Support Us
Sign Up
In this column, Clint Thorpe takes a look back at some of the leading ladies of yesteryear, celebrating iconic actresses from this era to remember the most beautiful women of the 70s and 80s, as well as the lasting impact their work and legendary status, have had on us all.
How Farrah Fawcett Set the Benchmark for Beauty Standards in the 70s
Chances are, if you envision curly, big wavy locks of hair, a beach-ready sleek body, and turquoise eyes, you’re gonna think Farrah Fawcett. It’s hard not to, considering she’s one of the most iconic women in the history of Hollywood. Known for her works in projects like The Apostle and The Burning Bed, her claim to fame was in the television classic Charlie’s Angels. Aside from making her a pop culture icon, her now widely known hairstyle spawning a brand new trend, and much more, she has made a name for herself in the hearts and minds of fans all around the world.
Fawcett was also a 5-time Emmy Nominee and 6-time Golden Globes nominee. Farah Fawcett was a treasure, no doubt about it. Last week, we talked all about Catherine Bach’s beauty and iconic status. Today, we give the illustrious Farrah Fawcett some well-earned praise.
Farrah Fawcett was a Bodacious Beauty, trendsetter, and an Icon
Before their debut, celebrities in the old days often had a trend of undergoing a ‘glow-up’ if you will. But not Fawcett. She was a different breed altogether. Farah Fawcett, 5’7″, had what is the envy of many even today—Natural beauty. Armed with a slender ‘beach-ready’ figure, her huge, wavy blonde hair, and a smile that could melt hearts, Fawcett was an absolute vision. Her charms included a flawless complexion and sun-kissed glow, which would land her a steady stream of jobs in Hollywood causing her to never look back at a college life.
Fawcett’s tantalizingly seductive physique truly set her apart. Fawcett’s lithe frame, accentuated by curves in all the right places, exuded an aura of sensuality that left both men and women alike spellbound. Her statuesque stature, complemented by long, toned legs and an elegantly sculpted silhouette, made her the epitome of allure. Fawcett effortlessly embodied the essence of sex appeal, igniting passion with every graceful movement and captivating glance.
Farrah Fawcett also sported a legendary hairstyle, known as the ‘Farrah flip’ or ‘feathered hairstyle,’ which revolutionized beauty trends in the 70s. Known for its shaggy, textured layers, voluminous movement, and wispy bangs, her signature look inspired generations and continues to influence fashion icons today.
Farrah Fawcett’s Jill Munroe on Charlie’s Angels was a Revelation
Farrah Fawcett was about to get the role of a lifetime on Charlie’s Angels, where she played the role of Jill Munroe. Munroe was a private investigator running jobs for a mysterious man named ‘Charlie’. Her co-stars on the show were Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith. The show was full of thrills, adventure, and fun. The show was a quick success, skyrocketing Fawcett and her co-stars to fame as sex symbols and household names.
Jill Munroe was known as the “Athletic Angel” and it fits the bill for an actress like Fawcett, who worked out regularly to maintain her beach-ready physique. Depicted as a versatile investigator, Jill brought a dynamic edge to the trio of crime-fighting heroines with her impressive physical prowess all thanks to Fawcett’s incredible performance and screen presence. Whether she was diving into action-packed scenarios, gliding gracefully on roller skates, or zooming behind the wheel of a racecar, Fawcett’s Jill Munroe exemplified athleticism and fearlessness.
While Fawcett may have decided to leave the show after the 1st season citing her desire to pursue other projects at the time, she did return as a recurring character in later seasons. Fawcett’s screen presence, sizzling hot physique, and charms made her a fan favorite despite her departure from the show post-Season 1.
Farrah Fawcett was Immortalized on the Best Selling Poster of All-Time
In her list of impressive accomplishments, Fawcett had yet another. Fawcett’s beauty would be immortalized in the form of a legendary poster published by the Pro Arts poster company. The iconic poster features Fawcett adorned in a beautiful red swimsuit, her radiant smile on full display, and posing in front of a striped blanket.
Taken by photographer Bruce McBroom at Fawcett’s home, Fawcett’s ingenuity and natural beauty shone like bright examples here, as the bombshell did all of her makeup, including putting some lemon in her hair to give it that extra kick.
The poster, having launched during Fawcett’s time on Charlie’s Angels, would sell 12 million copies, and is said to be a modern icon and a symbol of the late 1970s. It is to date the best-selling poster of all time, displayed in millions of bedrooms, dorms, and lockers. It also appeared in movies, TV shows, and magazines.
The poster is now part of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.
So, Farrah Fawcett was a woman radiating with natural beauty, a penchant for athleticism, and a hairstyle so iconic it started an entire trend popular to this day and was featured on the best-selling poster of all time. If that’s not iconic, we don’t know what is.
Charlie's Angels
When a wealthy winegrower disappears, the three private investigators go undercover at the vineyard to track down the whereabouts of the body. If the body doesn't turn up in a certain amount of time, the inheritance will be presented to the man's second wife, Rachel, instead of his long-lost daughter, Janet.
Release Date: March 20, 1976
Director: Ivan Goff Ben Roberts
Cast: Jaclyn Smith , Farrah Fawcett , Kate Jackson
