Goodbye,Ed,Farrah,And Michael

This week,we lost three well-known people whose lives were part of ours. Ed McMahon, Johnny Carson's longtime sidekick,died at age 86. Actress Farrah Fawcett,probably best known for her work on the TV series "Charlie's Angels", lost her courageous battle with cancer at age 62. Pop icon Michael Jackson died Thursday in a death that shocked the world. He was 50.

I grew up watching Ed McMahon on "The Tonight Show" when Johnny Carson was host. I loved the sound of Mr.McMahon's laugh and the chemistry he and Johnny Carson had made them bond well with each other and their audience. Mr. McMahon also hosted the syndicated program "Star Search", a sort of forerunner to "American Idol". Of course, Mr. McMahon will also be remembered for saying "Heeeere's Johnny!" at the beginning of every show Johnny Carson hosted. Rest In Peace, Ed. Thanks for the laughs and the memories.

Farrah Fawcett died on Thursday after a battle with cancer and after the courage and fighting spirit she showed during her final months. Probably best known for her work on the 1970s detective series "Charlie's Angels", Ms. Fawcett's poster hung in the rooms of many teenage boys. She also starred in many dramatic works that earned her praise for her strong performances. In the final months of her life, Ms. Fawcett showed courage,determination,and strength in the face of life-threatening illness. She shared her struggle in the program "Farrah's Story". Rest in peace,Farrah. Your story inspires us all.

I was deeply shocked when I learned of Michael Jackson's death on Thursday. I like his earlier music,as he did with his brothers as part of the Jackson Five, along with his popular songs of the late 1970s and early 1980s. In more recent years, Mr.Jackson dealt with controversy such as his trial on child molestation charges,of which he was cleared. He was planning a tour of Europe in July, including a string of concerts in London. Rest in peace,Michael. Thanks for the music and the memories.