Los Angeles (E! Online) – Ryan O'Neal could barely contain himself. Confronted by cameramen outside a Santa Monica hospital this morning, the actor was peppered with questions about Farrah Fawcett's condition.
"Hey, Ryan, how's Farrah? Is she OK?" someone asked.
"Farrah's gone," he said.
The heartwrenching scene played out just 90 minutes after Fawcett died. After composing himself a few hours later, O'Neal saluted his companion:
"After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away," he said. "Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."
It was the first of many similar statements from family, friends and fellow Angels...
• Best friend and fellow actress Alana Stewart, who was with O'Neal and Fawcett in the latter's final moments: "There are no words to express the deep sense of loss that I feel. For 30 years Farrah was much more than a friend, she was my sister, and although I will miss her terribly I know in my heart that she will always be there as that angel on the shoulder of everyone who loved her."
• Six Million Dollar Man and Fall Guy star Lee Majors, married to Fawcett from 1973 to 1982: "My wife Faith and I were saddened to hear of Farrah's passing. She fought a tremendous battle against a terrible disease. She was an angel on Earth and now an angel forever."
• Stepdaughter Tatum O'Neal: "I am truly heartbroken of Farrah's passing. She was an inspiration to all women; an icon in her own right. She brought so much joy to millions and there are no words how much she will be missed."
And then there were Fawcett's Charlie's Angels costars.
• Kate Jackson, herself a cancer survivor: "I will miss Farrah everyday. She was a selfless person who loved her family and friends with all her heart, and what a big heart it was. 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. Today when you think of Farrah remember her smiling because that is exactly how she wanted to be remembered...smiling."
• Jaclyn Smith: "Farrah had courage, she had strength, and she had faith. And now she has peace as she rests with the real angels."
• Cheryl Ladd, who replaced Fawcett on the 1970s detective series: "I'm terribly sad about Farrah's passing. She was incredibly brave, and God will be welcoming her with open arms."
• John Forsythe, who provided the voice of Charlie: "She left an indelible mark on me and the public...She put up a gallant fight."
• Tori Spelling, whose father, legendary TV producer Aaron Spelling, cast Fawcett in Angels: "Farrah was an inspiration to all and had the most amazing spirit. She was one of the kindest, sweetest, and funniest women I've had the privilege of knowing and I'm proud to have called her a friend. Her smile will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with her family."
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