Play it Plushy D

a closeup of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread, 1970

Shelley appeared on the cover as well as in many spreads throughout Seventeen magazine's November 1970 issue. In the spread called "Buzz Off in a Roadster, Play it Plushy... You'll Stop Traffic!", she modeled velvety-soft greatcoats that were purry as a well-tuned engine, that were warmed up and ready to travel and that would make any girl feel like an heiress - all of which were practical for fending off showers and shivers. She wore a purple coat with a touch of trench in crushed velour by Jolee. It was replete with yolking, had a straight-down-front placket and flaps-away pockets. It also had a belt around the middle. A choker by Marne and stretch boots by Latinas finished her look. And Shelley looked fashionably sporty for those rainy days.

a pic of Shelley from a spread

for Seventeen magazine, 1970

All Nonsense

Shelley with fellow Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd

in a Charlie's Angels bubblegum card from 1979

Shelley joined the cast of Charlie's Angels in 1979 and was quickly thrust into the Hollywood limelight. Of course, tongues immediately began wagging about Charlie's newest Angel. She was talked about in gossip columns, tabloids and entertainment shows. Reports came out that she was unhappy on the set, that she wasn't getting along with her co-Angels, etc... But Shelley said it was all nonsense and that what she was unhappy about were the reports coming out. "Shelley seemed like a doll and we were going to have a lot of fun working together," Cheryl Ladd said at the time. "She was sort of like the debutante" Jaclyn Smith said about the highly-charged, energetic and intellectual East Coast girl. "Jackie, Cheryl and I hit it off immediately." Shelley said, "Put your ear to the wall, all you'll hear is laughter."

a tidbit about Shelley joining the cast

of Charlie's Angels, 1979

Whim Coat and Wedding Coat

a pic of Shelley

from Glamour's Shopping Guide, October 1965

check out: Whim Coat

Shelley appeared in many mags throughout her modeling career. On October 1965, she appeared in a spread for Glamour magazine called "A Great Coat or a Whim Coat" and in the magazine's regular feature called "Dear Glamour" where the mag answered reader's questions regarding their style dilemmas. The outfits she wore were both featured in Glamour's Shopping Guide for that month. She modeled the Whim Coat, a "marvelous frankly-fake fur" coat that looked like broadtail by Mademoiselle Arlette by Terina. With it, she wore a white Persian lamb hat by Adolfo, gloves by Wear-Right and earrings by Richelieu. She also wore a beautifully bred coat costume - which was a coat that came with a matching skirt and velveteen blouse. It was perfect for day or evening. Shelley looked sensational in both outfits.

a pic of Shelley

from Glamour's Shopping Guide, October 1965

check out: Wedding Coat Costume

High Anxiety 9

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Shelley's third foray into series TV was Jack and Mike. It was about a 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 paper. Her column was awaited by everyone every week. Her husband was Mike Brennan (played by Tom Mason), a successful restaurateur about to open his third restaurant. In the episode "High Anxiety," Jackie tries to steer a talented graffiti artist towards a more conventional artistic path. Also, a famed comedy team that frequents Mike's restaurant brings in so much business, as well as other things. The episode was originally aired in November 11, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

To continue, Mike, along with Animal Crackers, Belinda and waitress Carol, rush to the hospital where Ben was taken by the ambulance. Mike is disappointed with Ben's fellow comedians for not helping their friend let go of his drug habit. Belinda is worried and Carol comforts her. Later, back at home, Mike feels guilty for not having done anything to prevent Ben's death. Jackie comforts him and tells him that it was never in his hands. The next morning, Ben's death is all over the news; and Mike and his restaurant 1935 is prominently mentioned. It is being reported that Ben's death is drug-related. Mike tells Jackie that the doctors told him that Ben died of a cardiac arrest not a drug overdose. He tells Jackie the cops picked Belinda up for questioning. Jackie tells him to get a lawyer because Ben died in his premises. The both agree to contact Rick Scotti for help.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Start Darlene-ing

a closeup of Shelley from an ad for Darlene, 1966

Shelley began modeling in 1964. She was discovered by no other than George Huntington Hartford II, the heir to the A&P supermarket empire at a debutante ball. "This guy kept bothering me," Shelley said, "He told my father that I was a new face." To which her father hilariously replied, "She’s not a new face around here, and I wish she’d take out the garbage and wash the dishes." She later appeared on numerous magazine covers, editorials and print advertisements. "I was brought up not to close doors," said Shelley, "Modeling was a great summer job. It beat waitressing." Modeling remained a sideline however, as Shelley concentrated on her studies. Shelley said, "The Ford Agency would send out a little card that said, 'Shelley Hack will be back June 1.'"

Shelley in an ad for Darlene, 1966

Valentine's Party

Shelley at the Charlie's Angels Valentine's Day Party in 1980

Shelley attended the Charlie's Angels Valentine's Day Party at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California in Feb of 1980. According to People magazine, all the show's principals (Jacyln Smith, Cheryl Ladd and David Doyle) "got a telegram inviting them back next year - except Shelley." And she only found out about it the day after. Shelley told E! in 2002 that she never expected to be in the show for more than a year - which was already plenty for her. It seems Shelley was somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of attention her tenure as an Angel generated. As a very private person, her leaving the show must have been a welcome relief.

Shelley at the Charlie's Angels Valentine's Day Party in 1980

Long 'N' Short

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

on Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

Simpsons-Sears was a joint venture between the Simpsons department store chain in Canada and the Sears department store chain in the US. The joint venture began in around 1953. Shelley appeared on many catalogs for Simpsons-Sears in the 1970s. She appeared in several spreads throughout Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog. In the spread called "Junior Bazaar: Long 'N' Short," she modeled a long dress that was perfect for that spring and summer season. She wore the Bolero, Long Dress Ensemble in polyester double knit. The dress had a lined bust, an empire waistline and a low square-cut  back with a zipper. The bolero had dyed-to-match lace trim and tied at the front. Shelley looked summery and sexy in it.

Shelley in a spread

for Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

Play it Plushy C

a closeup of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread, 1970

Shelley appeared on the cover as well as in many spreads throughout Seventeen magazine's November 1970 issue. In the spread called "Buzz Off in a Roadster, Play it Plushy... You'll Stop Traffic!", she modeled velvety-soft greatcoats that were purry as a well-tuned engine, that were warmed up and ready to travel and that would make any girl feel like an heiress - all of which were practical for fending off showers and shivers. She wore a blue coat of crushy velour which had a lavish collar, full sleeves and pockets with flaps by 77 Originals. A furry muff by Adolfo II and stretch boots by Latinas finished her look. And Shelley looked fashionably ready for those rainy days.

a pic of Shelley from a spread

for Seventeen magazine, 1970

Handpicked

Shelley in a promo pic for If Ever I See You Again, 1978

Shelley's first leading lady role came in the 1978 film If Ever I See You Again. She was handpicked by producer/director/leading man Joe Brooks to play the part of artist Jennifer Corly, his love interest in the film. During the auditions, Brooks told one reporter, "When Shelley walked into the room, I turned to my assistant and said, 'She's got it!'" He thought she was perfect for the role. He also insisted she wore her glasses, which Shelley thought affected her concentration on her role because she could see everyone on the set clearly.

a writeup about Shelley from 1978

70s Supermodel

a pic of Shelley from 1971

a big thank you to Ric Gillette for posting

When Shelley graduated from Smith College in 1970, she decided to become a model full-time. Represented by the top model management company, Ford Models Inc., she began her transition from teen model to top model (and eventually to Supermodel.) Her then boyfriend, photographer Steen Svensson, and make-up artist extraordinaire Rick Gillette came up with test shots of Shelley in the early '70s with the hope that the images could get her on the pages of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar - which eventually happened. She appeared on both the US and international editions of the magazines. According to Rick, "In the early 70’s before "Charlie", before "Charlie’s Angels", Shelley Hack was an ex-teen model looking for a more sophisticated look to get her into Vogue. I was creating a portfolio with the same goal in mind." By the late 1970s, Shelley was a certified Supermodel.

pics of Shelley (with Ric Gillette) from 1971

a big thank you to Ric Gillette for posting

High Anxiety 8

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Shelley's third foray into series TV was Jack and Mike. It was about a 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 paper. Her column was awaited by everyone every week. Her husband was Mike Brennan (played by Tom Mason), a successful restaurateur about to open his third restaurant. In the episode "High Anxiety," Jackie tries to steer a talented graffiti artist towards a more conventional artistic path. Also, a famed comedy team that frequents Mike's restaurant brings in so much business, as well as other things. The episode was originally aired in November 11, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

To continue, that evening, Mike goes to 1935 and comes across Animal Crackers Bobby and Noah who both apologize for Ben's behavior the night before. They assure Mike it will never happen again. Mike accepts their apology but is firm in his stand that he will not tolerate drugs in his premises. Meanwhile, Ben is with Belinda at the back of the restaurant. They sneak into one of the cars and smooch, but suddenly Ben falls back unconscious. Belinda is alarmed and calls Mike for help. Mike tries to revive Ben and tells Belinda to call an ambulance.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

American Designer Halston

a closeup of Shelley from a Vogue spread

featuring Halston, 1972

Shelley appeared in a spread for Vogue in 1972 which featured the great American designer Halston. Halston's simple, no-nonsense style is so modern, anyone can still wear his clothes today and look chic. Halston was one of the first superstar American designers. He rose to fame in the 1970s with his minimalist, clean designs, often in ultrasuade or cashmere. He created the look for the modern "American Woman."

Shelley with Halston and 10 other models

in a spread for Vogue, 1972

Halston was a brilliant designer and he carefully chose the models he put into his brilliantly constructed creations. In the 2010 docu Ultrasuede: In Search Of Halston, model-turned-Oscar-winner Angelica Huston said, "He didn't want a bunch of blank-faced models. He wanted girls with personality." The "look" was very important to him, as well as movement and projection. Anjelica added, "It was about attitude. It was about the way you walked. Character." And that is what Shelley had loads of.

Halston and 11 models in a spread for Vogue, 1972

In the 1972 spread for Vogue, Halston posed with 11 models wearing his latest creations for that era. The models were:

1. Lynn Woodruff (who later married Sam Waterston)

2. Paula "Pola" Klimak (who passed away in 1974)

3. Karen Bjornson (who started as one of Halston's assistants)

4. Emmanuelle

5. Heidi Lieberfarb

6. Shelley Hack (who later became THE Charlie Girl)

7. Pat Cleveland (who was a Halston fave)

8. Denise Hopkins 

9. Chris Royer (one of the Halstonettes)

10. Apollonia Van Ravenstein 

11. Angelica Huston (who later won an Oscar)

descriptions of the fabulous Halston outfits

worn by each model

Angel in '79

Shelley in a promo pic for Charlie's Angels, 1979

Shelley's debut on Charlie's Angels was via the episode "Love Boat Angels". It was a crossover episode with another hit series The Love Boat. Bert Convy, Bo Hopkins and Dick Sargent were brought in as special guests and it was partly filmed in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. "When I got off the plane, there were maybe eight million paparazzi. I looked around for Sophia Loren. It was for me. I couldn't believe it," Shelley said, astonished with the worldwide popularity of the show. The episode topped the Nielsen ratings when it was first aired in September 12, 1979 - making everyone conclude that Angels was in for another great and successful season. The entire cast of The Love Boat appeared in the episode - which made it one of most memorable of the entire series.

Shelley and co-Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd

met San Diego Padres' pitcher Gaylord Perry

as they were filming the Charlie's Angels

episode "Love Boat Angels" in 1979

The Dress Shop

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

on Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

Simpsons-Sears was a joint venture between the Simpsons department store chain in Canada and the Sears department store chain in the US. The joint venture began in around 1953. Shelley appeared on many catalogs for Simpsons-Sears in the 1970s. She appeared in several spreads throughout Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog. In the spread called "Junior Bazaar: The Dress Shop," she modeled a dress and a pant set that were perfect for that spring and summer season.

Shelley in a spread

for Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

She wore the white pant set in polyester double knit which was made up of a military-inspired jacket (with shirt collar, double stitching, breast pockets and shirttail finish) over the pants (with a zip-fly and button waistband). A scarf around the neck finished her look. She also wore the short printed T-shirt dress, a T-shirt style dress with buttoned placket and sashed belt. Low-heeled summer pumps finished her look. Matching hair clips and bracelet accessorized her look. And Shelley looked summer sensational in both outfits.

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

on Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

Play it Plushy B

a closeup of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread, 1970

Shelley appeared on the cover as well as in many spreads throughout Seventeen magazine's November 1970 issue. In the spread called "Buzz Off in a Roadster, Play it Plushy... You'll Stop Traffic!", she modeled velvety-soft greatcoats that were purry as a well-tuned engine, that were warmed up and ready to travel and that would make any girl feel like an heiress - all of which were practical for fending off showers and shivers. She wore a wine-colored crushed velvet trench coat by Carol Cohen for Modern Deb so slick it could be worn by those movie detectives/agents. It had roomy pockets and silver buttons and buckle. A knitted hat by Veaumont and stretch boots by Latinas finished her look. And Shelley looked fashionably ready for those rainy days.

a pic of Shelley

from a spread for Seventeen magazine, 1970

The Only American

a promo pic of Shelley for the telefilm

Frederick Forsyth Presents: A Casualty of War, 1990

Shelley starred in Frederick Forsyth Presents: A Casualty of War - the first of a series of TV movies written by Frederick Forsyth (who also introduced each movie.) She played Monica Browne, love interest to the film's lead character Tom Rowse, played by David Threlfall. The film is about the efforts of the British Intelligence to uncover an arms smuggling operation in Europe. Being the only American among the predominantly British cast, she laughed and said, "Yes, I'm the token." She enjoyed working with her British co-stars and found their approach to their craft very interesting.

Shelley with David Threlfall

in a promo ad for A Casualty of War, 1990

Charlie Girl and Paris

a pic of Shelley as THE Charlie Girl, 1978

thank you so much to Ric Gillette for posting

Shelley first became famous as THE Charlie Girl in 1976. Hand-picked to represent the Revlon brand, she was the embodiment the brand's ideal – gorgeous, sexy and young. Many of the Charlie ad campaigns and commercials also involved Shelley's then boyfriend, photographer Steen Svensson, and renowned hair stylist and makeup artist Rick Gillette. Rick recalls, "Shelley Hack was really the perfect girl for Charlie." Revlon shot numerous Charlie commercials with her alongside famous singers singing the catchy jingle. One of them was with Mel Torme and it was filmed in 1978 on a yacht docked on the La Seine, in front of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame de Paris. Male supermodel Matt Collins appeared at the end of the commercial as her date onboard. By then, Charlie was the #1 fragrance in the world (the first American-made international bestseller) and Shelley THE Charlie Girl had catapulted to icon.

an imagined Shelley promo pic for Charlie

based on her 1978 Charlie perfume ad

High Anxiety 7

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Shelley's third foray into series TV was Jack and Mike. It was about a 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 paper. Her column was awaited by everyone every week. Her husband was Mike Brennan (played by Tom Mason), a successful restaurateur about to open his third restaurant. In the episode "High Anxiety," Jackie tries to steer a talented graffiti artist towards a more conventional artistic path. Also, a famed comedy team that frequents Mike's restaurant brings in so much business, as well as other things. The episode was originally aired in November 11, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike 

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

To continue, Jackie is ready to go off to work in the morning and finds Mike sitting in their kitchen contemplating. Jackie asks him what's wrong and Mike tells her that he caught Ben doing cocaine in his restaurant's men's room the night before. Jackie asks him what he did about it. Mike says he should have thrown Ben out of the place but instead gave him another chance. Mike seems to regret his decision. Jackie reminded Mike that he always shot straight and that he always did the right thing even if it went against the grain. She assures him he did the right thing at the moment, that he did the best he could do under the circumstances. Mike is still disappointed with Ben.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Figure-Exerciser

a closeup of Shelley from a 1975 Figure-Exerciser ad

Shelley appeared on many ads when she was a top model. In 1975, she appeared in an ad for the Figure-Exerciser, "the Lie-Down and Shape Up" exerciser. It was marketed to both men and women. It helped take away flab in just a few minutes a day by following a simple fun exercise plan - while lying down in comfort. The contraption helped exercise the tummy, thighs, arms, calves and shoulders for just a few minutes in the morning. Plus, it was portable and could be taken anywhere. Shelley showed readers how it was used.

Shelley in an ad for the Figure-Exerciser, 1975

1989 Thriller

Shelley Hack in a promo pic

for the 1989 film Blind Fear

Shelley played Erika Breen, a blind switchboard operator in the 1989 film feature, the thriller Blind Fear. Erika was working at a lodge that had just been sold and was being boarded up. She was her last night there, but a gang of criminals invaded the lodge that same night. Erica managed to outsmart them all; and manages to... There's a surprise ending. Shelley said that she wore a type of contact lens that blocked her vision and literally made her blind. She literally couldn't see anything when they were filming her scenes.

Shelley Hack and Kim Coates

in a promo pic for the 1989 film Blind Fear

Longer... Softer

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

on Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

Simpsons-Sears was a joint venture between the Simpsons department store chain in Canada and the Sears department store chain in the US. The joint venture began in around 1953. Shelley appeared on many catalogs for Simpsons-Sears in the 1970s. She appeared in several spreads throughout Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog. In the spread called "Junior Bazaar: Longer... Softer," she modeled separates that looked slightly longer on the body and were made from softer fabrics and colors - perfect for that spring and summer season.

Shelley in a spread

for Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog

She wore The Shirt (a floral shirt that had a soft rounded collar, long sleeves and buttoned cuffs) over The Pants (which had a deep waistband with button 'n' tab closing as well as flared legs). She also wore a knit ribbed shirt over the Feminine Flurry skirt (a two-panel floral-printed skirt in the new longer length with a back zipper) and the Cotton Corduroy jacket (which had softly rounded lapels, a one-button closing and two mock pockets). Shelley looked soft, summery and sensational.

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

on Simpsons-Sears Spring and Summer 1975 catalog