Death On Site: Losing Generational Superstars

(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

First there was the passing of famed Johnny Carson sidekick Ed McMahon, then the death of “Charlie’s Angel” star Farrah Fawcett, followed by the unexpected passing of the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, infomercial giant Billy Mays, film star Karl Malden, and now Steve McNair.

For my generation, this is our first time having to deal with the sudden loss of a generational icon.

Michael Jackson might have been 50 years old at the time of his passing, but he wrote the soundtrack to the lives of many.

From singing with his brothers about the “ABC’s” to stopping a budding gang war using dance moves in “Beat It,” Jackson’s death represented the demise of a part of our culture and our childhood.

Jackson is recognized as the most charitable entertainer in history by the Guinness Book of World Records, giving more than $300 million dollars to various charities.

Famed infomercial giant Billy Mays was the same age of Jackson when he passed away. Mays gained recognition for his “subtle” ways of selling products, such as Oxyclean, Orangeclean, and Kaboom!

Mays popularity grew to new heights as he was recruited by ESPN to perform a commercial advertising their alternate media Web site, ESPN360. Mays died of heart disease a few days after Michael Jackson.

Growing up in the '80s and '90s, one becomes accustomed to hearing Jackson's songs and seeing posters of Farrah Fawcett.

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