Yesterday began the deaths of three major figures, each of whom played a part in the advertising world throughout their careers. The latest and maybe most relevant is Michael Jackson, who reportedly died earlier today after suffering a heart attack; he was 50. Before him was Farrah Fawcett, who battled cancer for three years before succumbing to it; she was 62. And yesterday we learned of the passing of Ed McMahon who was 86.

Each of these loved personalities lived his or her life in the limelight and as part of their celebrity status were offered advertising opportunities. The ads they took part in stick out in many of our minds (though we're not airing the Pepsi ad where Jackson's hair is lit on fire, for obvious reasons). Jackson and Pepsi, McMahon and Publisher's Clearing House, Fawcett and Noxzema.

Farrah Fawcett/Noxzema

Ed McMahon/Budweiser