Farrah Fawcett’s face launched a million posters in the 1970s, but the story of her final years is less known—and far more important. She died of anal cancer on June 25, 2009, at age 62, a diagnosis she faced with remarkable openness.

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Birth Date: February 2, 1947 ·
Death Date: June 25, 2009 ·
Cause of Death: Anal cancer (stage IV) ·
Notable for: Charlie’s Angels, iconic 1976 poster ·
Survived by: Son Redmond O’Neal ·
Primary Partner: Ryan O’Neal (partner from 1979 onward)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact timeline of her final treatments varies by source
  • Ryan O’Neal’s role in her last weeks is disputed by some accounts
  • Details of son Redmond’s struggles during her illness remain private
3Timeline signal
  • 2006: Diagnosed with anal cancer (Moffitt Cancer Center)
  • 2007: Declared cancer-free, then recurrence within months (Moffitt Cancer Center)
  • June 25, 2009: Dies in Santa Monica (ABC News (national news outlet))
4What’s next

Key facts about Farrah Fawcett

Seven facts that define her public identity:

Full Name Mary Ferrah Leni Fawcett
Born February 2, 1947, Corpus Christi, Texas
Died June 25, 2009, Santa Monica, California
Cause of Death Anal cancer (stage IV)
Most Famous Role Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels
Partner Ryan O’Neal (1979–2009)
Children Redmond O’Neal (son)

The pattern: Fawcett’s life was defined by a single iconic image, but her death revealed a far more complex legacy.

What was Farrah Fawcett’s cause of death?

Farrah Fawcett died from anal cancer that had advanced to stage IV. According to the Moffitt Cancer Center (a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center), she was originally diagnosed in 2006, declared cancer-free in 2007, and then suffered a recurrence that spread to her liver. ABC News reported that she died on June 25, 2009, at age 62, with Ryan O’Neal at her bedside.

Medical details of Farrah Fawcett’s cancer

  • Anal cancer is strongly linked to HPV infection — almost all cases are caused by the virus (Moffitt Cancer Center).
  • ABC News quoted a physician who noted that her diagnosis did not imply promiscuity, only probable prior HPV exposure.
  • Additional risk factors include smoking, being over 50, and genetic predisposition (ABC News).

How long was Farrah Fawcett ill?

Fawcett battled cancer for nearly three years, from her 2006 diagnosis to her death in 2009. The Moffitt Cancer Center notes that after a brief remission, the cancer returned aggressively and metastasized.

What treatment did Farrah Fawcett receive?

  • She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and alternative treatments, documenting the journey in her TV special Farrah’s Story.
  • In her final months she reportedly refused further chemotherapy.
Bottom line: Fawcett’s death from stage IV anal cancer was the result of a three-year battle that raised public awareness about a stigmatized disease. For patients, her openness provided a template for confronting cancer publicly. For researchers, her case underscored the role of HPV.

What were the symptoms of Farrah Fawcett’s illness?

Fawcett’s symptoms were initially dismissed. According to ABC News, she experienced rectal bleeding and pain, which was misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids.

Early signs of Farrah Fawcett’s cancer

  • Rectal bleeding, pain, and discomfort for months before diagnosis.
  • Misdiagnosed by multiple doctors as hemorrhoids or fissures.

How Farrah Fawcett discovered she had cancer

The cancer was discovered during a routine exam in 2006. Fawcett later said in Farrah’s Story that she had ignored symptoms because she thought they were benign.

Why this matters

Anal cancer symptoms are often mistaken for common conditions. Fawcett’s experience became a cautionary tale that encouraged thousands of women to seek second opinions for persistent rectal pain.

Who was the love of Farrah Fawcett’s life?

Ryan O’Neal was Fawcett’s long-term partner from 1979 until her death in 2009. He called her “the love of my life” in his memoir. Their relationship had its ups and downs—they separated several times but reconciled—and O’Neal was with her when she died.

Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O’Neal relationship timeline

  • 1979: Begin relationship after meeting on set of Love.
  • 1985: Son Redmond born.
  • Occasional separations, but remained deeply connected.
  • 2009: O’Neal at her bedside at her death.

Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors marriage

Before O’Neal, Fawcett was married to Lee Majors (1973–1982). Majors was a major TV star (The Six Million Dollar Man), and they divorced amicably.

Why did Lee Majors leave Farrah Fawcett?

The divorce was finalized in 1982. According to public statements, the split was not triggered by a single scandal but by the gradual strain of two demanding Hollywood careers and time apart. Majors later said they simply drifted apart.

The catch

No major public fight or third party caused the split. Their divergence highlights how two rising stars can quietly outgrow marriage without drama—a rare outcome in celebrity culture.

What famous person died on the same day as Farrah Fawcett?

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009—the same day as Fawcett. Jackson’s death, from acute propofol intoxication, dominated global headlines, overshadowing Fawcett’s passing. The coincidence created an iconic media moment, with both deaths occurring hours apart in Los Angeles.

What did Lee Majors say when Farrah Fawcett died?

Lee Majors issued a public statement saying he was “heartbroken” and praised her as “a great actress and a wonderful mother.” He attended her memorial service and noted that she faced death with no fear, according to reports from ABC News.

Why was Tatum O’Neal left out of her dad’s will?

Ryan O’Neal died in 2023 and left his estate to his son Redmond O’Neal—Farrah’s son—while excluding his daughter Tatum O’Neal. Tatum publicly criticized the decision, citing a long-estranged relationship with her father. The exclusion became a widely reported part of the family’s complicated dynamics.

Timeline of Farrah Fawcett’s life

  • February 2, 1947 – Born in Corpus Christi, Texas
  • 1969 – Moves to Los Angeles, begins acting
  • 1973 – Marries Lee Majors
  • 1976 – Joins Charlie’s Angels, releases iconic poster
  • 1979 – Begins relationship with Ryan O’Neal
  • 1982 – Divorce from Lee Majors finalized
  • 1985 – Birth of son Redmond James O’Neal
  • 2006 – Diagnosed with anal cancer
  • 2009 – Releases Farrah’s Story; dies June 25

What we know and what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Cause of death: anal cancer (stage IV) — stated by family and medical records
  • Date of birth and death verified
  • She was in a long-term relationship with Ryan O’Neal
  • She was married to Lee Majors from 1973 to 1982
  • Michael Jackson died the same day

What’s unclear

  • Exact timeline of her final treatments and hospitalizations (some details vary by source)
  • Ryan O’Neal’s precise role in her care during the last weeks (accounts differ)
  • The extent of her son Redmond’s struggles during her final years

Voices on Farrah Fawcett

“She was the love of my life. I never stopped loving her.” — Ryan O’Neal

“I am heartbroken. She was a great actress and a wonderful mother.” — Lee Majors

“I have cancer. I’m going to fight this. I’m not ready to leave.” — Farrah Fawcett, from Farrah’s Story

“Farrah’s willingness to talk about anal cancer erased years of stigma for patients.” — Dr. Lawrence Piro, oncologist

Summary: The legacy beyond the poster

Farrah Fawcett transformed from a 1970s pop-culture icon into a symbol of courage in illness. Her battle with anal cancer—and her decision to film it—pushed a private disease into the public eye and prompted thousands of women to seek early screening. For anyone diagnosed with a stigmatized cancer, the lesson is direct: speak openly, question misdiagnosis, and lean on those who stay. For the media, her story remains a reminder that even the brightest stars face human endings—and that what we leave behind can matter more than what we wore. Fawcett’s legacy ultimately shifted from a poster to a purpose.

Additional sources

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Similarly, James Van Der Beek’s passing at 48 after a colorectal cancer battle underscores the often-private toll of the disease.

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Frequently asked questions

What was Farrah Fawcett’s net worth at her death?

Estimates placed her net worth at around $10 million to $20 million, much of it from royalties on her famous poster and real estate investments.

Where is Farrah Fawcett buried?

She was cremated and her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. There is a memorial plaque at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

Did Farrah Fawcett have plastic surgery?

She publicly acknowledged having a facelift and breast augmentation in the 1990s, but was generally private about cosmetic procedures.

What was the Farrah Fawcett poster?

The 1976 poster, showing her in a red one-piece swimsuit, sold over 12 million copies and became the best-selling poster in history at the time.

How old was Farrah Fawcett when she died?

She was 62 years old at the time of her death on June 25, 2009.

Was Farrah Fawcett ever married to Ryan O’Neal?

No, they were engaged twice but never legally married. They remained partners on and off from 1979 until her death.

What is the Farrah Fawcett Foundation?

The foundation, launched after her death, funds HPV and cancer research, patient support, and prevention education. It operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

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