Sunday, May 19, 2024

Being An Angel

Shelley with fellow Charlie's Angels
Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith
and Cheryl Ladd on the cover and pages
of Modern Screen mag, 1980

Charlie's Angels was and is one of the most groundbreaking and unforgettable TV series to ever hit the small screen. It was one of the first and most successful TV series that had women as leads and that captured the imagination of the entire world. The premise was simple - three beautiful women working as detectives for a millionaire recluse named Charles Townsend; and they got their assignments via speaker phone. The show portrayed women as buddies, helping each other through jams and having each other's backs. It portrayed women as independent, liberated and capable of taking care of themselves without the help of men - which was perfect for the time when women's lib was at its peak. Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett (then Majors) and Jaclyn Smith played the first ever team of Angels in season 1. Cheryl Ladd (who replaced Farrah) and Shelley Hack (who replaced Kate) joined the series in seasons 2 and 4 respectively. By season 4, it was rumored that Jaclyn Smith, the last of the season 1 Angels, wanted out as well and many speculated on who would take her place if ever that happened. Priscilla Presley was on top of that list and many thought that she would be a great addition to the show. But as things turned out, Jaclyn Smith stayed on and it was Shelley who left. And she was replaced by Tanya Roberts in season 5. The series was a phenomenal hit around the world, and all six Angels garnered their own fan following and became superstars in their own right.

Shelley with fellow Charlie's Angels
Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith
and Cheryl Ladd in a writeup
for Modern Screen mag, 1980

Shelley with fellow Charlie's Angels
Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith
and Cheryl Ladd in a writeup
for Modern Screen mag, 1980

Shelley with fellow Charlie's Angels
Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith
and Cheryl Ladd in a writeup
for Modern Screen mag, 1980