No matter what age most of us are, this week saw the loss of three entertainment icons—Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.

Jackson’s death Thursday of cardiac arrest at the “young” age of 50 may be marked with the same cultural significance as Elvis Presley’s tragic death.

It’s a true shame that someone with such talent and showmanship, who seemed to have the world in his hands, would succumb to such a young death. Unfortunately, his death may be marred in controversy, just has his later years were, and that’s a shame.

But Jackson’s legacy as the King of Pop and his talents as a singer and dancer should rightfully last for years to come.

Fawcett—the beautiful sex symbol of the 1970s—died also on Thursday, and her brave battle against cancer was well documented. Even more brave was her battle for privacy that she later surrendered to in order to document her struggle with the disease. Her outer beauty was only transcended by her inner strength.

Finally, McMahon, who in his booming voice for those who stayed up late to watch Johnny Carson, can hear it now, “Heeere’s Johnny!” McMahon died on Tuesday. McMahon knew when to step up to the forefront and when to step off stage.

All three of these personalities have left a mark on the entertainment world. Their deaths show us just how humble we all are.