Diane Fawcett Walls was the older sister of the iconic actress Farrah Fawcett, who rose to fame as one of the original Charlie’s Angels. Diane was also a television personality, but she was mostly known for her close relationship with her sister. Sadly, Diane passed away in 2001 after a long fight with lung cancer. Here is what you need to know about her life, career, and death.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Diane Elaine Fawcett Walls was born on October 27, 1938, in Montgomery, Texas. She was the eldest of two daughters of James Fawcett and Pauline Fawcett. Her father was an oil field contractor and her mother was a homemaker who later appeared in several films and documentaries with Farrah.
Diane grew up in a close-knit family and shared a strong bond with her sister Farrah, who was born four years after her. The sisters attended the same high school and college and supported each other’s dreams and aspirations. Diane was interested in television and journalism, while Farrah pursued a career in modeling and acting.
Career in the Television Industry
Diane Fawcett Walls was not as famous as her sister Farrah, but she had a respectable career in the television industry. She worked as a producer, writer, and host for various shows and documentaries. Some of her credits include The Mike Douglas Show, The Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Good Morning America.
Diane also appeared in some of the projects that featured her sister Farrah, such as the 1979 film Sunburn, the 1986 video Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes: Fitness for Silver Citizens, and the 1997 documentary Playboy: Farrah Fawcett, All of Me. Diane often accompanied Farrah to various events and interviews and showed her love and admiration for her.
Personal Life and Relationships
Diane Fawcett Walls was married twice in her life. Her first husband was Jefry Curtis Riggs, whom she married on May 10, 1957. They had a son named Jefry Curtis Riggs Jr., who was born on June 15, 1958. However, their marriage did not last long and they divorced sometime later.
Diane’s second husband was Earl Eugene Walls, whom she married on November 26, 1966. They had another son named Greg Walls, who was born on July 14, 1967. Diane and Earl remained married until her death in 2001.
Cause of Death and Legacy
Diane Fawcett Walls died on October 16, 2001, in Houston, Texas. She was 62 years old. The cause of death was lung cancer, which she had been battling for a long time. According to ShowBizers, details of her struggle with the disease were not disclosed to the public.
Diane’s death was a huge blow to her sister Farrah, who was very close to her. Farrah herself was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and fought bravely against it until she succumbed to it in 2009. Farrah dedicated her 2009 documentary Farrah’s Story to Diane’s memory.
Diane Fawcett Walls is remembered as a loving sister, mother, wife, and friend. She is also remembered as a talented television personality who worked behind and in front of the camera. She is buried at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
