Happy Birthday, Shelley!!!

An imagined Charlie perfume ad

with Birthday Greetings for Ms. Shelley Hack

this July 6, 2018

Happy Birthday, Miss Shelley Hack!!!

As Supermodel, actress, peacekeeper and producer,

you are a continuing inspiration to many in the world.

We LOVE you!!! 

from your fans worldwide

Shelley's Mini Bio

Shelley Marie Hack was born on July 6, 1947 in White Plains, New York, but was raised in nearby Greenwich, Connecticut. She graduated from Greenwich Academy and went off to Smith College where she earned a degree in history. But while still in school, as a teen, she began modeling during her summer breaks. Subsequently, after her schooling, she signed on  full-time at her modeling agency, Ford Models Inc., and became one of the top models in the United states. In 1976, she jumped to Supermodel status via a Revlon commercial for Charlie Perfume. She was one of first batch of models  who were able to negotiate previously unheard of, lucrative and exclusive deals with giant cosmetics companies. The worldwide popularity she gained as THE Charlie Girl brought her to the attention of Aaron Spelling  who cast her in his hit series Charlie's Angels in 1979. Although she left the series after one season, the publicity she got from the series was enough to keep her in the public eye in the '80s. Shelley then tackled stage via plays like Vanities (1981) and Born Yesterday (1982) and was critically praised. This led to roles in movies like Martin Scorsese's The King of Comedy (1983) and cult classics like Troll (1986) and The Stepfather (1987), as well as the lead in two other TV series, Cutter to Houston (1983) and Jack and Mike (1986.) She married director Harry Winer in the late '80s and in 1990 gave birth to their daughter, Devon Rose. In the '90s, Shelley began delving in grassroots politics and political fund-raising. She would receive her MBA from the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and, in 1997, she formed Shelley Hack Media Consultancy (SHMC,) a media consultancy firm that worked internationally in pre- and post-conflict countries. She would go into war-torn countries and help them establish democracy through media. She began with Bosnia, producing their first ever televised presidential debates.She worked extensively in Eastern Europe and Western Asia and traveled all over the world. After ten years, Shelley settled down in California, and in 2010, she and her husband formed Smash Media Productions where she acts as co-president. Through Smash Media, she has produced documentaries like Citizen of the World and Maharajah of the Road, feature films like Erased and several movies for the Hallmark Channel (Lucky Christmas, Perfect Match, A Bramble House Christmas.) On her own, she has produced Summer of Dreams and Christmas in Evergreen, also for Hallmark.

Jack and Mike Pilot 24

screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 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. The pilot was released in VHS format and distributed in Europe, in the Netherlands and Belgium; but only the pilot episode. The entire episode was kept as is; but subtitles in Dutch were burned into the media for the convenience of the target audience. The episode runs for 90 minutes and was originally aired in September 16, 1986.

more screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 1986

To continue, Jackie goes over to check up on Chris Sykes who had gone back to his old teaching job and witnesses the reality he has to face - the students are still afraid of him. Jackie assures him time will heal all wounds. With that, she leaves, wondering if what she said was even true. At home, Jackie and Mike spend the evening together for a much anticipated private dinner, prepared by Mike of course. While discussing, over pre-diner drinks, how much their careers interfere with their relationship, the phone rings. After trying to resist the urge to pick up, Mike gives in and answers the phone. It's one of his restaurants, they're having problems. He tells them they can handle such a minor mishap and hangs up. He turns the answering machine on and tells Jackie, with a smile, it'll be a while before the food is ready. They decide to go upstairs when the phone rings again. The answering machine takes the call this time.

Blondest Blonde

Shelley in a 2-page ad for Clairol, 1974

 

Shelley appeared in several ads for Miss Clairol in the 1970s. In 1974, she appeared in an ad introducing the color Blondest Blonde, the newest Miss Clairol color for 1974. Dubbed as the lightest of all, it could lift hair color to as light as 12 shades without pre-lighteners. So "blondes go super blonde, and browns go blonder." Shelley looked fab as a super blonde.

 

a closeup of Shelley from the 1974 ad

Shelley and Ben

Shelley with Ben Vereen, 1979

When Shelley became Charlie's newest Angel in 1979, she jumped from Supermodel to Superstar in an instant. She appeared on the covers and pages of many gossip mags; and she was photographed hobnobbing with other celebrities. Everything she did from that point on was news for the tabloids.

White Collars

Shelley in a spread for Sears Spring Through Summer 1974

Shelley appeared on the pages of the Sears Spring Through Summer 1974 catalog. In the spread that featured summer dresses, she modeled a jacquard-patterned dress that featured white collars. It came in two color combinations, periwinkle blue and white and rose pink and white. Both had smooth knit white collars, puffed sleeves, front button-trim and welt-seamed detail as well as a gored skirt. They both had a long back zipper closing and a 2-inch hem. Matching white open toe clogs finished her look. And Shelley looked fab in both white-collared dresses.

closeups of Shelley from the spread

Close Ties Play

Shelley relaxes during rehearsals for the play Close Ties, 1983

Shelley immediately jumped into theater work after leaving the TV series Charlie's Angels in 1980. Her first was Jack Heifner's Vanities with Meredith Baxter-Birney and Annette O' Toole, where she got glowing reviews. She did a slew of other plays after that. One of them was Elizabeth Diggs' Close Ties with Kim Darby, Alan Oppenheimer and Christopher Guest. Directed by Arvin Brown, it was a play about the struggles of a New England family coping with the burgeoning senility of the clan's matriarch. It premiered on The Entertainment Channel in March of 1983.

Freeway T-Shirt Dynamos

Shelley in a spread for Seventeen mag, 1971

Shelley appeared on many issues of Seventeen magazine during her modeling days. In 1971, she appeared in their February issue, in the spread called "Freeway T-Shirt Dynamos." It featured T-shirts for young women, active young women who enjoyed whirring in their motorbikes on freeways.

a closeup of Shelley from the Seventeen mag spread, 1971

She modeled a tri-colored long-sleeved T-shirt in a rib knit fabric by Elaine Post. With denim jeans by Goldsmith's, a fun belt by Garland and a sporty bracelet, Shelley looked ready to whizz on wheels.

a closeup of Shelley from the Seventeen mag spread, 1971

She also modeled another long-sleeved T-shirt, this time embossed with terry ducks.  With denim jeans by GoldSmith's, a skull cap by Therese Ahrens, a scarf by Gentex and a belt by Dame, Shelley looked ready to go in her Triumph B.S.A. motorcycle with her girl friends.

Just Relax

a closeup of Shelley from a 1977 Firm & Natural ad

Shelley appeared in many ads during her Supermodel days. One of them was for Firm & Natural hair spray. In the ad, women were urged to relax, because Firm & Natural hair spray held up even in the rain. It also came in a pump bottle, which wasn't just economical but environmentally friendly as well. Shelley was hands-down gorgeous in the ad.

Shelley in an ad for Firm & Natural, 1977

Jack and Mike Pilot 23

screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 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. The pilot was released in VHS format and distributed in Europe, in the Netherlands and Belgium; but only the pilot episode. The entire episode was kept as is; but subtitles in Dutch were burned into the media for the convenience of the target audience. The episode runs for 90 minutes and was originally aired in September 16, 1986.

more screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 1986

To continue, Jackie and her assistant Anthony leave The Mirror, discussing the Sykes case, how it had blown open a drug ring operating in the city involving Councilman Kazan, a CPD detective and Kazan's "business" partner Timothy Sullivan, the father of Chris Sykes' lookalike Harry Sullivan, the real rapist. Jackie goes over to visit Chris Sykes to see how he's doing. He was exonerated and is back working at the school he was teaching in before he was let go because of the rape case; but things are not the same for him. The children are still afraid of him.

The Expandables 6

Shelley in a spread for Woman's Day magazine, 1975

Shelley appeared in a spread on Woman's Day magazine in May of 1975. The spread was called "The Expandables: 2 Basic Outfits. Each Translated into 5 Great Looks." She modeled one of the smart two-part outfits that could be expanded into a smashing spring wardrobe. Hers was the out-of-the-blue skirt and shirt ensemble which was made up of a soft shirt and a six-gore flared skirt, both by Koret of California.

closeups of Shelley from the 1975 spread

Shelley modeled the 5 looks that could be created from the shirt and skirt set - the Out-Of-The-Blue Shirt and Skirt Ensemble look, the Blue-Ribbon Winner look, the Suit Yourself look, the Suddenly Summer look and the Spectator Sports look. All looks were fabulous and looked smashing on Shelley.

Talk Show Rounds 2

Shelley being escorted to The Merv Griffin Show, 1979

When Shelley became Charlie's newest Angel in 1979, she did the talk show rounds and introduced herself to Angels fans. In October of 1979, she appeared in The Merv Griffin Show along with researcher Durk Pearson, Dr. Richard Selzer and acupuncturist Dr. Zion Yu. She already appeared on the show in January of that same year.

Knit Knacks 2

Shelley in a spread for the Los Angeles Times Magazine, 1987

Shelley appeared on the pages of the Los Angeles Times Magazine's July 5, 1987 edition. In the spread called "Knick Knacks," Shelley showed "her knack for adding a dash of originality to cotton knits." She would pair a finely detailed sweater with distressed jeans or sew together two basic rib-knit undershirts to create a not-too-sheer top. The pictures of Shelley were taken at the San Pascual Stables in South Pasadena.

a closeup of Shelley from the spread

another closeup of Shelley from the spread

Angel on Bananas

a writeup about Shelley from Bananas magazine, 1979

Shelley became Tiffany Welles, Angel no. 5 on Charlie's Angels, in 1979. Upon the announcement of her Angel-dom, she became a hot news item. Every magazine, newspaper and even the evening news contained tidbits about THE Charlie Girl becoming one of Charlie's Angels. In fact, the fan mag Bananas put her on their cover and talked to her. She was Charlie's newest Superstar.

a writeup about Shelley from Bananas magazine, 1979

Knit It Your Way

Shelley in a spread for Seventeen mag, 1972

Shelley appeared on many issues of Seventeen magazine from 1964 to the 1970s. In 1972, she appeared in their February issue, in the spread called "Knit It Your Way." It featured sweaters reader could knit themselves and put over any fashion they were into. Shelley modeled the blazer-look sweater with a super sailor collar in blue and white for that nautical feel. She wore it over a checked shirt by Judy Bond and a matching skirt. A cuffed knit skull cap by Madcaps finished her look. And Shelley looked super.

a closeup of Shelley from the Seventeen mag spread, 1972

Relax

a closeup of Shelley from a 1977 Firm & Natural ad

Shelley appeared in many ads during her Supermodel days. One of them was for Firm & Natural hair spray. In the ad, women were urged to relax, because Firm & Natural hair spray held up even in the rain. It also came in a pump bottle, which wasn't just economical but environmentally friendly as well. Shelley was hands-down gorgeous in the ad.

Shelley in an ad for Firm & Natural, 1977

Jack and Mike Pilot 22

screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 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. The pilot was released in VHS format and distributed in Europe, in the Netherlands and Belgium; but only the pilot episode. The entire episode was kept as is; but subtitles in Dutch were burned into the media for the convenience of the target audience. The episode runs for 90 minutes and was originally aired in September 16, 1986.

more screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 1986

To continue, Jackie, an expert driver, pretended to be confused and flustered as an angry Harry Sullivan barked orders at her, telling her where to take them. She eventually drives them to the mounted police headquarters, crashing the car through their gates. The car is surrounded by the mounted police as it stops, and Jackie quickly gets off. Detective Gill recognizes her, and Harry is put under arrest.

The Expandables 5

Shelley in a spread for Woman's Day magazine, 1975

Shelley appeared in a spread on Woman's Day magazine in May of 1975. The spread was called "The Expandables: 2 Basic Outfits. Each Translated into 5 Great Looks." She modeled one of the smart two-part outfits that could be expanded into a smashing spring wardrobe. Hers was the out-of-the-blue skirt and shirt ensemble which was made up of a soft shirt and a six-gore flared skirt, both by Koret of California.

a closeup of Shelley from the spread

To continue, the fifth look did away with the skirt and made the shirt play the part of a sweater, as it was worn over a cotton T-shirt by Miss Ingenue and a pair of white pants in brushed denim by Old Town Jrs. A matching white skullcap and wedge-heeled espadrilles finished her look. And Shelley looked summery and smashing.

Talk Show Rounds

Shelley arrives at The Merv Griffin Show, 1979

When Shelley became Charlie's newest Angel in 1979, she did the talk show rounds and introduced herself to Angels fans. In October of 1979, she appeared in The Merv Griffin Show along with researcher Durk Pearson, Dr. Richard Selzer and acupuncturist Dr. Zion Yu. She already appeared on the show in January of that same year.

Knit Knacks 1

Shelley in a spread for the Los Angeles Times Magazine, 1987

Shelley appeared on the pages of the Los Angeles Times Magazine's July 5, 1987 edition. In the spread called "Knick Kncks," Shelley showed "her knack for adding a dash of originality to cotton knits." She would pair a finely detailed sweater with distressed jeans or sew together two basic rib-knit undershirts to create a not-too-sheer top. The pictures of Shelley were taken at the San Pascual Stables in South Pasadena.

a closeup of Shelley from the spread

Bridesmaids, 1989

Shelley with Brooke Adams, Stephanie Faracy and Sela Ward

on the cover of Sunday News TV Week, 1989

In 1989, Shelley appeared in the telefilm Bridesmaids with Brooke Adams, Stephanie Faracy and Sela Ward. The film is about four childhood friends who get together for the wedding of a fifth friend and is a viewing delight. The chemistry between the actors is apparent and fun to watch. It would be great to see a film like this with all of Charlie's former TOS Angels (sans Farrah, of course). Maybe Shelley can produce a Christmas movie that stars Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, Cheryl Ladd, herself and Tanya Roberts for the Hallmark Channel. It would be heaven to watch that over and over again.

The Ringlet 2

Shelley in a spread for Seventeen mag, 1967

Shelley appeared on many issues of Seventeen magazine from 1964 to the 1970s. In 1967, she appeared in their November issue, in the spread called "Return of the Ringlet." The spread featured fabulous ringlet hairdos, which were the hairdos of that month. Shelley wore what was dubbed as A Most Romantic Party Look. The hair style had long swirls of silky curls caught on either side and kept in place with a bows. Shelley looked ready to wow party-goers.

a closeup of Shelley from the Seventeen mag spread, 1967

Sizzle Stripes

Shelley with Pia Buggert and Joanne Vitelli

in an ad for Gay Gibson, 1972

Shelley did a lot of ads during her modeling days. One of them was for Gay Gibson, a clothing line for women. In the 1972 ad which featured outfits in "Sizzle Stripes," she wore a dress that could "put some spice in your Springtime life." It was a "sweet-and-sassy" knitted that looked as "sharp as a cinnamon candy stick." The skimmer dress came with its own matching tie-on belt. Matching big bow pumps, hose, hair pin and bracelets finished her look. And Shelley had a lot to smile about; she looked fabulous.

a closeup of Shelley from the 1972 ad

Jack and Mike Pilot 21

screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 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. The pilot was released in VHS format and distributed in Europe, in the Netherlands and Belgium; but only the pilot episode. The entire episode was kept as is; but subtitles in Dutch were burned into the media for the convenience of the target audience. The episode runs for 90 minutes and was originally aired in September 16, 1986.

more screen captures from the Jack and Mike pilot episode, 1986

To continue, Harry Sullivan takes matters into his on hands. He kidnaps Jackie from outside The Mirror, and forces her to drive them somewhere where he can dispose of her. Jackie, who is actually an expert driver having learned how to drive at an early age, pretends she's not comfortable behind the wheel. Harry barks order at her and she pretends to be too agitated to concentrate on her driving. He tries to direct her to drive them to a certain area, but her "mistakes" make them end up elsewhere. Harry pulls a knife on Jackie who tells him she's trying her darn-est to do what he's asking of her.

The Expandables 4

Shelley in a spread for Woman's Day magazine, 1975

Shelley appeared in a spread on Woman's Day magazine in May of 1975. The spread was called "The Expandables: 2 Basic Outfits. Each Translated into 5 Great Looks." She modeled one of the smart two-part outfits that could be expanded into a smashing spring wardrobe. Hers was the out-of-the-blue skirt and shirt ensemble which was made up of a soft shirt and a six-gore flared skirt, both by Koret of California.

a closeup of Shelley from the spread

To continue, the fourth look did away with the shirt entirely and paired the skirt with a sheer surplice top by Lady Arrow. A big straw hat, outsize sunglasses and a couple of matching bangles finished the  look. And Shelley looked summery and smashing.

Night Court Casting

Shelley with the cast of Night Court, 1984

Shelley was cast as public defender Christine Sullivan in the second season of the sitcom Night Court replacing Paula Kelly who played Liz Williams in the first season. Shelley said she was delighted with her character, a defense attorney who will eventually become romantically involved with Judge Harry Stone played by comedian Harry Anderson. "I liked the show. They offered me the role. I went and met with them and liked them," Shelley said in a 1984 interview. 'But what happened was the role was changed somewhere between that meeting and my first day on the set," she added. "Instead of being a funny lady, as she was in the reading, they had changed her into a straight woman," Shelley continued. Shelley didn't think it was working; so she and the producers of the show amicably parted ways without her completing a single episode. Promotional pics of Shelley with the cast (as well as her solo promo pics) were produced though.

Shelley as Christine Sullivan, 1984

Charlie's Girl

Shelley as THE Charlie Perfume Girl, 1979

Shelley will forever be remembered as THE quintessential Charlie Girl, that gorgeous, sexy and young Supermodel who captured the imagination of the entire world, an icon of the 1970s. Shelley catapulted the brand, as well as herself, to stellar heights when she began endorsing Charlie by Revlon. There were other models before her; but she was the one everyone was crazy about. Revlon did a study to find out why and discovered that Shelley didn't intimidate other women and was found approachable by men. Shelley was THE Charlie Girl from 1976 to 1982.

Angel Number Five

Shelley in an early publicity pic for Charlie's Angels

In 1979, Shelley was cast as Tiffany Welles in Charlie's Angels and became Angel number five. And like the previous Angels before her, her casting became biggest news story overnight. Publicity pics of her were released; and one of the earliest was of her wearing a pink and cream Mandarin-collared shirt over a pair of khaki slacks and topped with a light cream-colored blazer. Blown-out hair, a utilitarian watch and a dainty pink pocket square finished her look. Shelley exuded class in this pic set. Also, she was barefoot in those photos. It seems Shelley, who was a Supermodel and had been modeling for a long time, preferred flats to heels. In fact, she had no qualms going barefoot (as seen in some Charlie's Angels cast pics, some episodes of her third TV series Jack and Mike, in the telemovie Bridesmaids, etc...) In this pic set though, she had what looks like a Band-Aid around her perfectly manicured left toe, a humorous touch that humanized the latest TV cherub.

a closeup of Shelley from the publicity pic