Has anyone ever sent out sympathy cards to the family of a celebrity or some other famous person’s family after hearing of a death of someone prominent? With the deaths recently – on successive days – of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson, I began to wonder how many of their fans might take it upon themselves to grab some sympathy cards and send them out to the celebrities’ grieving families. More than likely, there are probably quite a few.
As Johnny Carson’s sidekick for over 30 years, Ed McMahon came into our homes on a daily basis…remember the show Who Do You Trust, and of course, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, where we knew him as that guffawing sidekick who made Johnny look so good. Later, after Jay Leno took over the show, Ed went on to host several popular programs, helped out Jerry Lewis each year on the Labor Day telethon, and even became a pitchman for Publishers Clearinghouse. The thing about Ed was, you could trust him…at least I did.
As for Farrah Fawcett, was there anyone from the 1970s who was more beautiful? (My personal choice would be her Charlie’s Angels replacement, Cheryl Ladd, but that’s another argument altogether.) Anyway, Farrah’s poster showing her great smile while wearing a sexy, one-piece bathing suit was what helped catapult her to super-stardom. She went on to become a very good actress and was always considered a respectful member of the show business community by the way she carried herself and the seriousness as to how she viewed her craft.
Michael Jackson’s existence was filled with contradictions. He was hugely talented at age 10 as the lead singer with his brothers in the Jackson 5, and became the biggest star in the world during the 1980s and 1990s with the albums “Thriller” and “Bad.” His benevolence and immense amount of charitable work and generosity added to his status as a pop icon. Unfortunately, his sometimes bizarre behavior, his idiosyncrasies, as well as allegations of child molestation put a damper on how he was viewed in later years.
All three deaths are sad, regardless of whether they were anticipated – either because of a lingering illness at an old age, a long battle with a deadly cancer, or in Jackson’s case, a death heard about from a special report on the news (or not). These people all perhaps had mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and sons and daughters who cared about them and are feeling a great loss after their loved one’s death. Deciding to help make someone who is grieving feel better by reaching out with sympathy cards is a wonderful thing to do.
Where do you get the addresses for famous people? And I don’t mean their agent’s address. Do you really think that the famous person will actually get and read the card if I send one? I would love to send birthday and Christmas cards, not necessarily sympathy cards, to some of my favorite famous people. The only thing is I’m afraid I might be targeted as a stalker.
I know I am dating myself but in response to your question, I did send a sympathy card to Bing Crosby’s family when he died. I unexpectedly received a thank you card in return. I was so surprised and still have that thank you card today. Of course, Bing, like Ed McMahon lived a long life. Farrah was suffering and her passing was a blessing. They will be remembered in reruns of their shows and recordings. Michael Jackson was an untimely death. I wonder if he ever found happiness. He was a tragic soul. Too many surgeries changed his lovely, handsome face to a heartrending figure. He wore the anguish of an unfortunate life on his face. His talent can never be overlooked. He will live on in the memories of many as the outpouring of sympathy at his memorials showed. I am sure his children and the families of other celebrities that have touched you would appreciate a sympathy card. It would let them know that you remember the person for their celebrity but you also mourn their passing because in some way they were also a part of your life.
I can’t believe you got a thank you card from Bing’s family. Next time someone famous dies I think I will send a sympathy card to see if I get a response. I know what you mean about Farrah and Michael. I grew up listening to the Jacksons and have been to two of their concerts. Their music and especially Michael’s solo work is timeless and extraordinary and will live on forever. As for Farrah, I remember watching Charlie’s Angels every week with my family. It’s true, you almost feel like they were a part of your life and their passing does have somewhat of an effect on you.
What a great post. I never thought of sending a sympathy card to the family of a celebrity. I am sure they get thousands and thousands of cards but it is worth a try. I agree with Margee, how would you get the address to send your card?
With my condolences you are in my prayers. As the Apostle Paul put it so plain and simple. (2 Corinthians 5:8)We are confident that, I say and willing to rather be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. God Bless you and may the “Ancient of Days” comfort you and keep you in the safety of his ways. Amen