Not Always in Threes
This month had a lot of notable deaths that put the media in a frenzy. Many of these people were part of my childhood and teenage memories of TV and movies.
Though many discount the significance of a "celebrity death", do know that entertainers touch the lives of millions. They make sure those long flights aren't boring. They can give hope to the hopeless for those awaiting trial in a lonely cell.
Here are the deaths I encountered over the month in the media:
Billy Mays (July 20, 1958 – June 28, 2009) - The guy from the OxiClean and Orange Glo infomercials. Hypertensive heart disease. 50.
Gale Storm (April 5, 1922 - June 27, 2009) - Of My Little Margie and The Gale Storm Show. Long illness and failing health. 87.
Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) - The King of Pop behind "Thriller", "Billie Jean", and "Beat It". Cardiac arrest. 50.
Farrah Fawcett (February 2, 1947 – June 25, 2009) - American actress of Charlie's Angels fame. Anal cancer. 62.
Ed McMahon (March 6, 1923 – June 23, 2009) - Johnny Carson's announcer and sidekick in The Tonight Show. No formal cause, accumulated illness. 86.
Neda Agha-Soltan (1982 – June 20, 2009) - Iranian citizen whose death was captured on video during the 2009 Iranian protests and became a martyr for the movement. Gunshot wound below the neck. 26.
Tomoji Tanabe (18 September 1895 – 19 June 2009) - Oldest living man (for 2 years and 146 days) passes on his title to Henry Allingham. Heart failure. 113 years, 274 days.
David Carradine (December 8, 1936 – June 3, 2009) - From the Kung Fu, and Kill Bill fame. "Accidental" hanging. 72.
With so many celebrity deaths, especially within a week, I fear rates of depression may spike, especially those who are already susceptible. It can be difficult especially for those who hoped so much for Fawcett to come through or for Jackson to make his big comeback. Many are indeed depressed losing an icon they grew up with.
Alas, death happens everyday and I hope I'm not misinterpreted that these lives are worth more than those who die everyday deprived of human rights and basic survival needs.
I'm also well aware of some interpretations of the words "idol" and "icon". Please, please, do not take it upon yourself to be self-righteous as it will only appear foolish and intolerant in the public eye.
"Life is precious but fleeting."
