Sad day in Hollywood

Published 10:42 am Friday, June 26, 2009

Autopsy set after Michael Jackson’s sudden death

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson, defined in equal parts as the world’s greatest entertainer and perhaps its most enigmatic figure, was about to attempt one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Then his life was cut shockingly — and so far, mysteriously — short.

The 50-year-old musical superstar died Thursday, just as he was preparing for what would be a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 at London’s famed 02 arena. Jackson had been spending hours and hours toiling with a team of dancers for a performance he and his fans hoped would restore his tarnished legacy to its proper place in pop.

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An autopsy was planned for Friday, though results were not likely to be final until toxicology tests could be completed, a process that could take several days and maybe weeks. However, if a cause can be determined by the autopsy, the results will be announced, said Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator Jerry McKibben.

‘Charlie’s Angel’ Farrah Fawcett dies at 62

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A winsome smile, tousled hair and unfettered sensuality were Farrah Fawcett’s trademarks as a sex symbol and 1970s TV star in ‘‘Charlie’s Angels.’’ spent almost three years in private fighting for her life against cancer. But shortly before her battle ended, she allowed the public an intimate and inspiring look inside.

Fawcett, 62, died Thursday morning at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, after being diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006.

The news came just a month after the airing of ‘‘Farrah’s Story,’’ a documentary in which she made public her painful treatments and dispiriting setbacks — from shaving her golden locks before chemotherapy could claim them to undergoing experimental treatments in Germany.

‘‘Her big message to people is don’t give up. No matter what they say to you, keep fighting,’’ Alana Stewart, who filmed Fawcett as she underwent treatment, said last month. NBC estimated the May 15, 2009, broadcast drew nearly 9 million viewers.