Discovered at a debutante ball, Shelley started out as a part-time teen model in the '60s (she was still in school) but by 1974, she was a full-time top model. "The clients respond to my all-American face," Shelley told Cosmopolitan magazine in 1974. She said, "It doesn't mean I don't have problems. First of all, there are my glasses. I have adjusted to seeing without them. That is, I've learned to relax without my glasses, so the expression on my face doesn't look strained." She added, "And then there is my face, which I think of as irregular. My smile is crooked and so is my nose. I correct my crooked nose by using a little brown shadow down the center. There is very little I can do about my smile except control the upper left side without looking stiff." She stressed that "It's my professional obligation to my client to look my best."
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Winter Fashions '74
Japanese Souvenir Program 4
In 1978, Shelley got her first leading lady role in the film If Ever I See You Again. Shelley was cast in the role of Jennifer Corly, the main protagonist's love interest. The producer and leading man of the film, Joseph Brooks, told one reporter, during the audition process, "I saw scores of girls on the East Coast, the West Coast and points in between - and SHE walked in. I know that sounds overly dramatic. But when (Shelley) walked into the room, I turned to my assistant and said, 'She's got it! She's got the part.'" Shelley's side of the story, "I was amazed at how quickly Joe made up his mind. I didn't read for the part or take a screen test. I walked in and he told the other people in the room that I was the girl he was looking for." The film didn't do so well at the box office; but the title song "If Ever I See You Again" as interpreted by Roberta Flack reached #24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The film was released worldwide including in Japan, where the film's original soundtrack and a souvenir program were produced.
'60s Teen Model
Taste of Chicago
Shelley's third foray into series TV was Jack and Mike. It was about a young married yuppie couple living in Chicago, trying to find time for each other in their busy schedules. Shelley played Jackie Shea, a star columnist at The Mirror, a widely-circulated Chicago newspaper. Her column was awaited by everyone every week. Her husband was Mike Brennan (played by Tom Mason), a successful restaurateur. The series was one of the most promising shows in the 1986 fall TV lineup. In December 9, 1986, the 9th original episode of the series was aired... entitled "Taste of Chicago." In the episode, Jackie gets an exclusive interview with mobster Jake Tompkins (played by seasoned veteran Cesare Danova) who had just been released from prison after 30 years. Also, the mayor's office makes Mike an offer he couldn't refuse. Mike becomes chairman of the city's annual restaurant festival. The other guests stars were Harry Gorsuch as Manny Pinero and Ernie Winstanley as Artie.
Take Charlie Along
Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the brand. In 1980, she appeared in a newspaper ad for Charlie called the "Take Charlie Along!" which was a promo for Charlie's back-to-school cosmetics line. Aside from the Charlie color analysis, customers were introduced to Charlie's new colors and looks for fall of that year. The promo also offered customers a chance to purchase "Charlie's Feedbag" for only $8.00 with any $5.00 or more purchase from the Charlie collection. "Charlie's Feedbag" was a handy, adjustable canvas tote that contained a bottle of Charlie Body Silk head-to-toe moisturizer, which was great for fighting after-summer dryness. And, as always, Shelley was gorgeous in the fabulous ad.
Angels, 1979
1979 was a new era for the hit TV series Charlie's Angels. Supermodel Shelley Hack joined Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd to form Charlie's latest glamorous detective team. The wardrobe budget was increased to $20,000 per episode and each Angel went through eight costume changes per episode. The fashions they wore for the season were the very latest. Also, for promotional purposes, five different pic sets were taken wherein the Angels were decked out in [1] satin robes, [2] skin tight spandex disco pants, [3] casual outfits, [4] evening gowns by Nolan Miller, and [5] full-length fur coats (the most glamorous thing any woman could ever don at the time - PETA wasn't in existence yet). These promotional pics appeared on newspapers and magazines all over the world.
Dress For The Time Being 2
Shelley appeared on many Simplicity pattern catalogs, brochures and packaging during the 1960s and 1970s. The Simplicity Pattern Company is the leading manufacturer of sewing patterns and sewing pattern guides which are distributed throughout the world. They have been manufacturing sewing patterns since 1927 and have allowed fashionistas on a budget and sewing aficionados to create clothes in a reliable manner. Shelley was featured in Simplicity Young Ideas Catalog's Fall-Winter 1972 issue. In the issue, Shelley appeared in the spread called "Dress For The Time Being." It featured patterns for dresses that could be worn during any time of the day. Shelley wore Simplicity Pattern 9885 - a super simple mini-dress. It had a halter neckline, an empire waist, of course, a short hemline. It was trimmed near the hem with a floral-patterned ribbon. Matching flat sandals finished her look. A matching clip and a thin bangle bracelet accessorized her look. And Shelley looked fabulous and ready for any activity during the day or for a casual and informal night out.