A Classic Film for Halloween

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for The Stepfather, 1987

Halloween is upon us and what better way to celebrate the holiday than to snuggle up with someone and watch horror films. In 1987, Shelley starred in the horror classic The Stepfather. It's been called one of the great horror movies of the 1980s. The Stepfather was 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 realizes that the family isn't "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 weird and is determined to find out what he is hiding.

a 1987 newspaper ad

promoting The Stepfather

Horror writer Stephen King recently revealed his Top 5 Movies Ever. King, whose works include The Shining, Pet Sematary, Misery and Carrie, is no stranger to his books being adapted for the big and small screens. And he has his choices for the 5 movies he prefers and they were shared by Unilad Ranked this March of 2025. In no particular order, the so-called "King of Horror's" choices were Sorcerer (1977), Les Diaboliques (1955), Duel (1971), The Changeling (1980) and The Stepfather (1987). The screenplay of The Stepfather was written by Donald E. Westlake, from a story by Westlake, Carolyn Lefcourt and Brian Garfield (the latter of Death Wish fame), with an uncredited rewrite by David Loughery. It was loosely based on on the story of John List, the New Jersey man who killed his own family in 1971 and then disappeared. The psychological thriller was released theatrically in 1987 and has gained a cult following ever since.

Shelley with Terry O'Quinn

and Jill Schoelen in a promo pic

for The Stepfather, 1987

A Shining Star

a glamourous pic of Shelley

from 1986

Shelley experienced a career upswing in 1986. Her third TV series, Jack and Mike, was doing fairly well and getting decent ratings. And after a first order of a pilot and 12 episodes, the ABC network ordered five more episodes in 1987. Naturally, Shelley was featured in many newspapers and magazines (as promo for her new TV series). And since she was one of the more glamorous stars in Hollywood at the time, writeups about her looks, hair, and style would also crop up. In February of 1987, she appeared on the cover of the Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide magazine (for more, check out: Special Great Looks), as well as on a spread within its pages.

Shelley in a spread

for the Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide,

Feb 1987

In the magazine, Shelley was featured in the Celebrity Close-Up section. Her spread was called "Shelley Hack: A Shining Star." It showcased the latest goings-on in Shelley's Hollywood career, as well the current hairstyles she sported. Two of Shelley's latest hairstyles were featured on the spread. "A Natural Favorite" was one. "Plenty of Pincurls" was another. These hairstyles were favored by Shelley because they allowed her natural waves to shine. "My favorite way to wear my hair is naturally wavy... the way my hair goes by itself," Shelley confided at the time. She saw her stylist every six weeks to trim her highlighted dark blonde hair, which she conditioned after every shampoo. The mag showed readers how to achieve Shelley's waves and recommended what products to use to achieve her look. And to achieve her cover girl complexion, Shelley's advice was to, "Moisturize! Cleanse! Stay out of the sun!" (For more, check out: Supermodel Girl, A Reputable Acting Career, 1986 TV Series, A Natural Favorite, and Plenty of Pincurls)

pics of Shelley featured

on the cover and in a spread

for the Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide,

Feb 1987

Fashionable Young Woman

a closeup of Shelley

from an ad for American Wool, 1970

Shelley modeled part-time during her school days in the 1960s and started modeling full-time after graduating. She was a very busy model in the 1970s. She was represented by Ford Models Inc. and was one of the most sought after models in their roster. She became one of the top Ford Supermodels of all time and one of the first models to sign those lucrative and exclusive modeling contracts models nowadays aspire to get. Eileen Ford said of Shelley, "Modeling was just a vehicle she used to get educated. It was never a thing where she wanted to be the best model in the world. She simply became one of them despite herself." She appeared on magazine covers, spreads and features, packaging, commercials and print ads. She was everywhere.

Shelley in an ad

promoting American Wool, 1970

In 1970, Shelley appeared in an ad promoting American Wool. The ad featured the latest designs by the most popular labels, for the fashionable young women of the era. It featured the fashion labels Jonathan Logan, Bobbie Brooks, Charlie's Girls, and Jackie Stuart (the fashion label Shelley wore). Jackie Stuart was a fashion label that was popular during the mid-1960s to late-1970s for designer coats, suits and raincoats. Doe Doneghy was the featured designer for the Jackie Stuart fashion label in the ad (Doe Doneghy for Jackie Stuart). Doe Doneghy was a womenswear designer in the 1970s. In the ad, Shelley wore an updated wollen midi coat by Doe Doneghy for Jackie Stuart. The coat had patch pockets with flaps and was made romantic in feel by the Chinese flower knot inspired button closures. A pair of knee-high leather boots finished her look. A leather shoulder bag and fancy neck scarf accessorized her look. And Shelley looked like one of those fashionable young 1970s women.

Shelley in an ad

for American Wool, 1970

Found Money TV Movie 9

screen captures from the TV movie

Found Money, 1983

Shelley appeared alongside comedy legends Dick Van Dyke and Sid Caesar in the 1983 TV movie Found Money. The movie 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 no 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 to accounts of ordinary citizens who bring kindness to the world. 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.

screen captures from the TV movie

Found Money, 1983

Shelley found both Dick Van Dyke and Sid Caesar "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. As for Shelley's performance in Found Money, Television writer Fred Rothenberg said "Miss Hack's acting has improved since she played one of Charlie's Angels." Shelley said of the TV movie, "It's a whole type of distinctly American comedy, the closest to theater on film I'd ever gotten." Prior to Found Money, Shelley had starred in several stage plays in the early 1980s and had received excellent reviews for her performances. She was also cast in the Martin Scorsese film The King of Comedy where she held her own in scenes opposite acting giant Robert De Niro; she got excellent reviews for her performance in the film as well. Shelley had come a very long way indeed.

screen captures from the TV movie

Found Money, 1983

Charlie En Route

Shelley in promo pics

for Charlie perfume and cosmetics, 1980

Shelley was THE Charlie perfume Girl from 1976 to 1982. She was dubbed as THE quintessential Charlie Girl because she was the embodiment of the brand's ideal - gorgeous, sexy, young... as well as independent, confident and loving every minute of it. The phenomenal success of the brand was due in part to Shelley's unforgettable image. In 1980, Shelley appeared in a Charlie ad dubbed "Express Your Sentiments With a Gift of Fragrance from Charlie by Revlon." It was a promo for the Charlie En Route Cosmetics Case. The case was ideal for women on the go, for those short or long trips anywhere. The case was available for just $8.50 with any $5.00 purchase from the Charlie Collection. The case included Charlie Dusting Powder and a Charlie Perfume spray. And Charlie Girl Shelley appeared in the ad, Charlie-Girl gorgeous, as always.

Shelley in a newspaper ad

for Charlie perfume and cosmetics, 1980

Serious Actress

Shelley in a 1980s promo pic

Shelley was a busy working actress in the 1980s. After her career-boosting appearance on Charlie's Angels, she was determined to prove that she was more than just a pretty face, that she was a serious actress. She immediately tackled stage a via the Jack Heifner play Vanities and gained critical praise for her work. Other stage roles soon followed. She was praised for her work in Elizabeth Diggs's play Close Ties and Garson Kanin’s Born Yesterday. At the same time, she was getting more serious feature film work. She appeared in Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy and much later in Joseph Ruben's horror classic The Stepfather. She also got to work in TV movies with seasoned actors such as George Segal, Dick Van Dyke, Sid Caesar and Paul Michael Glaser.

Shelley in a 1980s promo pic

Sexy Thriller

Shelley with Arnold Vosloo

in a promo pic for the thriller

The Finishing Touch, 1992

In 1992, Shelley starred in the sexy, big-screen thriller The Finishing Touch. It was about divorced detective Sam Stone who had to work on a case with his detective ex-wife Hannah Stone... and she seemingly falls for one of their suspects, Mikael Gant. The Case: Someone was killing beautiful women around L.A., filming it, and releasing the footage underground as "snuff" films. The Plan: Hannah would pose as a model, get to know their biggest suspect, video artist Mikael Gant, then report everything she finds out about him. But things get muddled when model and artist become too close... and ex-hubby becomes too jealous. Dynasty alum Michael Nader played Sam Stone, while Shelley played his ex-wife Hannah. Future The Mummy star Arnold Vosloo played Mikael Gant. This was one of Shelley's sexiest roles because it involved her in a love scene with Vosloo; but for the topless scenes, she used a body double. The film was released in VHS format... in English, Spanish and Czech.

VHS covers of The Finishing Touch

in different languages