"Charlie's Angels" Cast Commemorates 50th Anniversary at PaleyFest LA
Stars Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd convened at PaleyFest LA on Monday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the television series "Charlie's Angels," which began its five-season run in 1976.
Series Genesis and Casting
Kate Jackson was involved in the show's development with Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg after her tenure on "The Rookies." She was initially slated for the role of Kelly Garrett but later transitioned to play Sabrina Duncan. Jaclyn Smith recounted that her audition for Kelly Garrett was not strong, and she did not expect to secure the part. Smith also noted that producers initially sought a cast comprising a blonde, a brunette, and a redhead, which they considered inclusive at the time.
Smith described the show as "different, special, and unique," highlighting its portrayal of "three women chasing danger instead of being rescued from danger."
She stated that the series empowered women to be independent and challenge conventional roles.
Cast Changes and Challenges
Farrah Fawcett, the original third Angel alongside Jackson and Smith, departed after the first season, a decision both Jackson and Smith expressed disappointment over. Cheryl Ladd joined the cast as Kris Munroe, Fawcett's character's younger sister, after initially declining Aaron Spelling's offer three times. Ladd accepted after Spelling proposed the "little sister" concept, making her character part of the existing "family." Ladd recounted wearing a shirt that read "Farrah Fawcett Minor" on set and a later incident where she intentionally wore a very small bikini to challenge a request for her character to wear bikinis frequently.
Separately, Ladd disclosed her past battle with breast cancer, an experience also shared by Jackson and Smith.
Career Decisions and Network Relations
The trio discussed various professional challenges stemming from their "Charlie's Angels" schedules and contracts, which led them to decline other significant projects. Smith mentioned being considered for a Bond girl role in 1979's "Moonraker" but honored her contract with Spelling. She also revealed she was approached for "Beetlejuice" but did not comprehend the project at the time.
Jackson stated that she turned down the role later played by Meryl Streep in "Kramer vs. Kramer" because Aaron Spelling, citing scheduling conflicts with "Charlie's Angels," prevented her participation.
Despite the series' success and its inspiration for multiple film franchises, the cast members have publicly stated that they have received limited financial compensation from the show. Smith recalled initial skepticism from the network, which aired the pilot as a two-hour movie. Despite high ratings, the network initially did not order a full season, airing the pilot a second time to even higher ratings before committing to more episodes.
Jackson, Smith, and Ladd are scheduled to be recognized at the Paley Honors Spring Gala next month in New York as part of the ongoing 50th-anniversary celebrations.