Inside the ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Star’s Final Moments

Farrah Fawcett left behind a bright legacy after her death.

Known for her ultra-voluminous waves, Fawcett was scouted by an agent as a young woman while she attended the University of Texas at Austin, per her Farrah Fawcett Foundation bio. In 1968, she left Texas for Hollywood and landed a modeling contract.

But it wasn’t until 1976 that Fawcett became a household name after being cast in the Charlie’s Angels TV series alongside Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith. Over the years, she received three Emmy nominations for her acting, including roles in The Guardian, Small Sacrifices and The Burning Bed.

Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and was later declared cancer-free on her 60th birthday on Feb. 2, 2007, per her foundation. However, three months later, Fawcett’s doctor found that the cancer had metastasized to her liver.

Throughout her cancer journey, Fawcett and her friend Alana Stewart filmed her experience. The video footage was compiled into an Emmy-nominated documentary, Farrah’s Story, which the late star co-executive produced. It was released in May 2009, just before Fawcett died on June 25, 2009.

On the 16th anniversary of her death, here’s everything to know about how Farrah Fawcett died and her final years.

How did Farrah Fawcett die?

After living with anal cancer for three years, Fawcett died from the illness on June 25, 2009. She first announced her diagnosis in October 2006 via a public statement.

“Throughout the journey of my life, I have maintained a strong faith in the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I deeply believe in one’s own positive will to overcome even the most daunting challenges,” Fawcett wrote.

She continued, “I am resolutely strong and I am determined to bite the bullet and fight the fight while going through the next six weeks of cutting-edge, state-of-the-art treatment.”

When did Farrah Fawcett die?

After undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, Fawcett was declared cancer-free in February 2007. However, her cancer returned just a few months later in May. Subsequently, Fawcett began seeking alternative treatments in Germany, combining chemotherapy with holistic healing methods.

After living with the disease for two more years, Fawcett died on June 25, 2009, at 9:28 a.m. PT.

Stewart, Fawcett’s longtime partner Ryan O’Neal, friend Mela Murphy and doctor Lawrence Piro were by her side when she died.

Where did Farrah Fawcett die?

Fawcett died at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif. Shortly before her death, she had returned to the medical center for treatment of complications from anal cancer.

“She’s gone. She now belongs to the ages,” O’Neal told PEOPLE at the time. “She’s now with her mother and sister and her God.”

He continued, “I loved her with all my heart. I will miss her so very, very much. She was in and out of consciousness. I talked to her all through the night. I told her how very much I loved her. She’s in a better place now.”

O’Neal later died on Dec. 8, 2023, of congestive heart failure, per the Los Angeles Times. The late couple are survived by their son Redmond O’Neal.

How old was Farrah Fawcett when she died?

Fawcett was 62 years old when she died. She celebrated her final birthday on Feb. 2, 2009, just four months before her death.

What were Farrah Fawcett’s last words?

Fawcett’s last words were a tribute to her son Redmond.

“She was saying his name, ‘Redmond,’ ” Murphy told PEOPLE at the time. “That was the last thing she said.”

Murphy told Fawcett that she’d “take care of” Redmond, she added. “I said, ‘You can go now.’ It was just a few hours before she died,” she said.

What is Farrah Fawcett’s legacy?

Friends and fans mourned Fawcett’s death and celebrated her mark on Hollywood.

“Farrah had courage, she had strength and she had faith,” her Charlie’s Angels costar Smith said at the time. “And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels.”

Fellow Angel Jackson lamented the loss of Fawcett, sharing, “I will miss Farrah every day. She was a selfless person who loved her family and friends with all her heart, and what a big heart it was.”

She continued, “Farrah showed immense courage and grace throughout her illness and was an inspiration to those around her. When I think of Farrah, I will remember her kindness, her cutting dry wit and, of course, her beautiful smile.”

Robert Duvall, Fawcett’s costar in The Apostle, remarked on her death as well. “Farrah had an outstanding talent, better than most feature-film actresses that I’ve seen,” he said. “She was great to work with and will be missed.”