Hollywood Superstardom

Shelley in a 1970s promo pic

Shelley's fame as a Supermodel, as THE Charlie Girl, opened Hollywood doors for her (While she was modeling, she was also studying acting in New York, at the Herbert Berghof Studios under Jack Wolzer.) Her acting debut was as a memorable bit role as a vacuous WASP in the 1977 Academy Award winning Woody Allen film Annie Hall. In 1978, she got her first leading lady role opposite Joe Brooks in the film If Ever I See You Again (which spawned the hit single with the same title - as interpreted by Roberta Flack). She was also under consideration for the role of Holly Goodhead in the James Bond film Moonraker. In 1979, she had a guest role in the TV series, Married: the First Year. In the same year, she declined to be cast as leading lady in the feature film, Time After Time, which was directed by her then boyfriend Nicholas Meyer. She settled for a voice over role in it instead. And then she auditioned for the role of Tiffany Welles in the TV series Charlie's Angels. She got the part and was thrust into international Hollywood superstardom.

Shelley in a 1970s promo pic

Horror Classic

a closeup of Shelley from a rare cast pic

taken during the filming of the 1987

cult classic The Stepfather

The Stepfather was a feature film released in June of 1987 and has since become a cult classic. Directed by Joseph Ruben, it starred Terry O'Quinn in the title role, as Jerry Blake, a man who had the knack of marrying into the "perfect" family and then killing the family off when he deems they're not perfect after all. Shelley Hack played Susan Maine, the woman who marries Jerry and is willing look past the cracks she's beginning to notice. Jill Schoelen played Stephanie, Susan's daughter by her first marriage. Stephanie doesn't like Jerry, finds him creepy and is determined to find out who he really is. The story was penned by Carolyn Lefcourt, Brian Garfield and Donald E. Westlake, who got screenplay credit.

Jill Schoelen shared a rare cast pic

taken during the filming of the 1987

cult classic The Stepfather

(Thank you so much to Jill Schoelen

for sharing this)

The movie was a moderate success during its theatrical run but has since gained a cult following due to its unique plot, its pacing and the superb performances of its main cast (Terry, Jill, and Shelley). The movie has since become a cult classic and has been mentioned on many internet sites as a definite must-see. In 1999, the film was listed by Entertainment Weekly magazine as one of the "The 25 Scariest Movies of All Time" along with Carrie (1976), Rosemary's Baby (1968), Seven (1995) and The Exorcist (1973). (For more, check out: 1987 UK Promo Vid A) Entertainment Weekly magazine also placed The Stepfather as number one on its list of the "Sixteen Little-Known Horror Gems." (For more, check out: Halloween Special: The Stepfather) Even Stephen King himself included it among his top 22 scariest horror movies of all time. (For more, check out: The King's Top 22)

Shelley with Jill Schoelen and Terry O'Quinn

in a rare cast pic taken during the filming

of the 1987 cult classic The Stepfather

Alluring in Velour

a closeup of Shelley

from a pic featured in a spread

for Seventeen magazine, August 1970

Shelley appeared on many issues of Seventeen magazine from 1964 to the 1970s. In 1970, she appeared in the magazine's August issue, in several spreads. In a spread called "The Lure of Velour," which featured soft and plushy dresses in knitted velour, she wore a dress that was sure to be a hit to those 1970s sweater girls. Shelley wore the "Peplum Flare," a jacket and skirt ensemble in plushy deep purple. The V-neck long-sleeved jacket had a snug waist with contrasting buttons lined up in front. The skirt was below-the-knee in length. It was by Ruth Manchester. She finished her look with a matching hose by Round-the-Clock and strap on high-rise footwear with unique heels by Patinos. She accessorized her look with a velvet dog collar by Flower Modes. With her hair up, Shelley was alluring.

Shelley in a pic for a spread

in Seventeen magazine, August 1970

A Mason Mystery 1993

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

In December of 1993, Shelley guest starred in a TV movie that was a tribute to Raymond Burr, one of Hollywood's most respected actors. Raymond Burr, who famously played Perry Mason in the TV series which ran from 1957 to 1966 and in 26 TV movies, passed away in September of 1993. As a tribute to him, a Perry Mason TV movie entitled A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives was made. But to honor Burr's legacy, the part of Perry Mason wasn't recast. Instead, a new character was brought in, Anthony Caruso (played by Paul Sorvino) who was introduced as Mason's good friend. Cast regulars Barbara Hale and William Moses returned.

Shelley with Beverly Johnson, Kim Alexis,

Maud Adams, Paul Sorvino and Kathy Ireland

in a promo pic for A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

The TV movie was riddled with Supermodels, who all played the "wicked wives" of ill-fated fashion photographer David Morrison (Eric Braeden) the murder victim. Shelley along with Maud Adams, Beverly Johnson, Kim Alexis and Kathy Ireland played David Morrison's wives past and present, all suspects in his murder, all with motives and axes to grind. And all the women looked fabulous - definitely deserving of their Supermodel status. Also, if you look closely, it's interesting to note how evident Shelley's penchant for low-heeled footwear was in this film.

Shelley in an ad with fellow supermodels Kim Alexis,

Kathy Ireland, Maud Adams and Beverly Johnson

for the TV movie  A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

Charlie's Spring Blooms

Shelley in a promo pic for Charlie, 1981

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the brand around the world. She was THE Charlie Girl from 1976 to 1982; and she catapulted the brand (as well as herself) to iconic status. In 1981, Shelley appeared in an advertisement/writeup for Charlie's latest color and fragrance promotion called "Spring Blooms in Charlie Country." Energy, vitality, glowing good health, humor and intelligence were all the words that described THE Charlie Girl and the brand's latest colors embodied all those attributes. In fact, Charlie's latest collection could be called art because everything about it was based on a painting that LeRoy Neiman created especially for Charlie (Neiman was one of America's foremost artists who updated the Impressionist breakthrough with his depiction of TV/media celebrities and events in vibrant colors and spectacular imagery.) LeRoy Neiman's artwork became Charlie's new look for spring of 1981 - from color, to mood, to packaging, to bottle design and all. Of course, THE Charlie Girl Shelley was the inspiration for it.

Shelley in an advertisement/writeup

for Charlie perfume and cosmetics, 1981

New TV Angel Tiffany

 

Shelley in a promo pic

for Charlie's Angels, 1979

Shelley became Charlie's newest Angel in 1979, and she jumped from being THE Charlie Girl to becoming Charlie's latest Superstar Angel. Shelley's casting made news around the world. In October of 1979, in issue no. 289, Shelley's Charlie's Angels casting was first written about in the Brazilian magazine Contigo! (With You!). The Portuguese-language magazine was a nationally circulated print magazine from 1963 to 2018 and it became an online magazine in 2019. It specializes in news regarding celebrities, television and soap operas. Shelley was featured in the mag's Contigo Confidencial (translation: Confidential) section.

a writeup about Shelley

from the Brazilian fan mag

Contigo! (With You!), Oct 1979

Shelley was featured in writeup entitled "Kate out, Shelley in: another blonde in Charlie's Angels!" It was a short piece about Shelley's taking over Kate Jackson's vacated slot in Charlie's Angels. It was reported that Kate was very disappointed when she had to give up the part of  Joanna Kramer (which eventually went to Meryl Streep, who later won an Oscar for it) in the film Kramer vs. Kramer because Angels producers didn't want to give her time off to film the movie. Trivia: The part of Joanna was written for Kate. So Kate quit the series. On the other hand, Shelley's Charlie Girl persona may have cinched her the Angels part because producer Aaron Spelling  just couldn't get Shelley of his mind whenever the name Charlie came up. Anyway, the writeup translates as follows:

Kate out, Shelley in: 

Another blonde in Charlie's Angels!

Once again the famous female trio, whose exciting and dangerous adventures are broadcast weekly on TV, has been shaken up. And that's the big news. The latest season of Charlie's Angels brings in a lovely, new blonde to replace brunette Kate Jackson, who has just left the series. The newest partner of Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd is Shelley Hack, a stunning Supermodel who, as you can see from the photo, has all the attributes needed to win over the fans of the smart and sexy detective series!

The caption below Kate's pic reads as:

Kate Jackson leaves TV and Charlie's Angels to pursue a career in film.

The caption below Jaclyn, Cheryl and Shelley's pic reads as:

Shelley Hack will play new Angel Tiffany

alongside Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith

Vibrations of 1971 B

a closeup of Shelley from a pic

that appeared on a Seventeen

magazine spread, August 1971

Shelley appeared throughout Seventeen magazine's August 1971 issue. In the spread called "Vibrations '71", she modeled a latest looks for that fashion season. One look was made up of a grey "Medieval-look Vest-tunic belted 'n buttoned" over a "zipfront jacquard short jump" with white collars. Fun hosiery and a unique white bangle finished her look. And Shelley definitely resonated the vibrations of 1971. (For more, check out: Vibrations '71 and Vibrations of 1971 A)

pics of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread,

August 1971

Piggy Back

a closeup of Shelley

from an ad for Kodel, 1971

Shelley appeared in many ads and magazine spreads throughout her Supermodel tenure. In 1971, she appeared in an ad for "Kodel, the Fiber of American Life." It featured "Stuffed Shirts" made unstuffy with un-rumply Kodel - great shirts to wear on a sunny Saturday shopping spree. They were made from Springmaid "Patentia" broadcloth, a durable-press blend of Kodel polyester and cotton. Shelley wore the "Piggy Back," a long-sleeved eggplant colored shirt (which also came in navy and beige) with contrasting trim. She wore it with a pair of coordinating Stuffed jeans. She accessorized her look with a matching bandana tied around her waist. And Shelley looked just lovely in it.

Shelley in an ad for Kodel, 1971

E7: The Life You Save

screen captures of the opening credits

of Cutter To Houston, 1983

Shelley's second TV series was 1983's Cutter to Houston. The show was about three young doctors recruited to run a small hospital in the fictional rural town of Cutter, Texas. Shelley played Dr. Beth Gilbert, an ambitious surgeon on temporary assignment in Cutter. Jim Metzler played GP Dr. Andy Fenton, who grew up in Cutter and was glad to be back in the town that financed his medical education. Alec Baldwin played internist/ladies man Dr. Hal Wexler, who was getting through his probation. Other regular cast members included K Callan as Nurse Connie Buford, Susan Styles as Nurse Patty Alvarez and Noble Willingham as Mayor Warren Jarvis.

promo mats and screen caps

for the Cutter to Houston episode

"The Life You Save," December 1983

Episode 7 was called "The Life You Save" and was first aired on December 31, 1983. The guest stars included Kathleen Wilhoite as Kit McGuire and Billy Drago as the rapist. The plot went as follows:

Beth is attacked by a rapist late at night at the Cutter Community Hospital parking lot. Responding to her cries for help, Andy rushes to help her, but the attacker manages to escape. Later, a seriously injured man is brought into the hospital. Beth is shocked when she recognizes him as her attacker in the parking lot. Initially, she refuses to operate on him. Meanwhile, Hal goes on a vacation to Houston to see Mary whom he talks to on the phone every day while he’s on duty. He is looking forward to finally meeting her face to face. However, his visit to Houston turns into a puzzling medical encounter.

screen captures from the Cutter to Houston

episode "The Life You Save,"

December 1983

Miss Clairol

a pic of Shelley

for a 1973 Miss Clairol ad

Shelley appeared in many ads during the '60s and '70s; one of them was Miss Clairol. Clairol was introducing their New Natural Wear Miss Clairol shampoo-in hair color in 1973, and Shelley was the main model in their ads. Clairol's new shampoo-in hair color was "improved to keep that wonderfully natural, soft look, week after week, after week." The package included a "rich conditioning base, so sudsy it needs no after shampoo." And according to Shelley, "Even after 3 weeks, when I catch myself in the mirror, I like what I see." Shelley's effortless style, effervescent smile and wholesome sexiness made her the perfect choice for the ad; and she made the Miss Clairol ad unforgettable.

Shelley in a 1973 Miss Clairol ad

A PM Mystery

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

In December of 1993, Shelley guest starred in a TV movie that was a tribute to Raymond Burr, one of Hollywood's most respected actors. Raymond Burr, who famously played Perry Mason in the TV series which ran from 1957 to 1966 and in 26 TV movies, passed away in September of 1993. As a tribute to him, a Perry Mason TV movie entitled A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives was made. But to honor Burr's legacy, the part of Perry Mason wasn't recast. Instead, a new character was brought in, Anthony Caruso (played by Paul Sorvino) who was introduced as Mason's good friend. Cast regulars Barbara Hale and William Moses returned. And, as guest stars, Supermodels were cast as the "wicked wives." Shelley Hack, Beverly Johnson, Kim Alexis, Maud Adams and Kathy Ireland played the present and former wives of a slain fashion photographer played by Eric Braeden. Paula Marsh rounded out the cast.

Shelley with Beverly Johnson, Kim Alexis,

Maud Adams, Paul Sorvino and Kathy Ireland

in a promo pic for A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

Charlie in Bonnie

Shelley in a promo pic for Charlie, 1978

Shelley became a Supermodel in the mid 1970s when she landed an exclusive contract to become the image model and spokesperson of Revlon's Charlie brand. Her tenure as the brand's ambassador was so successful it catapulted the brand, as well as her, to worldwide recognition and fame. By 1978, the line "Now the world belongs to Charlie" was added on their print ads; and Shelley was photographed smiling that smile and striding that stride wearing the latest fashions in different places all over the world. One of them had her in front of the Fontaines de la Concorde (one of the two fountains) in Paris wearing a fabulous outfit by Bonnie Cashin. And Shelley was absolutely breathtaking. (For more, check out: Charlie's Supermodel)

Shelley wearing a fabulous outfit

by Bonnie Cashin in a promo pic

for Charlie, 1978

Kicks in VHS

Shelley in a 1985 promo pic

Shelley appeared in the TV movie Kicks in 1985, starring alongside Soap Superstar Anthony Geary. She played Maggie Pierson, a college professor addicted to, sort of, the thrill of the chase or, as the title says, kicks. She meets her match in Martin Cheevers (Geary), a wealthy businessman with a mysterious past. But their thrills gradually turn into chills as Cheevers ups the anti as they go along. Maggie goes along for the ride for as long as she could and they end up in Alcatraz. How far would she really go for mere kicks? Watch it and find out. The movie had been released in VHS format all over the world and had been translated into many different languages.

VHS covers of Kicks

Vibrations of 1971 A

a closeup of Shelley from a pic

that appeared on a Seventeen

magazine spread, August 1971

Shelley appeared throughout Seventeen magazine's August 1971 issue. In the spread called "Vibrations '71", she modeled a latest looks for that fashion season. One look was made up of a beige knit shirt by Langtry over a pair of purple button front jeans by Time and Place. A matching wade leather belt and a pair of leather boots finished her look. A coordinating skullcap and a printed scarf accessorized her look. And Shelley definitely resonated the vibrations of 1971.

pics of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread,

August 1971

Introducing Shelley Hack

Shelley at a Charlie's Angels

cocktail party, June 1979

"Who is going to be Charlie's newest Angel?" That was the question in everyone's mind in 1979. And in late-May of 1979, it was finally answered; the new Angel had been cast. THE effervescent Charlie Girl Shelley Hack was officially joining Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd to complete Charlie's newest Angel triumvirate. Shelley was hounded by the paparazzi from then on. She was Hollywood's newest "it girl" and she appeared in virtually every newspaper and magazine around the world. Shelley said, "It has been quite a whirl." Jaclyn Smith said, "I feel good about her. I think the three of us are going to get along great." Cheryl Ladd said, "Shelley seems like a terrific girl. I think she's good and I'll do everything I can to make her feel at home." Everything was going along well with the new Angel team; yet rumors of catfights and jealousy (which unfairly plagued the series since its debut) still persisted and was being written about in the press.

Shelley at a Charlie's Angels

cocktail party, June 1979

To address the rumors, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd talked to Charlie's Angels executive producer Aaron Spelling and convinced him to throw a cocktail party for the TV critics of America. The party would formally introduce Shelley Hack to the press and hopefully put an end to all the talks of discord among the new Angel team. It was held at ABC's West Coast offices at the ABC Entertainment Center in Century City, Los Angeles. Jaclyn, Cheryl and Shelley attended the party as well as their other cast member David Doyle who played John Bosley in the series. Aaron Spelling, his business partner Leonard Goldberg and the ABC network (where Charlie's Angels was aired) corporate brass were all in attendance as well. The Angels cast had just returned from filming at the U.S. Virgin Islands and they all raved about how much fun they had shooting the season's first episode.

E4: Race for Life

screen captures of the opening credits

of Cutter To Houston, 1983

Shelley's second TV series was 1983's Cutter to Houston. The show was about three young doctors recruited to run a small hospital in the fictional rural town of Cutter, Texas. Shelley played Dr. Beth Gilbert, an ambitious surgeon on temporary assignment in Cutter. Jim Metzler played GP Dr. Andy Fenton, who grew up in Cutter and was glad to be back in the town that financed his medical education. Alec Baldwin played internist/ladies man Dr. Hal Wexler, who was getting through his probation. Other regular cast members included K Callan as Nurse Connie Buford, Susan Styles as Nurse Patty Alvarez and Noble Willingham as Mayor Warren Jarvis.

promo mats and screen caps

for the Cutter to Houston episode

"Race for Life," October 1983

Episode 4 was called "Race for Life" and was first aired on October 22, 1983. The guest stars included Arliss Howard as Q.T. Stoneham and Georgann Johnson as Mayor Warren’s wife Dorothy Jarvis. The plot went as follows:

Hal and the highway patrol pursue cross-country race driver Q.T. Stoneham who has put his life on the line by competing in a wild road race. He is seriously ill and may not live to reach the finish line. Meanwhile, the 30th wedding anniversary of Mayor Warren Jarvis and his wife Dorothy is overshadowed by her refusal to face her medical problem. She learns she has a tumor and ignores the diagnosis. Afraid to face the disease her mother eventually died of; she initially resists any surgery.

screen captures from the Cutter to Houston

episode "Race for Life,"

October 1983

Fabulous Coats 2

a closeup of Shelley from a fashion pic

used in a spread on Simpsons-Sears

Fall and Winter 1975 catalog

Shelley appeared on numerous catalogs during her Supermodel days. One of them was the Simpsons-Sears catalogs. Simpsons-Sears was a joint venture between the Canadian retailer Simpsons and the American retailer Sears. Simpsons-Sears was Canadian catalog and department store chain that sold various goods. Shelley appeared in the Simpsons-Sears Fall and Winter 1975 catalog. In the spread that featured fabulous coats for the cold season, Shelley wore the extra-special coat that was so simple yet so sophisticated. It came in both tweed-patterned and solid color wool-nylon fabrics. The top of the sleeves as well as the collar were overlaid with genuine natural rabbit fur. It had two slash pockets, two breast pockets, and a belt. Shelley wore both versions and accessorized them with a matching scarf tied around her neck. And Shelley looked simple yet fabulous and sophisticated.

Shelley in a fashion pic

featured in a spread on Simpsons-Sears

Fall and Winter 1975 catalog

Angels and Art 6

an artwork of Shelley Hack, Jaclyn Smith,

and Cheryl Ladd on the cover

of Look-In magazine, 1980

a promo pic of Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack,

and Jaclyn Smith for the Charlie's Angels

episode "Love Boat Angels," 1979

Look-In magazine was a kiddie/teen UK magazine that featured two-page comic/picture strips of the most popular television shows of the era. Subtitled as "The Junior TV Times," its first issue came out in 1971 and its final issue came out in 1994. Many popular American TV series were featured in the mag including Kung Fu, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, CHiPs, Battlestar Galactica, Mork and Mindy... and, of course Charlie's Angels.

Shelley as Tiffany Welles in Look-In mag's

Charlie's Angels comic/picture strip, 1980

From 1979 to 1980, during the airing of the 4th season of Charlie's Angels, Shelley's Tiffany Welles character was featured in the mag's Charlie's Angels comic/picture strip. Along with her co-Angels Kelly Garrett (Jaclyn Smith) and Kris Munroe (Cheryl Ladd), Tiffany solved cases for Charlie for several issues, two pages a week. Her first case debuted on November of 1979 and her final case ended on October of 1980. The mag also featured occasional writeups about Shelley as well as posters of her and the Angel team of that season.

Shelley Hack with Jaclyn Smith

and Cheryl Ladd in a promo pic

for Charlie's Angels, 1979

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for Charlie's Angels, 1979

The 1980 Olympics

a closeup of Shelley

from a Charlie perfume ad

promoting the 1980 Winter Olympics

Shelley was The Charlie Girl from 1976 to 1982; and she appeared on many promotional pics for the Revlon brand. In 1980, a commercial promoting the 1980 Olympic Games, which was held in Moscow in the Soviet Union, was released (For more, check out: Charlie and the 1980 Olympics) Also in 1980, Shelley appeared in a Charlie perfume ad promoting the 1980 Winter Olympics which was held in Lake Placid, New York, from Feb 13 to 24 of that year. The Revlon Charlie fragrance was an official selection of the United States Olympic Committee.

Shelley in a Charlie perfume ad

promoting the 1980 Winter Olympics

Forsyth Presents

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 in a publicity pic

for Frederick Forsyth Presents:

A Casualty of War, 1989

1970s Supermodel

a closeup of Shelley

from a pic that appeared

on a Seventeen magazine spread, 1976

While still in school, as a teen, Shelley was spotted by A&P heir Huntington Hartford at a debutante ball and he immediately urged her to try modeling. So her mom took her to see model agent Eileen Ford and she began to model part-time, during her summer breaks. Subsequently, after graduating from Smith College, she signed on full-time at Ford Models Inc., and became one of the top models in the United States. In 1976, she jumped to Supermodel status when she began endorsing Revlon Charlie perfume, cosmetics and various beauty products. She was one of first batch of models who were able to negotiate previously unheard of, lucrative and exclusive million-dollar deals with giant cosmetics companies.

a pic of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread, 1976

Simplicity Catalog 1971 C

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

on Simplicity School Catalog,

Spring/Summer 1971

Shelley appeared in many sewing catalogs when she was a model. In 1971, she appeared on the cover and pages of the Simplicity School Catalog Spring/Summer catalog. In one spread, she wore pattern no. 9277, a tunic, maxi-skirt and bell-bottom pants set. The top-stitched sleeveless tunic had a low "U" neckline. The maxi-skirt had no waistband, had a front button closing, and had a self fabric ruffle at the lower edge. The pants had an elastic waistline casing. Shelley wore a plain version of the tunic over a printed version of the maxi-skirt. She finished her look with a pair of sling-back sandals. She accessorized her look with a matching belt, a fun bracelet, and a clip on her hair. And Shelley looked so adorable and ready to go off to school. And Shelley looked young, fresh and up-to-the-minute. (For more, check out: Simplicity Catalog 1971 A and Simplicity Catalog 1971 B)

Shelley in a spread

for Simplicity School Catalog,

Spring/Summer 1971