In 2005, Farrah Fawcett had a series titled “Chasing Farrah” that chronicled her day to day life, including trips back home to visit her family. 

I remember a few years before, kidding around with Texas Monthly scribe Skip Hollandsworth about his great story on an interview and so much more that he had with Farrah and how jealous I was because I was trying to nab an interview with her, as well.  I told him that I was bound and determined to make it happen.

During my quest, I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and spend time with some of the great folks in her life that were the heart and soul of Farrah beyond the celebrity status. 

It was people like her father, James, and her sister, Diane.  I first met with James and Diane at a country club in the gated Texas community where they lived. 

James is one of those good ol’ boy Texas dads who loves his kids.  When he talked about Farrah, it was evident that despite her fame from Charlie’s Angels and since, he just considered her his little girl. 

Diane, who passed away in 2001, had that same boldness as Farrah.  She also looked so much like her sister and of course, had that same megawatt smile.  Big sister was extremely proud of little sis and also very protective of her.

I also had the chance to meet with a lot of the core girlfriends in high school and college that remained tight with Farrah.  That’s something that most people didn’t know about her.  She still had these strong childhood ties and friends back home that she called on a regular basis and who formed a protective barrier around her from any prying media over the years trying to gain access to her.  I was honored that they talked with me and shared so many fond memories.

Then in 2001, I had the opportunity to finally meet and interview Farrah.  It was at the Lilly Dodson store in Highland Park.  She was in town promoting the film, Dr. T and the Women, which she starred in with Richard Gere. 

After years of watching her on TV, trying to mimic her famous ‘do of the '70s, and then getting to know her family and friends, I felt like I already knew her before she walked into the room.  The interview went great, she still had that southern accent after all these years away from home, and the megawatt smile surfaced whenever I brought up childhood memories or of her family.

After the interview, she gave me a hug and I thanked her for her time.  She left and went on to meet her adoring fans that were waiting for her.  I left with my own story that I could share with Skip Hollandsworth now, too.  But I also left with so much more – a privileged glimpse into the world of a Texas girl who made it big and ended up winning over the hearts of so many fans across the globe.  And having the opportunity to meet and get to know her family and friends who were the heart and soul of this woman was a true honor.

I stayed in touch for a while with her father and sister, and a few of her friends.  I interviewed Farrah one other time after that.  Each time, she was adamant that she still remained a true Texan at heart and would always consider Texas her home.