Young Expressions E

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

Shelley appeared on many different catalogs during her modeling career. One of them was Spiegel which was a direct marketing retailer that sent their buyers to Parisian fashion shows in order to check out the latest fashion trends and introduce them to the American market. In 1972, she appeared on various spreads on the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog. In the Young Expressions section, she wore various outfits that were on trend during that season. She wore a dress that Ruffled Up The Excitement. It was a pretty and oh so feminine dress that stirred up admiration. It had a U-neckline and a free-flowing skirt. It had a laced-up waistband and ruffle-flourished cuffs. Coordinating medium-heeled footwear with flower details, a set of pearl-like earrings and a band of satin around her neck finished her look. And Shelley looked romantic indeed.

a pic of Shelley (with Susan Blakely) from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

A Fair Chance

Shelley, getting her makeup freshened up,

with Cheryl Ladd on the set 

of the Charlie's Angels episode

"Angel Hunt," 1979

Shelley was let go at the end of the 4th season of Charlie's Angels and many fans were disappointed by the decision. Many felt she wasn't given a fair chance. In the ratings, the first few episodes of her season did very well ("Love Boat Angels," Shelley's 1st episode, topped the Nielsen ratings that week.) So viewers were definitely interested in her. She was THE fabulous Charlie Girl after all. But as the season progressed, she was consistently given little to say and do. Consequently, viewers lost interest, and the show began to dip in the ratings. When she was finally given "equal status" with the other Angels, it was too late. The show had seriously dipped in the ratings. 

a fan defends Shelley, 1980

Charlie Lips and Nails

Shelley and her world-famous Charlie Girl stride, 1976

Shelley first became famous in the 1970s as THE Charlie Girl. In 1976, she was hand-picked to represent the Revlon Charlie brand, as she was the embodiment the brand's ideal – gorgeous, sexy and young. Makeup artist Rick Gillette recalls, "Shelley Hack was really the perfect girl for Charlie. I remember when Revlon creative director David Leddick had Steen Svensson shoot the first presentation with her that got her the contract." They shot a commercial with her and when it debuted, it was an immediate and immense hit. By 1977, Charlie became the #1 fragrance in the world (the first American-made international bestseller) and Revlon sales figures passed the $1 billion mark. Shelley THE Charlie Girl had catapulted to icon.

Shelley in an ad for Charlie Extra Extra-Shine Lipstick, 1978

In 1978, with the success of the Charlie fragrance line, Shelley began to appear in ads for the Charlie Makeup and Skincare line. Aside from cologne and perfume, Charlie cosmetics was available as well. Shelley appeared in Revlon Charlie's 1978 ad for Charlie Extra Extra-Shine Lipstick. Dubbed "The Charlie You Kiss With," the creamy lipstick produced a luscious glistening shine. And the colors available were as pure and distinct as they were special. Now having kissable lips like the Charlie Girl was just a makeup counter away.

Shelley in an ad for Charlie Nail Gleamers, 1978

In 1978 too, Shelley began to appear in ads for Charlie nail color. With the tagline "Charlie Takes A Great Big Shine To Your Nails," Charlie Nail Gleamers were nail polish that smoothed, fortified and whipped women's nails into "show-off shape." And just like Charlie Girl Shelley, every woman wanted her nails to always be in perfect form as she went about her free and independent life. they wanted their nails to get noticed; and that was the whole point.

High Anxiety 1

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 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. In the episode "High Anxiety," Jackie tries to steer a talented graffiti artist towards a more conventional artistic path. Also, a famed comedy team that frequents Mike's restaurant brings in so much business, as well as other things. The episode was originally aired in November 11, 1986.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

The episode begins with Jackie waking up to find Mike on their exercise bike, sweating away, trying to lose weight. He's been staying out late for several nights, hanging out and pigging out with Animal Crackers, a comedy team that has been performing at his restaurant and bringing in crowds of customers. He's very impressed with the youngsters and is happy to help them along through their "lean years," just like the people who've helped him when he was starting out. He invites Jackie to watch them with him when she has the time; and he turns the shower on. As he undresses, Jackie gets into the shower, smiles and thanks her husband. Mike laughs it off.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Slink into These B

a closeup of Shelley

from a Seventeen magazine spread, 1970

Shelley appeared on the cover as well as in many spreads throughout Seventeen magazine's November 1970 issue. In the spread called "Slink into Some Glossed-up Velvet Starstuff... It's Your Big Scene", she modeled dresses, both long and short, in clingy panne velvet (reminiscent of the leading ladies of Hollywood's Golden era) that could be worn during those special evenings. She wore a two-piece evening dress in cool silvery green. The top had a high round neck, long sleeves and a midriff that pointed both ways. The slim-sleeved bodice ended in a flaring tunic. The skirt was a midiskirt in the same fabric. Both were by Bandbox Jr. Petites. Her look was finished with bold jewelry - a Maltese cross pendant at the end of a fancy necklace by Freirich and a maxi-ring by House of Joy. Shelley looked absolutely fabulous.

a pic of Shelley from a spread

for Seventeen magazine, 1970

OG Miss Sullivan

a publicity pic of Shelley, 1983

Shelley was originally slated to play the role of public defender Christine Sullivan on the second season of Night Court in 1984. Shelley said, "I liked the show. They offered me the role. I went and met with them and liked them." Christine Sullivan was to be introduced in the second episode of the season entitled "Daddy for the Defense." But after two days of shooting, producer Reinhold Weege decided she wasn't right for the part. Shelley explained, "What happened was the role was changed somewhere between that meeting and my first day on the set." So the actress and the producer Weege mutually and amicably agreed to call the whole thing off. Markie Post later took over the role of Miss Sullivan.

writeup about Shelley joining the cast of Night Court, 1984

Jiffy Knits 1973

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

for Simplicity 5615, 1973

Shelley appeared on many Simplicity pattern catalogs, brochures and packaging during the 1960s and 1970s. The Simplicity Pattern Company is the leading manufacturer of sewing patterns and sewing pattern guides which are distributed throughout the world. They have been manufacturing sewing patterns since 1927 and have allowed fashionistas on a budget and sewing aficionados to create clothes in a reliable manner. In 1973, she appeared on the cover of pattern package 5615. It contained patterns and instructions for creating a pullover top and wide-legged pants... for stretch knits. The top-stitched top had a lowered round neckline, short set-in sleeves gathered to the armholes and an optional patch pocket. The pants had an elasticized waistline and an optional purchased belt. As always, Shelley looked fab.

Shelley on the package cover for Simplicity 5615, 1973

Young Expressions D

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

Shelley appeared on many different catalogs during her modeling career. One of them was Spiegel which was a direct marketing retailer that sent their buyers to Parisian fashion shows in order to check out the latest fashion trends and introduce them to the American market. In 1972, she appeared on various spreads on the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog. In the Young Expressions section, she wore various outfits that were on trend during that season. She wore the Steal The Spotlight dress. It was a sweetly swinging dress that made an irresistible entrance. It was a sleeveless dress in polka dot fabric with a U-neckline and a triple-tiered, tri-colored skirt. It came with a matching shiny patent vinyl belt. Coordinating medium-heeled footwear with flower details and a set of pearl-like earrings finished her look. And Shelley looked fabulous.

a pic of Shelley (with fellow model Susan Blakely)

from a spread for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

Model Student

a closeup of Shelley as a student

at Greenwich Academy, 1960s

Shelley was born on July 6, 1947 in White Plains, New York, but grew up in affluent Greenwich, Connecticut, her father being a Wall Street financial analyst. She was a tomboy and it was apparent that she had inherited the willowy, cosmopolitan beauty of her mother, a former airline stewardess and Conover Model. She is the oldest of six children, and she says, "It was a real nice upbringing, I wasn't spoiled." She went to nearby Greenwich Academy and graduated in 1965; but during her junior year, she was discovered by millionaire Huntington Hartford at a debutante ball and he urged her to try modeling. She became a one of the most sought-after teen models and modeled during her summer breaks. She said, "Modeling was a great summer job. It beat waitressing." Later, she went on to Smith College and graduated in 1970 with a degree in History. 

Shelley as a student at Greenwich Academy, 1960s

Slink into These A

a closeup of Shelley from a Seventeen magazine spread, 1970

Shelley appeared on the cover as well as in many spreads throughout Seventeen magazine's November 1970 issue. In the spread called "Slink into Some Glossed-up Velvet Starstuff... It's Your Big Scene", she modeled dresses, both long and short, in clingy panne velvet (reminiscent of the leading ladies of Hollywood's Golden era) that could be worn during those special evenings. She wore a two-piece evening dress in gleamy salmon pink. The top had a scoop neck, short sleeves and a gathered peplum. The matching midiskirt had a slit that went all the way up. Both pieces were by Snapdragon. An open crochet skull cap by Christa and coordinating bracelets finished her look. And Shelley looked just fabulous.

a pic of Shelley from a spread for Seventeen magazine, 1970

Jack and Mike on Lifetime

Shelley in a promo pic for Jack and Mike, 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 columnist at a widely-circulated Chicago paper and her husband, Mike Brennan (played by Tom Mason), a restaurateur. The show's warmth came from the easy mix of Shelley and Tom. "I tested with a few other actors who were up for that part," she said, "but never with Tom. He's based in New York City with his family, and I'm in L.A." The two, having starred as a couple in the 1985 TV movie Kicks, had a comfortable chemistry both on and off the set. The show was expected to be around for quite a while; but by mid-1987, ABC surprisingly canceled the series. In September of 1987, re-runs of the show premiered at the Lifetime Channel.

screen captures of Shelley and Tom Mason

from a promo spot for Jack and Mike

on the Lifetime Channel, 1987

News From The Desert

a closeup of Shelley from an ad for I.Magnin, 1974

Shelley appeared in many ads during her tenure as a Supermodel in the 1970s. In 1974, she appeared in an ad for I.Magnin, a California-based high fashion and specialty goods luxury department store with branches across the US. In the ad with the tagline "What News From the Desert?" she modeled a hooded zip caftan in fast-drying cotton and stretch terry that was a perfect Christmas gift for that season. Made by Royal Robes, it could be worn after a swim or a shower. And Shelley looked spectacular in it.

Shelley in an ad for I.Magnin, 1974

Rise and Fall of Angels

Shelley on the cover of Woman, 1979

Shelley became Charlie's Angel no.5 in 1979, taking over the slot vacated by Kate Jackson. Kate, who was let go at the end of season 3, admitted that she did cause a few problems on the set. She said, "What it comes down to is I got tired of them (the producers)- and they got tired of me! I'm glad that I have finally been able to hang up my halo." It was later revealed that her enthusiasm for doing the series was diminished when Spelling/Goldberg didn't allow Kate time off from doing Angels to film the movie Kramer vs. Kramer (Kate was the first choice for the part of Joanna.) Shelley was a certified Supermodel by then and was known all over the world as THE Charlie Girl from the Revlon Charlie print ads and commercials. Her popularity was just the boost the show needed as it dropped from no.5 to no. 12 in the Nielsen ratings during it's 3rd season. Shelley had the right background and right look that blended well with incumbent Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd. "The series is great for me because I get to work every day. And I'll stay with it as long as it lasts," Shelley said.

a writeup about Shelley and Kate Jackson from Woman, 1979

1975 Designer Fashion

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

for Simplicity 6895, 1975

Shelley appeared on many Simplicity pattern catalogs, brochures and packaging during the 1960s and 1970s. The Simplicity Pattern Company is the leading manufacturer of sewing patterns and sewing pattern guides which are distributed throughout the world. They have been manufacturing sewing patterns since 1927 and have allowed fashionistas on a budget and sewing aficionados to create clothes in a reliable manner. In 1975, she appeared on the cover of pattern package 6895. It contained patterns and instructions for creating a pullover top and wide-legged pants... designer fashion style. Shelley wore the top with a cord laced thru eyelets front slit opening and shirt type collar over the pants with back zipper and elastic waistline. As always, Shelley looked fab.

Shelley on the package cover for Simplicity 6895, 1975

Young Expressions C

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

Shelley appeared on many different catalogs during her modeling career. One of them was Spiegel which was a direct marketing retailer that sent their buyers to Parisian fashion shows in order to check out the latest fashion trends and introduce them to the American market. In 1972, she appeared on various spreads on the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog. In the Young Expressions section, she wore various outfits that were on trend during that season. She wore The Up To Your Pretty Neck dress. It was gingham-check printed dress outlined with a posy-print braid that was paired with hotpants. The long dress had a squared-off neckline, short sleeves, a bow at the waist and a long slit in front. Peeking out from underneath was a matching pair of hotpants. A ribbon around her neck and a basket of flowers finished her look. And Shelley looked fabulous.

a pic of Shelley from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

Hollywood Star in 1979

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic from 1980

Shelley was one of the Supermodels of the 1970s, one of the highest-paid models of the era; so it wasn't a surprise that Hollywood began to take notice of her. Her big break came in 1979 when she was cast as Tiffany Welles in Charlie's Angels. She knew she had to ready herself for the kind of lifestyle change joining the show would bring. But she wasn't aware of how much change that would be. "I was totally unprepared for the press "bonanza" that followed," she said in 2000. As THE Charlie Girl, she told one reporter in 1979, "I had done a lot of press before. There was so much to do then, so you just deal with it." But the Supermodel wasn't aware that she was entering a totally different space, rock star space. "I was surprised by the amount of attention," she said. "I had press people crawling in my windows," she told E! in 2002. She suddenly found herself caught in the worldwide frenzy of Charlie's Angels.

a writeup about Shelley from Playboy 1980

Big Time Charlie

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for Charlie perfume, 1976

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the brand. In 1976, she appeared in a newspaper ad for Charlie called "Big Time Charlie!" It was a promo that offered customers a chance to purchase a full 3 1/2 ounce bottle of Charlie perfume worth $9.00 for just $3.00. With any $5.00 purchase from the Charlie Collection by Revlon, anyone could avail of the special offer. And everyone wanted to get the chance to be just like THE Charlie Girl.

Shelley in a newspaper ad for Charlie perfume, 1976

Love Boat Episode F

The Love Boat Season Three Volume 2 DVD set,

The Love Boat Seasons 1-3 DVD set,

released 2017 and 2020 respectively

Shelley appeared in the another Aaron Spelling hit series during her year as one of Charlie's Angels. She was a guest star on the 3rd season episode of The Love Boat called "Dumb Luck/Tres Amigos/Hey, Jealous Lover" which was initially aired on March 15, 1980. She played nuclear physicist and professor Carol Ketay, Julie's friend, who couldn't get a date because she was just too brainy. Julie told Carol that her brains intimidated most men and advised her to dumb herself down a bit for the cruise. After giving Carol a makeover, they went ahead with Julie's plan and Carol found a steady date in Chris (played by Kevin Tighe). But just before the cruise was about to end, Chris breaks up with Carol because he thinks she's too dumb. So Julie tells Carol to show Chris how brainy she really was and the two end up happily in each others arms.

screen captures of Shelley from The Love Boat

episode "Dumb Luck/Tres Amigos/Hey, Jealous Lover," 1980

The role of Professor Carol Ketay fit Shelley to a T and she played her exceptionally well. She was also drop dead gorgeous and the outfits she wore were Supermodel glamorous and timeless. She was at the height of her Angel fame when the episode came out and her performance in it is one of the most memorable of that Love Boat season - she was hilarious. In fact, Shelley came in at no. 7 on the list of the "Best Guest Stars on The Love Boat" as listed by ranker.com in 2014. (It's a mystery why people at the time kept saying she couldn't act.) Jayne Meadows, James Gregory, Kevin Tighe and child star Ronnie Scribner were also in the episode. You can watch Shelley's performance as the episode has been included in The Love Boat Season Three Volume 2 DVD set and The Love Boat Seasons 1-3 DVD set, released 2017 and 2020 respectively.

screen captures of Shelley from The Love Boat

episode "Dumb Luck/Tres Amigos/Hey, Jealous Lover," 1980

DVF Dress 1976

a closeup of Shelley from a spread for Vogue, 1976

Shelley appeared in a spread for Vogue about Diane von Fürstenberg in July of 1976. DVF was and is famous for introducing the wrap dress in 1974. It's a one-piece dress that is worn by wrapping one side of the dress over the other (giving the wearer a V-neckline) and securing it with an attached sash/belt. It usually came in a printed jersey fabric. The magazine ran an article about DVF and featured her latest designs - cowl-necked jumpsuits and dresses (in solid colors) and updated versions of her wrap dress (including a jumpsuit version.) Shelley wore DVF's reversible wrap dress, a printed jersey dress that can be worn with the "V-neckline" on the back.

Shelley (right) with and Janice Dickinson

in a pic for Vogue, 1976

Great Potential

Shelley with Jim Metzler and Alec Baldwin, 1983

Shelley's second TV series was Cutter to Houston. It was about three young doctors with markedly different backgrounds and motives. Shelley, Jim Metzler and Alec Baldwin starred as three young doctors who ran a small hospital in the fictitious Texas small town called Cutter, 60 miles from Houston. When they ran into major medical problems that their local facility couldn't handle, they would contact the Texas Medical Center in Houston via a computer hookup - hence the title. Shelley played Dr. Beth Gilbert, an ambitious surgeon who aspired to be a heart surgeon in Houston. But while the series had great potential, the network decided to veer away from the series’ original direction. As a result, Cutter to Houston was canceled after only seven episodes with two finished episodes left un-aired. In spite of its short run, the series got good reviews.

a short writeup about Shelley in Cutter to Houston from 1983

Designer Fashion 1975

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

for Simplicity 6794, 1975

Shelley appeared on many Simplicity pattern catalogs, brochures and packaging during the 1960s and 1970s. The Simplicity Pattern Company is the leading manufacturer of sewing patterns and sewing pattern guides which are distributed throughout the world. They have been manufacturing sewing patterns since 1927 and have allowed fashionistas on a budget and sewing aficionados to create clothes in a reliable manner. In 1975, she appeared on the cover of pattern package 6794. It contained patterns and instructions for creating an unlined suit and pants suit... designer fashion. Shelley wore the safari-style top-stitched jacket top with short sleeves and front button closing over the matching flared pants with elastic waist. Shelley looked fabulous as usual.

Shelley on the package cover for Simplicity 6794, 1975