Actress Farrah Fawcett's longtime companion Ryan O'Neal pauses while being
interviewed about her at the world premiere screening of the NBC documentary
"Farrah's Story" in Beverly Hills, Calif., Wednesday, May 13, 2009. The feature-length
documentary chronicles Fawcett's two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. At left in the
photo is the film's producer Alana Stewart. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Farrah Fawcett’s documentary entitled “Farrah’s Story”, aired Friday night on NBC. Close to 9 million viewers watched the two hour show that focused on her battle with cancer. The documentary was very up close and personal and showed how this actress has continued to fight the disease with incredible courage.
Farrah was diagnosed with anal cancer back in 2006 and has spent the past few years determined to win the battle against cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer continued to spread and was later also found in her liver. Her documentary was intended to show the viewers every aspect of the disease and what a person goes through during the course of this type of cancer. Alana Stewart, a close friend of Farrah and a producer on the film, stated, “Fawcett's video diary was initially intended for private viewing by family and friends, but was shared with a wider audience after the actress realized her story could inspire others”.
Viewers watched as Farrah went through numerous hospital stays and painful treatments that she had undergone both in California and Germany. She displayed a quest for knowledge on the disease and inquired to doctors and caregivers to find out all she could. The show was done in a journal type of format so there were times where you’d hear Farrah’s voice interjecting her personal thoughts over the situation she was facing.
The New York Post gave “Farrah’s Story” a very negative review stating, “It does not register with her that her wealth and fame, which afford her private jets to Germany and an international team of doctors, are unavailable to the vast majority of cancer sufferers, and that, if not for her station in life, she would not have had extra time. She does not seem to wrestle, at all, with the notion that there may be some experiences best kept private, that the unintended consequences of over sharing can be a cheapening and coarsening of the most meaningful moments."
Overall, the viewers who have supported Farrah Fawcett throughout her life seemed to embrace this documentary and respect her even more for sharing her experiences with the world. Throughout the last three decades, actor Ryan O’Neal has been lovingly by her side. In a recent interview with People magazine Ryan commented on Farrah’s condition saying, "At about the halfway point in our trips the news started to get darker and darker and darker. The hope started to fade, but not for Farrah. She continued fighting. There was always a courage there, and a quiet dignity. Farrah never changed. I fell in love with her all over again because of how she handled this."
Please take a moment and share your thoughts and comments on “Farrah’s Story”.
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Comments
I think the New York Post missed the point. Ms. Fawcett asks two very important questions at the end: Why isn't there more money for research into certain diseases (such as anal cancer)? Why isn't our society more open to experimental treatments like the one she tried in Germany? Privacy is a right we can choose to exercise, or we can choose to be more open and candid. I think there is a lot of value in what Ms. Fawcett shared. As she lays dying, I hope she isn't suffering, and my heart goes out to the people who love her. Hats off to Alana Stewart as well.
I stayed up late and watched Farrah's Story,I grew up in a time when all the boys loved her and all the girls wanted her hair including myself. I thought it was done well yes she does have wealth and fame but she still cant beat the cancer and for her to let us in on her fight and to see her at her worst especially with out the hair that made her so famous I think it made her not so rich and famous , it made her just like anyone else fighting for her life, it made her real. Being a cancer survivior myself I could relate. It puts the important things in life into perspective. Your family ,your friends the people that love you and the people you love.
God bless her.
It does not matter whwt the New York Post or anyone else has to say about her that is negative. I feel she is a brave soul to show all of us around the world her story as sad as it may be. She could have kept it private and refused to speak to anyone.My sister and brother both had cancer and we are not rich by any means as far as money is concerned but we are rich in faith and belief that God puts no more on your shoulders than you can bear. Farrah you are a little angel and you continue to bless all of us with your story. The more people that know about you the more you have praying for you. The post obiviously does not have a heart it they did they would not have been negative. You are a wonderful person and just as beautiful. God bless you and keep you in his loving arms and may he surround you with angels all of your days.
If Fara needs any part of my body to sustain her life, I will freely give it to her. From lungs, kidney, liver or heart
Anything that brings how a person suffers during the treatment of cancer to the forefront is good. Those of us who have had multi treatments and hope for a cure applaud Ms Fawcett for sharing her pain and suffering. Cancer patients suffer everyday even those who are "cured" It could return it could move to another area it could be another kind. These are worried and keeping it in the view of the public is always a help to those of us who do not want to be forgotten. Thanks for the opportunity to express my feelings on this subject. I have had 3 different cancers and am still fighting.
I am sorry I missed the special friday night. Farrah was always my favorite angel and her story is heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing.
Farrah is an angel and will never be forgot. I pray for her to recover daily.God bless you Farrah and family.
I actually couldn't believe the gall of Farrah. This was the most self indulgent piece of crap i've ever watched. I totally agree with the New York Post. Ms. Fawcett doesn't know what "real" cancer is. Real cancer doesn't involve flying around on private jets receiving the best care possible. I had to turn the show off after half an hour. There wasn't a wet eye in the house!
Joanne Adams you're a nasty person!! have respect. I can only hope if you're sick & dying somebody makes a horrible comment about you!! so what if she has money she is twice the person you seem to be. To Farrah 99% of the world love you, may you be at peace & I too hope God can work some magic!!.
Joanne Adams you don't get it and neither does the New York Post. Yes some people have the luxury to afford to pay to go to Germany on privates jets and such. Just like anyone else would do if they could afford it. She was not exploiting the fact that she has money she was exploiting her struggle to fight the cancer she has. The intention of the filming of this was to get more funding and donations to find a cure for cancer and second for the USA to start using more aggressive and exploritory treatmenst as does Germany and other countries. That was the point in all this. I really thought it was a good idea even though it made me sad for Farrah. It took a lot of courage to air on national TV what she went through. I love Farrah Fawcett, she was the most favorite Charlies Angel of most everyone. I have always been proud to say she is from my home town of Corpus Christi, TX.
I went to the same schools she did. So I guess I look at her as more of a hometown girl and it hits a little closer to home for me.
God Bless you Farrah.
Joanne Adams. you obviously are jealous
Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate your thoughts and sharing your personal experiences with us. Best wishes and thanks for reading.
She gave being a sex symbol dignity. I believe we have lost a national treasure. Let's just focus on her beautiful life, not the ugliness of disease, please. We'll miss you, Farrah!
I always remember how beautiful Farah was as an angel, well now she is an angel all over again!
My mum has the same cancer (Rectal) , she has had such a big operation to remove it, I didn't know they could removed areas they have. The op was a success... they said, but who knows! RIP Farah and love to Ryan & all the family, it is always tough on those left behind. xx
I didn't watch the show, but I don't think that any of us are in the position to judge until we've walked a mile in the person's shoes. And to be enduring what Ms. Fawcett was enduring...well...sometimes we have to handle things the best way we can. She shared her journal as a gift to the world & to others who may have to endure the same awful situation. Obviously, they may not be in her situation. How many people in the world *are* in her financial situation, comparatively? But keep in mind that it was made w/o everybody else in mind. It was made for her family & close friends. So for others to be hateful & criticize...well, I just think that's just mean. As if she hasn't suffered enough. Sure, we can all find ways to show off how smart we are by picking things apart & saying, "Well, this wasn't the best choice, blah blah blah." But consider the intent of a freaking dying, suffering woman & her mourning family & friends. That's all. Guess I should watch it then decide. But REALLY.
Hi Kim. Thank you for your comment and for sharing you Mums story with us. Its wonderful to hear that her operation was successful. I'm sending healthy thoughts to your Mum. Best wishes to you and thank you for reading.
Hi Mags and Sandy. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments. It is very true that people should not judge someone else, as they do not walk in their shoes. I feel that it was courageous of Farrah to share her very personal documentary with the world. I will always remember her filled with beauty and courage. Best wishes to you both and thank you for reading.
It's so sad she was so full of life , the lord always has a special place for " angels " though she is no longer suffering.
It's so sad she was so full of life. The lord always has a special place for " angels " , she is in good hands.
Hi wheeljoint. I agree with you. It was a very sad story. She will always be remembered for her beauty, both inside and out. Thanks for your comments. Best wishes to you.
it's so sad. I saw some videos of her and i only can begin to cry.
she was a beautiful angel on earth, a beautiful lady. now she is one of the most beautiful angels in heaven.
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