For three sets of family, friends and huge contingents of fans, June 25 will be remembered as the beginning of a very dark time. In only three days, the lives of three very large personalities were cut short. The trio of tragedies will mark change in thee industries: music, advertising and television. That all of them passed at relatively young ages by our standards, and all went so quickly, has left those of us who remain in shock.

But these larger-than-life personalities are big enough to shine even once the lights are dimmed, even beyond the cold chill of death.

One has only to find re-runs of 1970s TV to see beautiful, blonde Farrah Fawcett in her prime, ready to kick ass and crime-fight. Fawcett soared to success on the show Charlie’s Angels, becoming the pin-up girl of choice even among those who didn’t watch every single week. The TV and Broadway star, 62, accepted Ryan O’Neal’s June proposal to wed. Sadly, she would never get the chance to celebrate her wedding. Fawcett, born February 2, 1947, died on June 25, 2009 after a battle with cancer.

The golden-haired beauty’s legacy still remains, however. Currently, the first three seasons of Charlie’s Angels are available on DVD. The show was not actively in syndication on TV at the time of Farrah’s death, but many networks are airing episodes as a tribute to the actress. You can also view episodes via iTunes, Hulu and other streaming media Web sites.

Billy Mays, 50, is truly an American success story. Born in small-town Pennsylvania, he began his career as a salesman on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk. Mays began selling products on the Home Shopping Network, and a love affair between the popular pitchman and the television industry was born.

Soon, Mays became the voice - and driving force - behind several different products. His commanding presence, trustworthy smile and exciting energy were definite winners; it no longer mattered what he was selling. Mays managed to sell himself, and everything else began to fall in line.

He was perhaps on the brink of an even bigger career in reality TV, via his Discovery Channel show Pitchmen (which began airing in April 2009), when his life was sadly cut short. He was discovered, already deceased, by his wife on June 28, 2009.

Pitchmen was still airing on Discovery at the time of his death. It is unknown at this time whether or not episodes will continue to air, and if they do at what time.

Michael Jackson was destined to be a star. Born seventh to a musical family, he debuted as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1968. His solo career launched in 1971, and he went on to achieve mind-boggling success in the music industry. Hit after hit in the 70s and 80s made Jackson a household name and one of the world’s biggest stars.

Jackson’s stardom even, at times, overshadowed his musical successes. Somewhat off-beat behavior, wild spending and his love life became big tabloid fodder. But through the court battles and the media circus that surrounded him, he remained a bankable and viable recording legend.

His June 25, 2009 death remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. Questions surround the singer in death the way they did in life, but then superstardom never comes cheap. For those seeking to re-connect with the singer’s legendary career, American Idol is reprising the Top 13 episode which features tunes from his songbook (see what I said about it here). You can also find plenty of Jackson tracks on iTunes or turn into any of the many TV specials which celebrate his exceptional musical successes.