When Lee Majors encountered Farrah Fawcett, she was a young college student who arrived in Hollywood with her parents, marking the beginning of a well-known love story.
Lee Majors, originally from Kentucky, faced early challenges, losing both parents before the age of two. Despite this, he pursued education and athletics, initially aiming for a career in football. However, injuries redirected him towards acting after relocating to Los Angeles.
His breakthrough role came as Heath Barkley in “The Big Valley,” followed by appearances in shows like “Owen Marshall” and “The Men From Shiloh.” His portrayal of the “Million Dollar Man” solidified his fame, making him instantly recognizable.
Farrah Fawcett, born in Texas, was scouted for Hollywood while attending the University of Texas. Modeling gigs and commercial appearances paved her way into the entertainment industry.
Their paths converged when a publicity agent for Lee Majors noticed Fawcett’s photo and arranged a meeting.
Despite Majors’ initial boldness, Fawcett was captivated by him from the start. Their courtship began with a dinner invitation and blossomed into marriage in 1973.
Their relationship faced challenges due to Fawcett’s skyrocketing career, particularly her iconic role in “Charlie’s Angels,” which propelled her to global fame.
Paparazzi intrusion and conflicting expectations strained their marriage, ultimately leading to separation in 1979 and divorce in 1982.
Despite the end of their marriage, both Lee Majors and Farrah Fawcett continued their respective careers in the entertainment industry. Their union, though brief, remains an enduring chapter in Hollywood history.
Following her split from Lee Majors, Fawcett entered into a relationship with actor Ryan O’Neal, famed for his role in the 1970 film “Love Story.”
Their romance spanned two decades, resulting in the birth of their son, Redmond. Despite never tying the knot, their enduring partnership earned acclaim as a notable Hollywood union.
In 1997, after 17 years together, they parted ways, only to reunite four years later when O’Neal faced a cancer diagnosis. Fawcett stood by him through his recovery, but tragedy struck when she herself was diagnosed with cancer in 2006.
Fawcett faced a challenging battle. In the same year as her cancer diagnosis, she also mourned the loss of her mother. Anal cancer, a rare condition at the time affecting only around 5 Americans annually, became her foe.
Seeking treatment at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute under the care of Dr. Lawrence Piro, Fawcett and O’Neal pursued various avenues, including intensive treatment in Germany.
Despite their efforts, Fawcett passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, at the age of 62.
Upon learning of her passing, Lee Majors, her former spouse, expressed his sorrow alongside his wife, Faith. Majors lauded Fawcett’s courageous battle against the illness, hailing her as an earthly angel. He also revealed his role in selecting the iconic image of Fawcett for the “Charlie’s Angels” poster.
Reflecting on their complex marriage shaped by demanding careers, Majors shared insights into their sporadic communication leading up to her passing.
Despite the challenges, he expressed pride in his enduring relationship with his current wife, spanning over two decades.
Even in his advanced age of 84, Majors remained active, lending his voice to the character of Jeff Tracy in the series “Thunderbirds Are Go.” His commitment to work and vitality showcased his enduring spirit.