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Moral Majority's Failed Crusade Against TV's Sexiest Star
14 Nov
Summary
- Moral Majority criticized Morgan Fairchild for being "too sexy for TV"
- Fairchild's PEOPLE magazine cover was released despite the Moral Majority's campaign
- Fairchild's career took off after the controversy, leading to acclaimed roles
In 2025, the news revisits a pivotal moment in the career of actress Morgan Fairchild. Back in 1981, Fairchild was named the "Sexiest Woman on TV" by PEOPLE magazine, but the honor was met with criticism from the conservative Moral Majority advocacy group. Led by televangelist Jerry Falwell, the Moral Majority condemned Fairchild's racy role on the NBC soap opera Flamingo Road, declaring her "too sexy for TV."
However, the Moral Majority's crusade against Fairchild ultimately backfired. Despite the controversy, Fairchild's PEOPLE magazine cover was released as planned, and the publicity only served to boost her rising star. Flamingo Road went on to earn Fairchild a Golden Globe nomination, transforming her from a working actress to a sought-after leading lady.
In the years since, Fairchild has continued to enjoy a successful career, with acclaimed roles on series like Falcon Crest, Cybill, and Friends. Even as she faced skepticism about being "too young" to play the mother of Matthew Perry's character on Friends, Fairchild proved the naysayers wrong, delivering a memorable performance. As she reflects on her career, Fairchild notes with a wink that "censorship is not new," a testament to her resilience in the face of the Moral Majority's failed crusade against her.
