Farrah’s Story (2009) who is raped in her own A Wing & a Prayer: home. She repeated the role Farrah’s Fight for Life (2008) in the 1986 film version. Chasing Farrah (reality TV series)(2005) Not content to continue Playboy: Farrah Fawcett, All of Me (1997) playing victims, she played Dr. T and the Women (2000) a murderous mother in the The Apostle (1997) 1989 true-crime story “Small Man of the House (1995) Sacrifices” and a tough lawThe Substitute Wife (TV movie) (1994) yer on the trail of a thief in Small Sacrifices (TV movie) (1989) 1992’s “Criminal Behavior.” Poor Little Rich Girl: She also starred in biogThe Barbara Hutton Story (TV movie) (1987) raphies of Nazi-hunter Beate The Burning Bed (TV movie) (1984) Klarsfeld and photographer The Cannonball Run (1980) Margaret Bourke-White. Charlie’s Angels (TV series, 1976-1980) “I felt that I was doing a Logan’s Run (1976) Sources: Caller-Times disservice to ourselves by Myra Breckinridge (1970) archives, IMDb.com portraying only women as victims,” she commented in a 1992 interview. In September 2006, TRIBUTES Fawcett, who at 59 still Ray High School memorial Fawcett will be made once maintained a strict regiideas school is back in session, she men of tennis and paddleRay High School Principal said. ball, began to feel strangely Cissy Reynolds-Perez said no exhausted. She underwent vigils are planned at Fawcett’s Send suggestions to: two weeks of tests and was alma mater as per Corpus Christi
[email protected] told she had anal cancer. Independent School District poliO’Neal, wit h whom she cies. However, the school’s Web Condolences site has an e-mail address where Local funeral homes have had a 17-year relationship, people can send suggestions memory books available for again became her conof how the school can honor residents to sign from 8 a.m. stant companion, escortFawcett. to 5 p.m. today. They plan to ing her to the hospital for “We have new science faciliforward the books to chemotherapy. ties in our school that could be Fawcett’s family. “She’s so strong,” the n Seaside Memorial Park and named in her honor and in actor told a reporter. “I support of cancer research,” Funeral Home love her. I love her all over Reynolds-Perez said. “We could 4357 Ocean Drive again.” put up her photo and a plaque n Corpus Christi Funeral Her decision to tell her somewhere on campus or perHome own story through the NBC haps someone out there has 2409 Baldwin Blvd. ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE documentary was meant another idea that they could Farrah Fawcett stars in an episode of “Charlie’s Angels” in as an inspiration to others, submit to us.” — Jaime Powell and early 1977. She left the show after one season to focus on friends said. The segments Elvia Aguila r A decision on how to honor films, finding acclaim in a long string of TV movies. showing her cancer treatment, including a trip to Gercould claim them. Toward Backed by a clever pubThe public and the show’s Fawcett fared better with many for procedures there, the end, she’s seen huddled licity campaign, Fawcett — producer, Spelling-Goldberg, television movies such as were originally shot for a in bed, barely responding to then billed as Farrah Faw- were shocked when she an- “Murder in Texas,” “Poor Lit- personal, family record, they a visit from her son. cett-Majors because of her nounced after the series’ first tle Rich Girl” and especially said. And although weak, she Fawcett, Kate Jackson a nd marriage to “The Six Million season that she was leaving as an abused wife in 1984’s continued to show flashes o Smith made up the original Dollar Man” star Lee Majors television’s No. 5-rated series “The Burning Bed.” The last grit and good humor in the “Angels,” the sexy, police- — quickly became the most to star in feature films. earned her an Emmy nomi- documentary. trained trio of martial arts popular Angel of all. But the movies turned nation and the long-denied “I do not want to die o experts who took their as“She was an angel on out to be a platform where admission from critics that this disease. So I say to God, signments from a rich, mys- Earth and now an angel for- Fawcett was never able to she really could act. ‘It is seriously time for a mirterious boss named Charlie. ever,” Majors said Thursday. duplicate her TV success. As further proof of her acle,’ ” she said at one point.
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