In the late 1970s, there was no television series more popular than ABC’s “Charlie’s Angels,” and its stars Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd.
Now, 50 years after the series 1976 debut, the co-stars reunited to discuss the series’ lasting legacy and the bond that’s created an unbreakable sisterhood. They looked back on the show’s influence and friendships that have stood the test of time.
Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd Reflect on ‘Charlie’s Angels’
“Charlie’s Angels” debuted in 1976 with Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Farrah Fawcett starring as three police officers, Sabrina Duncan, Kelly Garrett, and Jill Munroe, who worked for the private detective agency of the mysterious Charlie Townsend (played by John Forsythe). After Fawcett left the series in 1977, former “Dancing With the Stars” competitor Ladd stepped in, portraying her younger sister, Kris.
The show was an instant success and appointment television. “Charlie’s Angels” was the first show on television to present women as successful, smart, and capable of solving crimes, appealing to women who enjoyed the sense of empowerment and men, who watched because of the lead character’s beauty.
Today, 50 years after the show first made its debut, the ageless actresses appeared on the Today Show to discuss the show’s cultural impact and why it remains a cultural phenomenon.
“Women are capable, women can do things,” Jackson said in an Instagram clip from the morning news series. “We were there for each other,” Ladd added, with Smith elaborating, “it was a sisterhood. I think that’s what the audience responded to.”
Smith added, “And guess what? Time did not break that sisterhood. We are still friends today.”
The actress explained that the allure of the show boiled down to “women chasing danger instead of being rescued from danger.” The show was so culturally impactful that Jackson, Smith, and Fawcett were featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in 1976.
“We were in their living rooms and imagination,” Smith continued. “Be more daring in life, do the unexpected.”
Ladd added, “I thought that showing women who were for each other, not competing with each other.” Jackson concluded, “No one ever had to say I’ve got your back. It just was.”
The Actresses’ Were Also Connected in a Very Different Way
Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, and Jaclyn Smith were also bonded by a sisterhood of a very different kind. TODAY reported that all three women are cancer survivors.
Interviewer Maria Shriver asked the actresses, “Each one of you is a cancer survivor. And we know Farrah Fawcett also had cancer. Did you share stories amongst each other?”
Smith explained, “It just connects you because you know what they’re going through. And that’s when I talk about the power of girlfriends.”
Variety reported that Ladd first opened up about a breast cancer diagnosis during the trio’s appearance at PaleyFest LA. Both Jackson and Smith also faced the disease. Fawcett was also diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease. She passed away in 2009.
The women’s ties continue to bind them both personally and professionally. And fans are thrilled to see they are all doing well and thriving today. In the comments section of TODAY’s Instagram post, they shared their remarks about the “Charlie’s Angels” cast reunion.
“These ladies had a huge impact on my childhood. I couldn’t wait for each and every episode. I still love the message today. And wow, you ladies look amazing. Thank you for being an amazing part of my childhood and as the woman I am today,” wrote one Instagram user.
“Brains, beauty, support for one another, bravery…they showed an entire generation of women what was truly beautiful!!” penned a second social media fan.
A third follower wrote, “They showed us what strong and beautiful women we could be.”
“Charlie’s Angels” aired from 1976 through 1981. The series is available to stream.
