Farrah Fawcett Dies

Charlie's Angels star Farrah Fawcett has lost her long battle with cancer. She was due to marry Ryan O'Neal (father of Tatum), her long-time lover with whom she had son Redmond.

Famous for her role as sexy crime investigator Jill Monroe in the hit 1970s TV series, it was revealed that Farrah had anal cancer in 2006. The 62-year-old had a tumour removed, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was given the all-clear a year later.

At the time, she said: "This is an extraordinarily happy day for me and my family. I hope that my news might offer some level of inspiration to others who unfortunately must continue to fight the disease." But in 2007, the cancer returned and the actress sought treatment.

Born Ferrah Leni Fawcett on February 2, 1947 in the US state of Texas, her father's Lebanese origins explains the somewhat unusual name (farah being an Arabic word for joy). Farrah started her career as a model before winning bit parts on TV (including 1960s sitcom I Dream Of Jeannie). Huge fame was to follow in the 1970s; she became the world's most iconic pin-up thanks to a combination of factors including 'the Farrah' (her famous blonde feathered hairstyle), her Hollywood smile and her role in Charlie's Angels.

Incredibly, despite long being associated with the show, Farrah only completed one full season of Charlie's Angels - the first. After leaving, she embarked on more dramatic roles and won acclaim for her searing performances in the likes of The Burning Bed (as a victim of domestic abuse) and Extremities (as a victim of sexual assault).

Previously married to Six Million Dollar Man star Lee Majors from 1973–1982 (though the two separated in 1979), her next major romantic involvement was with Ryan O'Neal. Their liaison produced son Redmond, her only child born in 1985. According to reports, Farrah had received the last rites but was too weak to finally marry Ryan O'Neal. They'd dated throughout most of the 1980s and 1990s before splitting for a couple of years and then finally reuniting. In our gallery, we highlight the ups and downs of 1970s phenomenon, Farrah Fawcett.