Story Behind The Iconic Farrah Fawcett Red Swimsuit Poster That Sold Over 12 Million Copies

Farrah Fawcett became famous for her poster in which she was wearing the red swimsuit. The picture sold over 12 million copies and became the best-selling poster of all time. This poster was an art to those who possessed it. Even, today we admire her radiant beauty, beautiful smile which was surrounded by her tousled golden hair. The photograph was captured in 1976 on a hot summer day.

The poster became accidentally famous, things were not planned. A poster manufacturing company, Pro Arts Inc, wanted Fawcett to do something alluring, sensual, and provocative such as wearing a bikini in a promo poster. However, they were unable to decide what Farrah should have worn. The photoshoot took place at Farrah’s house, but she didn’t have a bikini there. The photo artist, McBroom, suggested that let Fawcett decide, and she came out in a red swimsuit. Fawcett did her hair and makeup. McBroom remembered Farrah as a beautiful person to work with. She even did her hair and makeup on the set. The poster showcased Fawcett’s gleaming white teeth, wholesome beauty, and her body. Although the swimsuit was not overly revealing, her nipples were clearly outlined by the red fabric of her swimwear. The photograph took several photos, so the team at Pro Arts had to decide which shot to use. Fawcett marked her favorite, and they followed her instincts. And indeed, it was a wise choice. The poster sold over 12 million copies, and she earned $400,000 in royalties.

Here below is the iconic poster and other photographs from the photoshoot.

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#9 In 2011, two years after her death, her husband, Ryan O’Neil, donated the iconic red swimsuit and a copy of her poster to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

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Actor Ryan O'Neal waves goodbye to Farrah Fawcett's red swimsuit and other Fawcett memorabilia, at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011.