Saturday, February 24, 2024

It All Goes With Navy Blue

Shelley in a fashion pics
from a spread on the German mag
Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Shelley was one of the most visible Supermodels in the 1970s. She appeared on the covers and pages of many major magazines around the world. In 1971, Shelley appeared on the pages of the November 12 issue of Brigitte Mit Constanze, a German women's magazine which featured fashions, home styles and health. In the issue, she appeared on the spread called "Das paßt alles zu Marineblau" ("It All Goes With Navy Blue"). It featured a pair of navy blue trousers that was versatile enough to be styled differently, as preferred by the wearer. Shelley wore it with various tops, vests, sweaters, coats and boots. She accessorized it with various headgear, belts and sunglasses. She also wore a yellow and white outfit in which all the pieces would go well with anything navy blue as well. Of course, Shelley looked up-to-date and fabulous in the various stylings.

Shelley in a fashion pics
from a spread on the German mag
Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Japanese Souvenir Program 1

If Ever I See You Again
souvenir program, Japan 1978

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.

If Ever I See You Again
souvenir program, Japan 1978

Teen Cover Girl

a pic of Shelley used for the cover
of Ingenue magazine, March 1965

Shelley was discovered by A&P supermarket heir and publisher Huntington Hartford at a debutante ball when she was just 14 years old. "A guy kept bothering me," Shelley said, "He kept coming up to ask, 'Have you ever thought of being a model?'" After careful consideration, and with the help of her mother, a former Conover model, she finally decided it was a better summer job than waitressing. So Shelley and her mom went to went to New York to see Eileen Ford, a friend of her mother's, for representation. Shelley said, "She (Mrs. Ford) barely looked at me, but at the end of the meeting, she turned and said, "We’ll be expecting you at 9 o’clock tomorrow.'" At the time, Shelley only worked during her summer vacations.

a pic of Shelley
(an outtake of the cover pic) that appeared
on Ingenue magazine, March 1965

One of the first magazine covers Shelley did was for Ingenue, a magazine for teen‐aged girls. It featured articles on music, teen fashion, beauty tips, cooking, teen dating, and fiction. Shelley appeared in the March 1965 cover of the mag. Photographed by Francesco Scavullo, Shelley 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, her makeup by Helena Rubinstein. (Check out the cover at: Scavullo, 1965) In the same year, Shelley also appeared on the cover of the booklet Ingenue Magazine's Guide To Teen Beauty which was also produced by the editors of Ingenue magazine. (Check it out at: Teen Beauty 1965)

a description of Shelley's cover look
for Ingenue magazine, March 1965

Personal Foul 19

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 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. Other cast members were: Nora Adler (Jacqueline Brookes), Jackie’s editor;  Anthony Kubecek (Kevin Dunn), Jackie's assistant; Carol (Holly Fulger), the head waitress at Mike's restaurant, Brennan's Grill; and Rick Scotti (Vincent Baggetta), an attorney who appears occasionally. In the episode "Personal Foul," a college professor is suspended for trying to flunk the school's star basketball player, and Mike is upset that Jackie's covering the story, since it's his alma mater and he's the team's No. 1 supporter. The episode was originally aired in September 30, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986

To continue, Jackie goes over to see Mike at Brennan's Grill for a drink with her husband. She wants to thank him for what he had done earlier in regards to the series of articles she's been writing about the college sports scene, mainly Lincoln University's. Mike orders club sodas for both of them and shares with her his thoughts about what had transpired in the past few days. He tells her he has realized that the education of the student athletes is more important than the honors they give the university. It seems that he and his fellow alumni had been too enamored with the sport - the competition, the excitement, the artistry - that they've all forgotten the most important thing, the future of the students. He thought they were helping them out; but it seems it all got out of hand. Jackie says the reality sets in when their playing days are over; and that Mike was lucky he got a good education during his time at the university. Mike vows that their next basketball team will composed of athletes who can read and write. Then, he suddenly notices that there no waiters around. He leaves Jackie and goes to the kitchen.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986

A Phenomenal Success

a closeup of Shelley
from a Charlie perfume ad, 1978

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie girl and was Revlon Charlie's image model from 1976 to 1982. Charlie was one of the first mega-successful lifestyle brands in the world. The phenomenal success of the brand was due in part to Shelley's unforgettable image. Although there were a slew of other Charlie models before her, it was Shelley's image that catapulted the brand to iconic status. Shelley told Playboy magazine, "Once, on a promotional tour, I was talking with a guy at a radio station and he wanted to know why my Charlie perfume commercials for Revlon were so successful. I suggested we make it the call-in question, because I was curious myself. The women respondents said that this girl walking into a restaurant alone - which most women are afraid to do - looking chic, but not too chic, seemed like somebody they would like to know or to be. I was their idea of a modern, liberated but not threatening woman. The men thought I was someone they would like to go out with; again, modern, not brassy and someone who, if they met me, would talk to them. Men complain about women who can't talk." Shelley's portrayal of the confident, fabulous and independent woman who was unapologetic and happy about that fact captured the imagination of many worldwide and made Charlie one of the best-selling brands in history.

Shelley in a Charlie perfume ad, 1978

Stage, TV and Film

Shelley in a 1980s promo pic

Shelley was a busy actress in the 1980s. After opting to leave Charlie's Angels in 1980, she went full-time into an acting career. She appeared in various stage, movie and TV productions. In 1981, she tackled stage via Jack Heifner's Vanities, then in 1982 Elizabeth Diggs's Close Ties (both taped for HBO's Standing Room Only series). Later that year, she starred in Born Yesterday with the prestigious Pennsylvania Stage Co. She surprised all her critics and detractors with her excellent performances in these plays. On the big screen, she starred with Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis in Martin Scorsese's 1983 film The King of Comedy, shared the big screen with Michael Moriarty and Sonny Bono in 1984 in Troll, and played opposite Terry O'Quinn and Jill Schoelen in Joseph Ruben's chilling 1987 horror classic The Stepfather - receiving glowing reviews for her performances. On TV, she starred in Trackdown: Finding the Goodbar Killer with George Segal as well as Found Money with comedy legends Dick Van Dyke and Sid Caesar, in 1983. She also had lead parts in the TV series Cutter to Houston (alongside Jim Metzler and Alec Baldwin) and Jack and Mike (with Tom Mason) - in 1983 and 1986 respectively. She closed the decade with John Krizanc's play Tamara in 1989. It was one busy and redeeming decade for the Hollywood star.

Shelley in a 1980s promo pic

The Hat '74 A

a closeup of Shelley from a pic used
in the Sears Fall and Winter 1974 catalog

Shelley appeared on the pages of Sears Fall and Winter 1974 catalog. She was featured in various spreads throughout the catalog. In the spread entitled "Tweed ...The Texture For Misses' Pants ...With Harmonizing Coordinates", she modeled The Hat - a cloche-style hat with a six-section crown. It was made with a Donegal-type tweed woven fabric of polyester, acrylic, wool and nylon which came in deep colors with creamy-white and multicolor flecks. It went well with the sporty-style outfits of the era. Shelley modeled the dark brown tweed version. Shelley wore it with The Bow Blouse in dark brown (a blouse with a fold-over neckband with extensions that tied into a bow). And, as always, Shelley looked utterly fabulous.

Shelley with Beverly Johnson
and Lynn Woodruff in a pic used
in the Sears Fall and Winter 1974 catalog

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Four Different Looks B

Shelley in a fashion pic
from a spread on the German mag
Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Shelley was one of the most visible Supermodels in the 1970s. She appeared on the covers and pages of many major magazines around the world. In 1971, Shelley appeared on the pages of the November 12 issue of Brigitte Mit Constanze, a German women's magazine which featured fashions, home styles and health. In the issue, she appeared on the spread called "Eine Hose Viermal Anders" ("One Pair of Pants Four Different Looks"). It featured a pair of trousers that was versatile enough to be styled differently, as preferred by the wearer. Shelley wore it with four different tops and accessorized it with various scarves, headgear, a shoulder bag and sunglasses. Of course, Shelley looked up-to-date and fabulous in the various stylings.

Shelley in a fashion pic
from a spread on the German mag
Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Digitally Remastered Angels

the Charlie's Angels
digitally remastered DVD set
was released last October 2023

Charlie's Angels was one of the most phenomenally successful shows to ever come to the small screen. This groundbreaking TV series was the very first female buddy-buddy show to hit TV. It also presented women as not just the fairer sex, but as strong and independent individuals as well. The series ran for five seasons and went though six Angels all in all. The only male leads in the series were John Bosley, played by David Doyle, and Charles "Charlie" Townsend, whose face was never shown and was voiced by John Forsythe. David Ogden Stiers appeared in the pilot movie as liaison officer Scott Woodville - a sort of back up for the Angels if they needed saving. When the show was picked up as a weekly series, the Woodville character was dropped as it was deemed that the Angels were capable enough to handle themselves.

the Charlie's Angels
digitally remastered DVD set
was released last October 2023

Last October 2023, Via Vision Entertainment in Australia released Charlie's Angels The Complete Series in a digitally remastered DVD set. Once again, fans got to watch all the Angels (Kate Jackson as the smart Angel Sabrina Duncan, Farrah Fawcett as the sporty Angel Jill Munroe, Jaclyn Smith as the sultry Angel Kelly Garrett, Cheryl Ladd as the sassy Angel Kris Munroe, Shelley Hack as the sophisticated Angel Tiffany Welles and Tanya Roberts as the street Angel Julie Rogers) in high quality video and audio DVD format. For all avid Charlie's Angels fans and collectors out there, go ahead and grab a copy!

Seventeen Magazine Subscriptions

a pic of Shelley from an ad
for Seventeen magazine 
subscriptions, Feb 1965

Shelley was one of the models who regularly appeared on the pages of Seventeen magazine since the beginning of her modeling career. In fact, one of her first covers was for the November 1964 issue of the mag. She also regularly appeared on other Seventeen magazine outings such as their booklets/guide books and even their ads. In February 1965, she appeared in an ad about subscribing to Seventeen magazine. "One of America's Most Beloved Magazines" and "One of America's Most Beautiful Magazines" as the ad stated, Seventeen magazine was available for a 12-month subscription for only $6. "Subscribe to a Dozen Wonderful Dreams Come True" the ad further stated. And on the ad was a very young Shelley in one of her first modeling assignments. Eleven years later, she would become one of the most recognizable Supermodels in the modeling industry.

Shelley in an ad
for Seventeen Magazine
subscriptions in Feb 1965

Personal Foul 18

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 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. Other cast members were: Nora Adler (Jacqueline Brookes), Jackie’s editor;  Anthony Kubecek (Kevin Dunn), Jackie's assistant; Carol (Holly Fulger), the head waitress at Mike's restaurant, Brennan's Grill; and Rick Scotti (Vincent Baggetta), an attorney who appears occasionally. In the episode "Personal Foul," a college professor is suspended for trying to flunk the school's star basketball player, and Mike is upset that Jackie's covering the story, since it's his alma mater and he's the team's No. 1 supporter. The episode was originally aired in September 30, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986

To continue, Mike is disturbed by the information Jackie shared with him about Lincoln University star player Andrew Taylor's literacy. He goes over to Lincoln U to see and talk to Coach Cyril Brock. He tells Cy that Andrew is illiterate. But Cy doesn't care and says it's not his business. Mike is appalled by the selfishness of his friend who just wants the school and himself to get enough sports honors so he can get a higher-paying job in another state. Mike leaves and goes to see Andrew Taylor himself. He asks Andrew to read the newspaper he brought with him. Andrew angrily admits that he can't read; but he reiterates that it isn't reading but sports that will get him into the pros. Mike is saddened by what he hears. Next, Mike goes to see Prof. Powell at her residence. She tells him she already told Jackie that she's going to retract her statement. But Mike tries to convince her not to. He tells her he's had a change of heart and is willing to help her and Jackie out. He says he might have enough clout to convince the board to change their minds as well... and that, like her, he cares about the education of all the students at the university. Prof. Powell invites Mike inside for coffee and a long talk.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986

Summer-Country Smash

a closeup of Shelley
from a spread for Vogue, May '74

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.

a pic of Shelley
from a spread for Vogue, May '74

Shelley appeared on the pages of Vogue's May 1974 issue in the spread called "Summer-Country Smash." In the portion called "Shirt-Dressing Short-Sleeved for Summer," Shelley modeled a fabulous summer outfit the mag recommended for the summer season of that year. The "shirt-dress you buy in pieces" was made up of a lean, white knitted cotton polo shirt top and a white sharkskin pleated skirt... both by Jaeger. A white leather belt and a pair of white low-heeled sandals finished her look. A high-end bucket hat with a fancy striped band, a watch with a white leather strap and a white leather shoulder bag accessorized her look. A contrasting black brooch adorned her shirt placket. And Shelley looked every inch the Supermodel she had finally become.

Television Affiliates Party

a paparazzi pic of Shelley
at the ABC TV Party, 1986

In 1986, Shelley was spotted at the ABC Television Affiliates Party. Many of Hollywood's leading stars attended the yearly Hollywood event. In June of 1986, it was held at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California. Shelley attended the event with her then boyfriend, director Harry Winer. Other star attendees were Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's Gil Gerard and his then wife Hotel's Connie Sellecca, Growing Pains' Alan Thicke, soap stars Steve Bond, Anthony Geary and Tia Carrere (who would later star in the film True Lies).

a paparazzi pic of Shelley
with future husband Harry Winer
at the ABC TV Party, 1986

Bright, Big 'N Bold Plaids

a closeup of Shelley
from an ad for Sears, 1969

Shelley has appeared on many ads for Sears during her Supermodel tenure. In 1969, she appeared in their ad called "Yes, from Sears." It featured outfits in "bright, big 'n bold plaids" in wool and nylon blends. Shelley wore the Heidi-style vest embroidered with edelweiss over the pleated mini-skirt in plaid. She wore a white long-sleeved shirt under the vest. Matching knee socks and low-heeled Mary Janes finished her look. And Shelley looked hip, young and stylish.

Shelley with Susan Dey
in an ad for Sears, 1969

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Four Different Looks A

Shelley in a fashion pic
from a spread on the German mag
Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Shelley was one of the most visible Supermodels in the 1970s. She appeared on the covers and pages of many major magazines around the world. In 1971, Shelley appeared on the pages of the November 12 issue of Brigitte Mit Constanze, a German women's magazine which featured fashions, home styles and health. In the issue, she appeared on the spread called "Eine Hose Viermal Anders" (which translates to "One Pair of Pants Four Different Looks"). It featured a pair of trousers that was versatile enough to be styled differently, as preferred by the wearer. Shelley wore it with four different tops and accessorized it with various scarves, headgear, a shoulder bag and sunglasses. Of course, Shelley looked up-to-date and fabulous in the various stylings.

Shelley in a fashion pic
from a spread on the German mag
Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Frederick Forsyth Telefilm

Shelley in a publicity pic
for Frederick Forsyth Presents:
A Casualty of War, 1989

Shelley appeared in the TV movie series Frederick Forsyth Presents. It was a set of six telefilms by internationally acclaimed author Frederick Forsyth, all original spy thrillers. The first, aired in December of 1989, was called A Casualty of War. Shelley played Monica Browne, an enigmatic and very wealthy horse breeder who becomes the love interest of retired British secret service agent Tom Rowse (played by David Threlfall) who is recruited to intercept an arms shipment from Libya to the IRA. The telefilm was shot in England, Germany and Yugoslavia.

Shelley on the front and back cover
of the Frederick Forsyth Presents:
A Casualty of War DVD, 1989

"I used to read his books when I was a kid," Shelley said, "and when I got the script, it was like I was getting a good novel to read." Shelley said she found Forsyth's books to be "very macho, exciting Cold War stuff." She added, "This is the kind of story everyone likes to watch, and he does them so well." And 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 in a publicity pic
for Frederick Forsyth Presents:
A Casualty of War, 1989

Hairdo 1967 F

a pic of Shelley
from the Seventeen Hairdo Guide booklet, 1967

Shelley was one of the models who regularly appeared on the pages of Seventeen magazine since the beginning of her modeling career. In fact, one of her first covers was for the November 1964 issue of the mag. She also regularly appeared on other Seventeen magazine outings such as their booklets/guide books. In 1967, she appeared on the pages of the Seventeen Hairdo Guide booklet. The booklet featured the steps any young lady needed to take in order to choose and create the hairdo that would suit not just her taste and lifestyle but would also be appropriate for various occasions. There were chapters called "Change, Change, Change?," "The Cut Is Fundamental," "Choosing A Hairdo," "Pin-On Hair," and "The Mechanics Of Hair-Setting."  There were also chapters that featured the current hairdos in vogue - at every length. There were galleries that showcased the latest Short Hairdos, Long Hairdos, Mid-Length Hairdos and Big Party Hairdos. Shelley appeared in various parts of the booklet with the latest hairdos of that season. And, as always, Shelley was fresh, chic and oh so pretty.

Shelley in a spread
for the Seventeen Hairdo Guide booklet, 1967

Personal Foul 17

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 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. Other cast members were: Nora Adler (Jacqueline Brookes), Jackie’s editor;  Anthony Kubecek (Kevin Dunn), Jackie's assistant; Carol (Holly Fulger), the head waitress at Mike's restaurant, Brennan's Grill; and Rick Scotti (Vincent Baggetta), an attorney who appears occasionally. In the episode "Personal Foul," a college professor is suspended for trying to flunk the school's star basketball player, and Mike is upset that Jackie's covering the story, since it's his alma mater and he's the team's No. 1 supporter. The episode was originally aired in September 30, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986

To continue, Jackie goes to Lincoln University to see Prof. Powell at her office. It seems the professor is having a change of heart. Prof. Powell says it has all been a big mistake and wants to forget about the whole "college sports article series" they've been planning to continue. Jackie is shocked and asks her why she has changed her mind; she thought they had a commitment to each other. The professor tells her that the school board has raised the stakes... which left her with no choice but to drop the whole thing. Jackie assures her that she's going to back her up, but the professor says it won't help. She tells Jackie about an affair she had with a former student, which happened after he had graduated. The board is threatening to twist the story and make it look like the affair happened when he was still her student. Prof. Powell is afraid that it would ruin her teaching career for good, that she could lose her tenure and her job. Jackie reasons with her, saying that her students need her to care about their getting a good and proper education. Prof. Powell counters her by saying what good would she be to them if she loses her job and reputation. She apologizes and says she needs to retract her statement. Jackie is disappointed.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike
episode "Personal Foul," 1986

Certified Supermodel 2

Shelley in a pic used
in a spread for Harper's Bazaar, Oct '76

Shelley began modeling in her teens and was represented by Eileen Ford. Mrs. Ford was an acquaintance of her mother's - who was a former model herself. Shelley said, "Modeling was a great summer job. It beat waitressing." Modeling remained a sideline however, as Shelley concentrated on her studies. But after graduating college, she signed on full-time at Ford Models Inc. and became one of the highest-paid models in the business... a certified Supermodel. She appeared in numerous commercials, tons of print ads and various magazine spreads. On October 1976, she appeared on the pages of Harper's Bazaar, in a spread called "The 6-Piece Wardrobe for Evening". It featured fashion pieces from the Fragments by Harriet Selwyn collection in chiffon and jersey. Each could be mixed and matched for any or every night of the week. The pieces consisted of a short-sleeved surplice top, a long soft skirt, a long-sleeved surplice top, a peasant blouse, a pair of jersey pants and a sheer-and-sexy chiffon blouse... in tones from deep gray to the palest of peach. Jewelry by Prado Designs finished her look. And Shelley was just Supermodel fabulous in the spread. For more, check out: Certified Supermodel 1 and Evening Wardrobe '76

Shelley in a pic used
in a spread for Harper's Bazaar, Oct '76

Persona Video Magazine

a paparazzi pic of Shelley
from around 1990

In 1990, Majestic Video Publishing Inc., released Persona Video Magazine, a general-interest, mass-market magazine similar to People and Us magazines... but in video form. Included were long, uninterrupted interviews with the famous celebrities of the era. They were sold in VHS cassette format and ran for 90 minutes each, with 20 minutes of commercials included per cassette. Each cassette was designed to be erased and reused for home-taping if desired. Shelley Hack was featured in Volume 4 of the video magazine series. Featured too in the 4th volume were Holly Hunter, Richard Dreyfuss and Steven Spielberg (promoting the film Always), Meryl Streep (promoting She Devil), John Tesh of Entertainment Tonight, talk show  host Sarah Purcell, and Johnny Depp and Peter DeLuise of 21 Jump Street. Featured as well were Ann Jillian, Vincent Price, Patrick Swayze, Paula Abdul, Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Billy Hufsy, Lee Grant, Sally Kirkland, Englebert Humperdink, Dinah Manoff, Michael Douglas, Goldie Hawn and much more.

the front VHS cover
of Persona Video Magazine volume 4, 1990

Pretty Flower Prints

a closeup of Shelley
from an ad for Sears, 1971

Shelley has appeared on many ads for Sears during her Supermodel tenure. In 1971, she appeared in their ad called "Yes, from Sears Junior Bazaar." It featured dresses and accessories for the party season of that year. It showcased "pretty flower prints for parties and holidays." Shelley wore one of them, an above-the-knee dress with a high ruffled neckline and long sleeves with ruffled cuffs. It also had a bow that tied high above the waist. Colored tights and low-heeled Mary Janes finished her look. With her hair parted in the middle and neatly pinned to the sides, Shelley looked pretty and party-ready.

Shelley in an ad for Sears, 1971

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Look Great In '75 I

a closeup of Shelley
from a spread on the JCPenney
Fall And Winter 1975 catalog

Shelley appeared on many spreads for many catalogs from the late '60s to the mid-'70s. Mail-order catalogs were at the height of its popularity at the time. They were big-book size publications that contained a list of general merchandise from, usually, a department store that were available for purchase and delivery straight to the homes of consumers. Everything from homeware to toys were featured in these catalogs... as well as garments and the latest fashion pieces. Many Supermodels - like Cheryl Tiegs, Beverly Johnson, Patti Hansen and Shelley Smith, just to name a few - appeared in the most popular catalogs of the era. Many models who eventually became actresses also appeared in these catalogs - like Veronica Hamel, Erin Grey, Kim Basinger and Pam Dawber.

Shelley was featured
in a spread for the JCPenney
Fall And Winter 1975 catalog

Shelley appeared on many spreads throughout the JCPenney Fall and Winter 1975 catalog. In the section called "Winter-Warming Sleepers" which featured various types of sleepwear, she modeled a sleeping outfit that was best for those freezing cold winter nights. The Printed 2-Piece Sleeper was made from cozy cotton flannel. The top had a ruffled yoke, elasticized ruffle cuffs on the sleeves and a button front. The pants had an elasticized waist, elasticized ankles and skid resistant soles on the attached feet. The set was made of a pretty multicolor (red/beige/green/yellow) print on a white background flannel fabric. And Shelley looked ready for a good and comfortable nights sleep.

Shelley, Marty and Bobby

Shelley with Robert De Niro
in The King of Comedy, 1983

Shelley Hack was fortunate enough to have worked with some of the best and brightest names in Hollywood. In 1983, she appeared in the Martin Scorsese film The King of Comedy which starred Robert de Niro and Jerry Lewis. During her audition, she read for both Scorsese and De Niro, then went home and waited. "I had a feeling I would get it," Shelley said, "Even so, it was a nervous time. It was obviously such an important break for me - getting it would make people look at me differently." After four months, her agent called and said she got the part. But then, "I couldn't work because I read for The King of Comedy and got the part. The picture was delayed and I couldn't take a chance on doing anything else."

Shelley with Robert De Niro
in The King of Comedy, 1983

She thought working with Scorsese and De Niro was an exhilarating experience. "Bobby (De Niro) plays a stand-up comic in the picture and he's extraordinary." Shelley recounts, "The first day on the set, I was standing talking to Marty (Scorsese) and everyone was laughing. I didn't know why until Marty said to me, 'Aren't you going to say hello to Bobby?' And there he was beside me. I just hadn't recognized him. He looks entirely different in the picture." The Rupert Pupkin character was quite a departure from the characters De Niro had played prior. Her performance in The King of Comedy received glowing reviews. As one critic put it, "Shelley Hack shines as an unpleasant talent coordinator trying to make Pupkin (de Niro's character) understand her polite rejections."