The original stars of “Charlie’s Angels” came together for a milestone moment, reuniting in Los Angeles to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary.
The Trio Stunned on the Red Carpet
Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd appeared side by side Monday night at PaleyFest LA, where they were greeted with a standing ovation inside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The trio, all smiles, posed for photos together.
Jackson looked stunning in a black-and-white ensemble, while Smith and Ladd each went for a pastel look.
The reunion marked five decades since the hit crime drama first debuted on September 22, 1976.
At the time, television was a vastly different landscape, dominated by just three major networks.
Despite that, the series quickly became a breakout success, landing in the top 10 for ABC during its first two seasons and running for five seasons before concluding in 1981.
The Three Reflect on the Iconic Show
Reflecting on the show’s impact, Smith told the audience per The Associated Press, “I knew the show was different, special and unique… Three women chasing danger instead of getting rescued.”
Jackson echoed that sentiment, adding simply, “We made an impact, I think.”
The series became a cultural phenomenon, due in part to its original lineup, which also included Farrah Fawcett.
Her signature hairstyle and iconic red swimsuit poster made her one of the defining figures of the 1970s.
Fawcett left the show after its first season to pursue film roles and died in 2009.
Ladd, who joined in season two, acknowledged the challenge of stepping into such a beloved role.
On the red carpet, she recalled arriving on set wearing a T-shirt featuring Fawcett.
“I knew that there was nobody that was going to replace Farrah, so I made a joke of myself,” she said. “Everybody laughed. Farrah would have done something like that.”
Jackson added of Ladd’s arrival, “Cheryl stepped in and we didn’t miss a beat.”
Ahead of the reunion, the trio reflected on the show’s legacy in a joint statement to PEOPLE.
They Previously Released a Joint Statement Ahead of the Anniversary
Jackson noted that the series exceeded expectations from the very beginning.
“Charlie’s Angels surprised everyone when Farrah, Jackie and I hit the ground running… and the pilot went through the glass ceiling,” she said. “Overnight, we were hailed with something akin to ‘rock star fame.’ When Cheryl joined us in the second season, she added a special element uniquely hers and the crazy went on.”
Beyond its entertainment value, the actresses emphasized the show’s deeper message.
While “lighthearted,” they said, it “quietly delivered the important message that women are just as capable as men.”
“We are proud that we were able to entertain the television viewing audience for an hour each week… and, at the same time, inspire and empower young women all over the world,” they added.
Fifty years later, that impact is still being celebrated.
