At the dawn of a new year, we take stock of the major events in our personal lives, from the past 365 days. It's also the time to reflect on some of the celebrities who passed away during the previous year. In 2009, here are some major celebrities that lived their last year on Earth:
Walter Cronkite: Cronkite became famous as the TV news anchor of "The CBS Evening News" (1962-1981). He would famously end each evening's broadcast, with the words "...and that's the way it is". Cronkite became the most famous news anchor in the USA, becoming "the most trusted man in America".
Chuck Daly: Daly became most famous for leading the Detroit Pistons basketball team to two NBA championships (1989, 1990). He also coached the "Dream Team" men's basketball team to a gold meal, at the Summer Olympics in 1992. Daly earned an NCAA coaching record of 151-62, and an NBA coaching record of 638-437.
Farrah Fawcett: Best known for her role as Jill Munroe on the TV show "Charlie's Angels", Fawcett passed away in 2009, after her battle with cancer. A poster of Fawcett sporting a red swimsuit made her the short-term pin-up queen throughout the United States. It's been reported that poster sold 12 million copies!
Michael Jackson: the "King of Pop" died in 2009, as one of the most successful musicians of all time. Michael's music career began when he was 11 years old, while in the Jackson Five band (which included his brothers). Michael Jackson also recorded several successful songs and albums, and invented his signature dance move: the Moonwalk.
Edward Kennedy: Kennedy served as a U.S. senator from the state of Massachusetts, from 1962 to 2009. He filled the seat of John F. Kennedy, his brother. Edward also ran for president in 1980, although President Jimmy Carter defeated him for the Democratic nomination.
Frank McCourt: After serving in the U.S. army, McCourt earned a free education and then became a teacher. After retiring in 1987, he won the Pulitzer Prize for his book, "Angela's Ashes" (1996). The work is a memoir of McCourt's challenging childhood in Limerick, Ireland. Besides winning the prestigious award, the book also became a bestseller worldwide. The sequel, entitled "'Tis: A Memoir", chronicles McCourt's arrival in New York.
Ed McMahon: McMahon became most famous as the associate of the "Tonight Show's host, Johnny Carson. He held the position for nearly three decades. Afterwards, McMahon hosted a few TV talent shows, including "Star Search". But perhaps McMahon will be remembered most for his phrase, "Here's Johnny!" which introduced Johnny Carson on the "Tonight Show".
John Updike: A prolific author, John Updike became best known for his "Rabbit" books, which chronicle the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he progresses from middle age to senior life. Updike won two Pulitzer Prizes-both for "Rabbit" books.
Yes, it's important to constantly move forward in life. Nonetheless, there's something to be said for spending some time recalling those who passed away during the previous year. That includes those who were both public celebrities and celebrities in our own lives.
