For Every Kind of Woman

a closeup of Shelley from a 1979 Charlie perfume ad pic

Shelley Hack was one of most successful models represented by Ford Models, Inc. and was one of the Supermodels of the 1970s. She rose from being a part-time model in the 1960s during her schooling (Ford would would send out cards to clients that said, "Shelley Hack will be back June 1.") to becoming one of the top models in the early '70s. In 1976, she jumped to Supermodel status via a Revlon commercial for Charlie Perfume. She was one of first batch of models  who were able to negotiate previously unheard of, lucrative and exclusive deals with giant cosmetics companies. Shelley was THE Charlie Girl from 1976 to 1982 and her image and influence was/is iconic.

Shelley in a sporty mood for Charlie perfume ad pic

The popularity of her ads was worldwide and Charlie perfume ads portrayed women in the most positive light. The working woman, the sassy woman, the liberated woman, the party girl, the sporty woman - all of them she portrayed as sexy, confident, independent and fabulous. Her long-legged stride was somewhat a symbol of the strides taken by the women's liberation movement. And her confident smile symbolized the idea that women can fend for themselves, thrive and be happy about it.

A Hit in Germany

a closeup of Shelley

from a 1983 promo pic

for Cutter to Houston

Shelley starred in her second TV series, Cutter to Houston in 1983. She played Dr. Beth Gilbert, a surgeon who aspired to practice in a big-city hospital in Houston after her stint in Cutter, a fictional Texas small town. Alec Balwin and Jim Mezler co-starred with Shelley as Dr. Hal Wexler and Dr. Andy Fenton, Beth's co-doctors at the Cutter Community Hospital. The series was aired in Germany in 1988 as Die Texas-Klinik (The Texas Clinic) and had a successful run. German tele-viewers were familiar with Shelley from her stint in Charlie's Angels in 1979; and they were interested in up-and-coming actor Alec Baldwin who had just shot to stardom US via the nighttime soap Knots Landing.

Shelley in a German-language TV Guide

description of the Cutter to Houston episode

"Tell Me A Riddle, Daddy"

Commercial 1972

Shelley in a commercial for JCPenney, 1972

Shelley appeared in many commercials during her tenure as one of the Supermodels of the 1970s. She might be best-known from having appeared in many commercials for Charlie perfume and the Charlie by Revlon brand, but she has also appeared in many other commercials aside from the iconic 1970s beauty brand. Like her fellow Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd, Shelley too did a lot of those 60-second endorsements in the 1970s. She did commercials for Remington, Alberto-Culver, Avon Jewelry, JCPenney, Ponds and many more.

captures of Shelley in a commercial for JCPenney, 1972

In 1972, Shelley appeared in a commercial for JCPenney pants. It featured a versatile pair of classic ladies pants that could be worn by any woman at any age. It was a special pair of slacks in the latest fashion silhouette, with flared legs, and was in a color easy to match. The pair was made with the latest fabric around at the time. The very affordable pair also came in a houndstooth design. Topped with a Qiana shirt, also available at JCPenney, it was a standout. And so was Shelley. Watch the commercial at:

70's Ads: JC Penney Polyester 1972

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsJ9ZUAL7_g

more captures of Shelley in a commercial for JCPenney, 1972

The Natural

a pic of Shelley circa 1980

Shelley was a certified superstar by 1980. The Charlie Girl who became a Charlie's Angel was one of Hollywood's "it" girls at the time. She definitely had the look of a superstar; so much so that she was featured as one of the standout beauties in Mark Traynor's Beauty Book along with Wilhelmina Cooper, Iman, Carol Lynley and many others. Mark Traynor was a hair and makeup artist whose career spanned decades and was the pioneer of slip-on wigs for men, the Isometric Beauty Band as well as the temporary Face Lift Kit. He categorized Shelley as one of "The Naturals," a modern beauty who represented youth, freshness and natural appeal and could be anything she desires - she could go simple and glamorous, depending on her mood. He said that Shelley was discovered as a teenager and photographed so well that she simply rose to the very top of the modeling business.

a writeup about Shelley

in Mark Traynor's Beauty Book, 1980

Big-Zip Dress

a closeup of Shelley from a Vicky Vaughn ad, 1973

Shelley appeared in many ads for Vicky Vaughn during her modeling years. Vicky Vaughn was the junior clothing line of R & M Kaufmann, Inc, a clothing manufacturer that  produced high quality garments at affordable prices (It was eventually sold to Russ Togs in 1969.) In 1973, she appeared in an ad for the brand in a big-zip shirtshaped dress with a slightly high and elasticized waist and safari pockets. The light-colored mini dress had short sleeves aa well as natural brown trims and details. Matching two-toned pumps, tortoise-framed glasses and a gold bracelet finished her look. Shelley, of course, looked sensational.

Shelley in a Vicky Vaughn ad, 1973

Celebs in Malaysia

Shelley in a promo pic form 1977

Shelley along with 15 other celebrity guests braved the heat of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the McDonald's-Sunday Mail Celebrity Tennis event in April of 1986. The stars in attendance were magician Carl Carlsson, songwriter and pianist Carol Connors, singer and Fifth Dimension founder Billy Davis Jr., Medical Center's Chad Everett, actress Shelby Grant, Mission: Impossible's Peter Graves, Charlie's Angels' Shelley Hack, Cagney and Lacey's Martin Kove, Kate and Allie's Ari Meyers, singer of Zorba fame Taro Meyers, singer Bobby Milano, Newhart's Tom Poston, model-actress Deborah Raffin, singer Keely Smith, The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman's Lyle Waggoner and Hill Street Blues' Mike Warren. In addition to the tennis event, the Hollywood stars were going to participate in a farewell dinner show where the sponsors will donate $10 for every guest to a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Malaysia's historical and cultural landmarks. Asian fans came in droves to get a glimpse, as well as autographs, of their favorite Hollywood stars.

a writeup about a celebrity tennis event

attended by Shelley in 1986

Flower-Fresh

closeup of Shelley from a spread

for Sears Spring/Summer 1976 catalog

Shelley appeared in many ads and catalogs for Sears in the 1960s and 1970s. In the Sears Spring/Summer 1976 catalog, she appeared in a spread called "Flower-Fresh Sleep and Loungewear."  It featured a set of sleep and loungewear pieces made from a tiny floral-print fabric in combination with a checked gingham-look fabric, in sky blue and white. Sky blue satin ribbon beading, a satin ribbon bow and white lace trim adorned the garment. Shelley wore the Long Gown which had elasticized shoulder straps, a deep V-neckline, empire waist elasticized at the back and a flounced hem. To finish her look, she wore The Scuffs, bedroom footwear in the same floral-print fabric. It had a cushioned insole and a vinyl sole. Shelley looked flower-fresh, flirty and fabulous.

Shelley in a spread for the Sears Spring/Summer 1976 catalog

Supermodel of the '70s

a closeup of Shelley in a promo pic for Charlie, 1977

After her schooling, Shelley signed on full-time at her modeling agency, Ford Models Inc., and became one of the top models in the United states. In 1976, she jumped to Supermodel status via a Revlon commercial for Charlie Perfume. She was one of first batch of models  who were able to negotiate previously unheard of, lucrative and exclusive deals with giant cosmetics companies. Shelley was THE Charlie Girl from 1976 to 1982 and her image and influence was/is iconic. The popularity of the ads was worldwide and Charlie perfume ads were translated into different languages.

Shelley in a Portuguese-language Charlie perfume ad

The popularity of the ads was worldwide and Charlie perfume ads were translated into different languages. Spanish, French, Portuguese... The ad always featured the spirit of Shelley's Charlie Girl - gorgeous, sexy, young, intelligent, confident and liberated. In 1979, the ad was translated to Portuguese. The text on the ad translates as follows:

Discover Charlie.

The fragrance full of surprises. 

Like you. 

The fragrance of a modern woman should be just like a man's: 

dynamic, cheerful, carefree, full of personality 

but at the same time very feminine. 

Like Charlie - the fragrance created especially for women 

who know exactly how to live and be alive. 

Charlie, more than a fragrance, it's an attitude. 

The Original Fragrance 

Charlie by Revlon

Dr. G in '83

a closeup of Shelley from a 1983 promo pic 

for Cutter to Houston

Shelley starred in the 1983 TV series Cutter to Houston with Alec Baldwin and Jim Metzler. She played Dr. Beth Gilbert, an ambitious surgeon who wanted to practice in a big-city hospital in Houston after her stint in Cutter. Cutter was a fictional Texas small town located in the boondocks, as Shelley put it herself in one interview, that had a clinic/hospital for the first time, the Cutter Community Hospital. When their facility received cases it couldn't handle, a computer hookup (a groundbreaking idea back then) connected it to a big hospital in Houston - hence the title of the series. The patients were usually fetched and brought in via chopper.

Shelley in a 1983 promo pic for Cutter to Houston 

with costars Jim Metzler and Alec Baldwin

Commercial 1978

Shelley in a commercial for Pepsi Light 1978

Shelley appeared in many commercials during her tenure as one of the Supermodels of the 1970s. She might be best-known from having appeared in many commercials for Charlie perfume and the Charlie by Revlon brand, but she has also appeared in many other commercials aside from the iconic 1970s beauty brand. Like her fellow Charlie's Angels Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd, Shelley too did a lot of those 60-second endorsements in the 1970s. She did commercials for Remington, Alberto-Culver, Avon Jewelry, JCPenney, Ponds and many more.

captures of Shelley in a commercial for Pepsi Light 1978

In 1978, Shelley appeared in a commercial for Pepsi Light. It was a lemon-flavored Diet Pepsi initially sold in 1975. It was available until the late 1980s and was renamed Diet Pepsi Lemon. Deemed "the fresh one," it was a one calorie drink that was sugar-free. It had an added lemony taste to give the soft drink a fresh flavor. "The fresh one is here," said Shelley as the commercial ended. Watch the commercial at:

Shelley Hack 1978 Pepsi Light

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMgQ7dXFOjr/

more captures of Shelley in a commercial for Pepsi Light 1978

Helen Hayes Event 1980

Shelley at The Love Boat Honors Helen Hayes event, 1980

Shelley attended The Love Boat Honors Helen Hayes event in Feb of 1980 at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Other attendees were her fellow Charlie's Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd, the entire cast of The Love Boat, Jane Wyman, Phil Silvers, Milton Berle, Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows, Hope Lange, John Gavin, Britt Ekland, Bobby Sherman, Phyllis Diller, Melissa Gilbert, Joyce DeWitt, Robert Hays, Loni Anderson, Mark Harmon, Lisa Hartman, Michele Lee and many more. Of course, Aaron Spelling was there too, as well as "First Lady of Theatre" herself, the evening's honoree Helen Hayes.

Shelley and Cheryl Ladd

at The Love Boat Honors Helen Hayes event, 1980

Scavullo, 1965

Shelley photographed by Francesco Scavullo, 1965

Shelley was photographed by many renowned photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier, Bill King, Arthur Elgort, William Connors as well as her then boyfriend Steen Svensson. Early in her modeling career, in 1965, she was photographed by Francesco Scavullo. Some of her photos were used by Ingenue magazine. In fact, Shelley appeared on the cover of the March 1965 issue of Ingenue magazine which was photographed by Scavullo. She wore a pink/yellow/white hybrid paisley-printed, notchy pink-collared coat over a pink sleeveless skimmer, both by American Bazaar. Her hair was by David Crespin, makeup by Helena Rubinstein.

Shelley on the cover of Ingenue, March 1965

Diet and Exercise Routine

a closeup of Shelley from an outdoor pic from 1979

Shelley divulged her some of her "slim 'n' trim secrets" in 1979. She told Midnight Globe in July of the year about her diet and exercise routine. She revealed that she got enough exercise daily by jogging and walking and if she's free, she'd go for a swim. She didn't starve her body of all good foods but, instead, stuck to a sensible diet of fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken. Occasionally, she would have a steak. Great tips.

a writeup about Shelley from 1979

Sleepwear Coordinates

closeups of Shelley from a spread 

for Sears Spring/Summer 1976 catalog

Shelley appeared in many ads and catalogs for Sears in the 1960s and 1970s. In the Sears Spring/Summer 1976 catalog, she appeared in a spread called "Sleepwear Coordinates."  It was a set of sleepwear pieces in country-fresh checkered gingham crisply styled to have a casual look - so casual it could be worn out in the patio during the day. Shelley wore the Long Coat, a sleepwear coat with a  button-front and a tie belt. It had eyelet trims on the bodice and edges of the bracelet-length sleeves. It came in medium blue and white as well as true red and white. And Shelley looked fab in either of them.

Shelley in a spread

for the Sears Spring/Summer 1976 catalog

Brigitte Cover 1972

a closeup of Shelley

from the cover of the German mag

Brigitte Mit Constanze, Jan 1972

 

Shelley was one of the most visible Supermodels in the 1970s. She appeared on many covers of many major magazines. In 1972, Shelley appeared on the January 7 cover of Brigitte Mit Constanze, a German women's magazine which featured fashions, home styles and health. She also appeared inside the magazine, modeling the latest looks of the era.

 

Shelley on the cover

of the German mag

Brigitte Mit Constanze, Jan 1972

Hollywood Legends as Guests

an outdoor photo of Shelley from 1979

 

Shelley joined the cast of Charlie's Angels in 1979 to so much fanfare. Shelley was an instant Superstar before she even filmed an episode of the series. When her debut episode "Love Boat Angels" finally aired in September of that year, it topped the Nielsen ratings. Shelley's casting was a coup. Her Charlie Girl image brought even more publicity for the show and it renewed interest in the series. Some fans wanted to see more big-name guest stars in the series, but the Angels had become big stars themselves, so some thought it wasn't necessary. But even so, some Hollywood legends did appear that season namely Barbara Stanwyck, Louis Jourdan, Cesar Romero and Tab Hunter.

a writeup about Shelley and Charlie's Angels from 1979

More of Charlie's Put-Ons

Shelley in a promo pic for Charlie perfume, 1977

wearing the  Charlie T-Shirt and Scarf promo items

 

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the brand. In 1977, she appeared in a newspaper ad for Charlie called "Charlie's Put-Ons." It was a promo that offered customers a chance to purchase a $20 worth Charlie T-Shirt and Scarf for only $6 for every $5 purchase from the Charlie collection. The T-shirt was blue and came in sizes S-M-L. And the long scarf was blue, yellow and white striped. Of course, Shelley looked fab in them.

 

Shelley in another promo pic for Charlie perfume, 1977
wearing the  Charlie T-Shirt and Scarf promo items

An Ambitious Surgeon

screen captures from various 

Cutter to Houston episodes, 1983

 

Shelley's second foray into series TV was Cutter to Houston. It was about three young doctors from the world-famous Texas Medical Center in Houston who were recruited to run a small hospital in the fictional rural town of Cutter, Texas. Jim Metzler and Alec Baldwin played the other two doctors. Jim played idealistic GP Dr. Andy Fenton, who grew up in Cutter and is glad to be home. Alec played internist/ladies man Dr. Hal Wexler, who is getting through his probation, having been relegated to Cutter for being a little too fast and free with his prescriptions. And Shelley played Dr. Beth Gilbert, an ambitious surgeon on temporary assignment in Cutter and aspires to be a heart surgeon in Houston.

more screen captures from various
Cutter to Houston episodes, 1983

The Halter 1973

a closeup of Shelley from an ad for JCPenney, 1973

 

Shelley appeared in many ads and catalogs for JCPenney in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1973, she appeared in a JCPenney ad with the tagline "The Halter. We've suited it to Everyone Under the Sun" which suited the halter to a bikini, a long shift and a swimdress. Shelley wore the swimdress made from a printed fabric exclusive to JCPenney at the time. Shelley looked swim-ready and smashing.

 

Shelley in an ad for JCPenney, 1973

Supermodel Angel

a promo pic of Shelley from 1978

 

Shelley reached Supermodel status in 1976 when she began endorsing Charlie perfume. It was an era when exclusive modeling contracts were unheard of and giant cosmetics companies were beginning to give them out. Shelley signed on to become Revlon's Charlie Girl and the brand became an international sensation, a phenomenon worldwide - catapulting Charlie and Shelley Hack to iconic status. This brought Shelley to the attention of Spelling-Goldberg in 1979. They were looking for a girl to fill in Kate Jackson's empty slot in their hit series Charlie's Angels; and Shelley fit the part to a T. She was THE Charlie Girl, and now she was going to be their newest Charlie's Angel.

a writeup about Shelley from 1979

Glamour Coordinates

closeups of Shelley from a spread

for Sears Spring through Summer 1973 catalog

 

Shelley appeared in many ads and catalogs for Sears in the 1960s and 1970s. In the Sears Spring Through Summer 1973 catalog, she appeared in a spread called "Glamour Coordinates."  It was a luxurious and fashionable set of sleepwear pieces in two-tone combinations that had contrasting panels which emphasized graceful line. Applique trim and spaghetti ties made them charming. Shelley wore the Long Gown that had a hook-and-eye closing at the back neck. She also wore its matching Long Coat which fit gracefully over the Long Gown. It had a three-quarter zipper front, a side-seam pocket and sleeves three-quarter in length. Shelley looked fab in both of them.

Shelley in a spread
for the Sears Spring through Summer 1973 catalog

Creative Studies 4

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for Zwicker Knitting Mills, 1975

 

Shelley appeared in an ad for Zwicker Knitting Mills in 1975. Zwicker was a knitting mill company (the last one in the US when it closed in 1990) that sold knitted winter wear such as scarves, gloves, hats and the like. Their 1975 ad had the tagline "Zwicker Creative Studies" and featured the company's "never-dull fashion curriculum." It featured their many different hat styles which came with matching scarves. One even had matching socks to go with it. Shelley wore three of their fash combos and looked absolutely fab in them.

 

Shelley in an ad
for Zwicker Knitting Mills, 1975

A Promising Career

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for the telefilm Found Money, 1983

 

Shelley appeared alongside comedy legends Dick Van Dyke and Sid Caesar in the 1983 TV movie Found Money. Originally titled Max and Sam (Van Dyke's and Caesar's characters) the movie was re-titled My Secret Angel then finally Found Money. The film was about computer expert Max Shepherd and security guard Sam Green, two former employees of First National Bank who have been let go with little to nil benefits after decades of employment. Max uses his computer skills to create an account in the bank using the money from inactive accounts that are automatically transferred to the state when not claimed after five years. Using the name Seymour Good, head of The Invisible Friend Inc., he transfers the money instead to accounts of ordinary citizens who bring kindness to the world - starting with $10,000 in Sam's account. After some convincing, Sam joins Max in his quest. As good Samaritans begin receiving the money, the story is picked up by the press and is covered by reporter Leslie Phillips (Shelley Hack) who becomes Max's love interest.

 

Shelley with Dick Van Dyke and Sid Caesar

in a promo pic for the telefilm Found Money, 1983

 

Shelley had a very promising acting career immediately after leaving Charlies Angels in 1980. She honed her acting skills in Jack Heifner's Vanities, Elizabeth Diggs's Close Ties and Garson Kanin’s Born Yesterday, wowing her critics and detractors as she did. She shined in the Martin Scorsese film The King of Comedy opposite Robert De Niro. She held her own opposite George Segalin the TV movie Trackdown: Finding the Goodbar Killer. And she was great in the telefilm Found Money opposite legendary comedians Dick Van Dyke and Sid Caesar. Shelley found both of them "very generous to work with" but had to keep up with the their pace. "You had to work so fast, because everything was left loose," she told TV Guide. "I felt like I kind of jumped on a moving train," she added. Shelley would again work with Dick Van Dyke in 1997 - as a guest star in his series Diagnosis Murder.

Knit in Today's Colors

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Simplicity Home Catalog Fall/Winter 1972 catalog

 

Shelley appeared on the pages of the the Simplicity Home Catalog Fall/Winter 1972 catalog. In the spread that featured knitted fashions, she modeled a Tennis Sweater Knit in Today's Colors, 1972 colors, of course, an could be worn to the courts or anywhere. Simplicity Pattern no. 6254 was a classic cable knit sweater with contrasting striping at the neck and hipline and could be knitted in any color combination desired. It could be worn on its own over a pair of jeans or over a shirt and trouser or shorts combo combo for a quick tennis match. And Shelley looked fabulous in it.

Shelley in a spread
for the Simplicity Home Catalog Fall/Winter 1972 catalog