O‘Neal, the longtime companion of fellow actor Farrah Fawcett, presented Fawcett’s red swimsuit from her famous poster in 1976 along with other items to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on Wednesday. She died of cancer in 2009. What were the items you presented to the Smithsonian?
[There was a] puzzle of the poster, a beauty kit where little girls could learn to comb their hair like Farrah, [several] TV Guide covers from the first couple of shows, and a series of scripts. On the cover of one she drew a couple of the angels. She was a good artist. And there was the bathing suit that was on the poster that sold over 12 million copies. It’s her birthday today, so it was special.
What made those items significant to the public?
They sold a lot. I wouldn’t know actually, this was all before me. I came along a few years later. I had seen the poster and the scripts, but why did she keep all these things is the better question.
What were the significance of the items to you?
It’s a reflection of her. I adored her. Anything up there I take pleasure in.
What emotion did you feel when you were presenting these items?
I forgot half my speech because I was so emotional. How is that for an answer? I was like John Boehner, but hey, it works for him!
What other items of Farrah’s do you have?
She was a sculpturist. I have some sculptures. We have copies, too.
How have you been doing since she passed away?
You know, OK, I guess. Alive, but lonely. I do miss her. She was really such a wonderful person to have around. Such fun.
What about Farrah will you always remember?
All of her. She could light up a room when she smiled. Make a day sunnier. It’s a nice knack to have to smile and make people feel better.
Erica Redmond
