With over 16 million workout videos sold since 1980, Kathy Smith has become a household name in fitness. A mother of two, Kathy also serves on the board of the USC School of Gerontology, the Women's Sports Foundation and is a recipient of the IDEA Lifetime Achievement Award from IDEA Health & Fitness, the world's largest professional fitness organization.

Michael

It’s hard to believe that only yesterday I was writing about the loss of another icon. And the one I’m talking about today, of course, needs no introduction.

Two weeks ago I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I want to share - not to exploit Michael’s tragic death or boast about meeting celebrities, but because it was such a magical moment that I knew I had to write it down.

I was visiting a friend at his office here in LA, and he said to me, “Oh, you know who’s in the next room? Do you wanna meet Michael Jackson?” I thought he was kidding, but moments later, the King of Pop entered the room with his children in tow. Our mutual friend, obviously un-phased by Michael’s stardom, introduced us: “Michael, Kathy is big in the fitness industry. And Kathy, Michael is the best dancer in the world!” I had to stifle a laugh at this description - as if this were just another guy!

Michael hugged me. As many people have observed in the news yesterday and today, he was small, childlike, fragile, and - like Farrah - soft-spoken and incredibly shy.

What happened next is the truly unforgettable part. Our friend said to Michael, “You should really show Kathy how you dance.” And he did! Without a moment’s hesitation, Michael showed me some of his signature moves - a style that has obviously influenced performers (not to mention fans) for decades, and will for years to come.

We talked for a while. He introduced me to his children - who were sweet, beautiful, and clearly adored their father - and he told me about canceling an upcoming concert in London. “The people were so mean,” he said, visibly upset. “Just so mean.”

While our country, and our world, mourns and celebrates this legendary artist, I’m still in disbelief - not just that he’s gone, but that I was actually lucky enough to receive a private dance performance by Michael Jackson. –>

With over 16 million workout videos sold since 1980, Kathy Smith has become a household name in fitness. A mother of two, Kathy also serves on the board of the USC School of Gerontology, the Women's Sports Foundation and is a recipient of the IDEA Lifetime Achievement Award from IDEA Health & Fitness, the world's largest professional fitness organization.

Farrah

In the early days of my career, I had the pleasure of meeting Farrah Fawcett when we were both spokesmodels for Faberge products. I appeared in ads for their “Babe” perfume, while Farrah, of course, promoted shampoo.

We flew to Mexico for a Faberge conference, where we met with their Board (including none other than Cary Grant) and spoke to their salespeople. Even though I’d only released one workout album at the time, I had no problem jumping up on stage to get the crowd moving. Then it was Farrah’s turn to appear, and in spite of her stardom, there was no trace of a larger-than-life icon. She was soft-spoken, delicate, and surprisingly shy. Even when I’d run into her on occasion, years later, at Ryan O’Neal’s Pro Gym, she maintained a sweetness and a warmth that I’ve rarely seen in starlets of her caliber.

I was moved by her incredibly brave TV documentary “Farrah’s Story.” It not only showed us her excruciating battle, but her will to survive. And thanks to her courage, talent, and beauty, she’ll stay with us.

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