'Charlie's Angels' star Farrah Fawcett died of cancer on June 25, 2009
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NEED TO KNOW
- Farrah Fawcett died on June 25, 2009
- The Charlie’s Angels star was diagnosed with anal cancer three years prior
- Fawcett filmed her cancer journey for the documentary Farrah’s Story
It's been 17 years since the world lost Farrah Fawcett.
The model and actress was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and was declared cancer-free on her 60th birthday in 2007, per the Farrah Fawcett Foundation. However, three months later, Fawcett's doctor found that the cancer had spread to her liver.
Throughout her cancer journey, Fawcett documented her experience alongside her close friend Alana Stewart. The footage was later compiled into the Emmy-nominated documentary Farrah's Story, which Fawcett co-executive-produced. The film premiered in May 2009, weeks before her death on June 25, 2009, at age 62.
In the decades prior, Fawcett became one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars. After being discovered by a talent agent while attending the University of Texas at Austin, she moved to Los Angeles in 1968 and began her career as a model.
Her breakthrough came in 1976 when she was cast alongside Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith on Charlie's Angels, turning her into a pop culture phenomenon. Over the course of her career, Fawcett earned three Emmy nominations for her performances in The Burning Bed, Small Sacrifices and The Guardian.
Off-screen, Fawcett shared one child, son Redmond O'Neal, with her longtime partner, Ryan O'Neal.
Here’s everything to know about Farrah Fawcett's death.
How did Farrah Fawcett die?
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After living with anal cancer for three years, Fawcett died of the illness.
She first announced her diagnosis in October 2006 via a public statement.
“Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one’s own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges,” Fawcett wrote.
She continued, “I am resolutely strong, and I am determined to bite the bullet and fight the fight while going through the next six weeks of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatment."
When did Farrah Fawcett die?
After undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, Fawcett was declared cancer-free in February 2007. However, her cancer returned a few months later in May.
Subsequently, Fawcett began seeking alternative treatments in Germany, combining chemotherapy with holistic healing methods.
After living with the disease for two more years, Fawcett died on June 25, 2009, at 9:28 a.m. PT.
Stewart, Ryan, friend Mela Murphy and doctor Lawrence Piro were by her side when she died.
Where did Farrah Fawcett die?
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Fawcett died at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
Shortly before her death, she had returned to the medical center for treatment of complications from anal cancer.
“She’s gone. She now belongs to the ages,” Ryan told PEOPLE at the time. “She’s now with her mother and sister and her God.”
He continued, “I loved her with all my heart. I will miss her so very, very much. She was in and out of consciousness. I talked to her all through the night. I told her how very much I loved her. She’s in a better place now.”
How old was Farrah Fawcett when she died?
Fawcett was 62 years old when she died.
What were Farrah Fawcett’s last words?
Fawcett's last words were a tribute to her son, Redmond.
“She was saying his name, ‘Redmond,' ” Murphy told PEOPLE at the time. “That was the last thing she said.”
Murphy told Fawcett that she'd “take care of" Redmond.
“I said, ‘You can go now.’ It was just a few hours before she died," Murphy added.
What is Farrah Fawcett's legacy?
Friends and fans mourned Fawcett’s death and celebrated her mark on Hollywood.
“Farrah had courage, she had strength and she had faith," her Charlie's Angels costar Smith said at the time. "And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels.”
Fellow Angel Jackson lamented the loss of Fawcett, sharing, “I will miss Farrah every day. She was a selfless person who loved her family and friends with all her heart, and what a big heart it was."
She continued, “Farrah showed immense courage and grace throughout her illness and was an inspiration to those around her. When I think of Farrah, I will remember her kindness, her cutting dry wit, and, of course, her beautiful smile."
Robert Duvall, Fawcett’s costar in The Apostle, remarked on her death as well. “Farrah had an outstanding talent, better than most feature-film actresses that I’ve seen,” he said. “She was great to work with and will be missed.”
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