The Woman They Aspired To Be

Shelley appeared in episode 3

of the The Real Mad Men of Advertising, 2017

In January of 2017, the Smithsonian Channel aired a limited series entitled The Real Mad Men of Advertising. It was a four-part series that looked into the people who helped create the advertising industry as we know it today. It featured the men and women who invented and re-invented the industry from the 1950s up until the 1980s - with each episode tackling one decade. Inspired by the hit TV series Mad Men, the show took viewers into the origins and history of advertising through the eyes and ears of the people who shaped and re-shaped it, transforming American, as well as world culture along the way.

screen captures of Shelley from episode 3

of the The Real Mad Men of Advertising, 2017

Episode 3 was about The 1970s. The decade is considered the golden age of advertising even though stricter laws were introduced to address false advertising and growing consumer mistrust in ads was prevalent. It forced the industry to become more creative and to embrace non-conformity - giving birth to aspirational advertising. It wasn't just about the products anymore but what the products represented, what the products meant to consumers. Emotions were brought in as part of the advertising mix. Brotherhood, equality, family, love - all were introduced as part of the advertising campaigns developed during the era. Shelley Hack appeared as herself in this episode.

screen captures of Shelley from episode 3

of the The Real Mad Men of Advertising, 2017

Shelley first became famous in the 1970s as THE Charlie Girl in those glamorous Revlon Charlie commercials and print ads. Charlie was introduced amid the 1970s resurgence of women's liberation (long after the women's suffrage movement decades past, during the 1920s.) Women were changing, gender roles were evolving. Women were entering the work force in droves and were beginning to get a taste of what it was like to be independent. The Revlon Charlie ads capitalized on this. The ideal woman of the 1970s was not anymore the subservient created by men for men. But the new ideal woman was a free, independent and confident person who was happy she was exactly that. And Shelley projected this image to perfection. She embodied the kind of woman women of the era aspired to become. And that is why Shelley's Charlie ads were so unforgettable, as many women around the world aspired to become the woman she projected in those ground-breaking and fabulous Charlie ads. By 1977, Charlie became the #1 fragrance in the world (the first American-made international bestseller) and Revlon sales figures passed the $1Billion mark. And Supermodel Shelley Hack THE Charlie Girl catapulted to icon.

screen captures of Shelley from episode 3

of the The Real Mad Men of Advertising, 2017

For more on this check out:

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHARLIE

Shelley is THE Charlie Girl

THE Quintessential Charlie Girl

Shelley and Oprah

Shelley and Oprah 2

You've Come A Long Way

Shelley in a 1980s promo pic

After opting to leave Charlie's Angels in 1980, Shelley embarked on an acting career full-time, recognizing the huge opportunity presented to her, as well as the big break she got from being part of the phenomenal hit TV series. She immediately tackled stage right after via the Jack Heifner play Vanities and, to the surprise of many, gained critical praise for her work. Other stage plays soon came after (Elizabeth Diggs's play Close Ties, Garson Kanin’s Born Yesterday and John Krizanc's Tamara at the end of the decade). She got critical praise for them as well. She starred in the feature films (Martin Scorsese's) The King of Comedy and (Joseph Ruben's) The Stepfather for which she got glowing reviews. She starred in the numerous TV movies including Trackdown: Finding the Goodbar Killer, Found Money and Frederick Forsyth Presents: A Casualty of War. In the series Cutter to Houston and Jack and Mike, she got mixed reviews but was generally praised for efforts. She was able to share the big and small screens with legends like Robert De Niro, Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke, Sid Caesar just to name a few. Shelley had come a long way.

Shelley in a 1980s promo pic

Young Expressions I

closeups 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 "T-Shirt Slink", a body-hugging knit dress that was so easy to wear and was ready for any kind of summer action. It had a jewel neckline, long sleeves and a ring-fastened belt that casually encircled the waist. It was above-the-knee in length and zipped at the back. Matching "Kicky Espadrilles" with wrap around trims finished her look. And Shelley looked sunny and summer-ready.

a pic of Shelley (with two Susan Blakelys)

from a spread for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

High Anxiety 5

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

To continue, Jackie goes into town to meet with the graffiti artist who left her the huge artwork that could be viewed from her office window. She takes a cab and goes to the place where she is to meet Sam. She runs into a group of boys painting graffiti art on to the side of a truck. She asks them for Sam and they all scamper away, afraid they might get arrested... all except one. Jackie admires the unfinished artwork then goes over to talk to the lone street artist who stayed. As it turns out, graffiti artist Sam is girl, and she was expecting Jackie, who informs Sam that she couldn't resist the huge invitation she left for her across her office window.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Brigitte Mit Constanze 2

a closeup of Shelley from the December 1971 issue

of the German mag Brigitte Mit Constanze

Shelley was one of the most visible Supermodels in the 1970s. She appeared on many magazines around the world. In 1971, Shelley appeared on the pages of Brigitte Mit Constanze, a German women's magazine, modeling the latest looks of the era. In the spread Brigittes Schneller Schnitt (Brigitte's Quick Cut), she modeled Zwei Festliche Blusen Und Zwei Kleider (Two Festive Blouses And Two Dresses). The photos were taken by her then boyfriend, fashion photographer Steen Svensson. The second outfit featured was a long printed dress with contrasting shoulders, collar and cuffs. It came with a matching wide belt that had a huge accent buckle. Matching Mary Janes finished her look. And, of course, Shelley looked super stylish.

Shelley in a fashion spread

for the German mag Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

A Casting Coup

Shelley with Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd

on the cover of SuperMag vol. 4 no. 7, 1980

Shelley was already a Supermodel in 1979 and was known worldwide as THE Charlie Girl from the many commercials and print ads she appeared in for Charlie by Revlon. She was already familiar with fame by that time as she was recognized by fans when she went out. But by mid-1979, when she joined the cast of phenomenal hit TV series Charlie's Angels, she was immediately thrust into unfamiliar space, rock star space. "I was totally unprepared for the press "bonanza" that followed," she said in 2000. "I had press people crawling in my widow," she told E! in 2002. When her debut episode "Love Boat Angels" finally aired in September of that year, it topped the Nielsen ratings. Shelley's casting was a coup. Her Charlie Girl image brought even more publicity for the show and it renewed interest in the series. Us Weekly, on their September 18, 1979 issue, predicted that Shelley was going to be a big hit as the new Charlie's Angel. The magazine picked the show, now on its fourth season, as one of "the hits on the tube" that fall. Shelley was off to a good start in Hollywood.

Shelley on SuperMag with Kate Jackson,

Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd

on a writeup about Charlie's Angels, 1980

Tunic and Short Shorts Ensemble

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

for Simplicity 9678, 1972

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 1972, she appeared on the cover of pattern package 9678. It contained patterns and instructions for creating a tunic and short shorts ensemble. The tunic had a high round neckline, a collar, short set-in sleeves as well as a tie belt. The short shorts had a back zipper, an elastic waist casing and turn back cuffs. Matching hose and footwear finished her look. A matching skull cap, a silk flower scarf around her neck, a shoulder bag and a bracelet accessorized her look. And, as always, Shelley looked absolutely fabulous.

Shelley on the package cover for Simplicity 9678, 1972

Young Expressions H

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 "Coachman" Sleep Set, a sleeping gown and coat set for the trendy sleeper. The gown had an empire bodice and a hem-ruffled gown. The double-breasted coat had ruffles around the neckline that extended down to the front. It had a princess-line bodice that was joined to a gathered skirt. The elbow-length sleeves had ruffled ends as well. And Shelley looked sweet and sensational.

a pic of Shelley from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

another pic of Shelley from a spread

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

On the same page-spread, Shelley wore the "Colorful Culotte," a day-to-evening outfit with a bright colored top combined with bold-flower-printed pants. The top had short puffed sleeves and a scoop-neck with contrasting details sewn around the neckline, the end of the sleeves and the empire waist. The pants were fully shirred at the waist and had wide-legged bottom. A back zipper helped wearers get into the statement outfit. A matching ribbon around the neck and equally bold-colored footwear finished her look. And Shelley looked super and sensational. For more on this go to:

Catalog Modeling

Original Spy Thriller

Shelley in a publicity pic from the mid/late 80s

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, the love interest who had a deadly secret. "I used to read his books when I was a kid," Shelley said, "and when I got the script, it was like I was getting a good novel to read." She described Forsyth's writing style as "very macho, exciting Cold War stuff." Shelley added, "This is the kind of story everyone likes to watch, and he does them so well." The telefilm was shot in England, Germany and Yugoslavia.

Shelley in a publicity pic from the mid/late 80s

Charlie Commercial in Paris

pics of Shelley as THE Charlie Girl, 1978

thank you Rick Gillette for posting

Shelley first became famous as THE Charlie Girl in 1976. Hand-picked to represent the Revlon brand, she was the embodiment the brand's ideal – gorgeous, sexy and young. Many of the Charlie ad campaigns and commercials also involved Shelley's then boyfriend, photographer Steen Svensson, and renowned hair stylist and makeup artist Rick Gillette. Rick recalls, "I can’t tell you how many of these ads we shot for Revlon from Central Park to San Francisco and Paris the list grew and grew for years." One of them was filmed in 1978 on a yacht docked on the La Seine, in front of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame de Paris. Mel Torme sang the jingle and male supermodel Matt Collins appeared at the end of the commercial as Shelley's date on-board. By then, Charlie was the #1 fragrance in the world (the first American-made international bestseller) and Shelley THE Charlie Girl had catapulted to icon.

an artwork of Shelley for Charlie based

on her 1978 Charlie perfume ad and commercial

High Anxiety 4

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

To continue, Jackie has to leave to see the graffiti artist who left her the huge artwork that could be viewed from her office window. She's been invited to see an art demonstration by the artist; and she asks Mike if he wants to join her. Mike disapproves of defacing public property and turns her down... because he's got a busy night ahead of him. The comedy team Animal Crackers is performing there later. On her way out, Jackie bumps into them, Ben and Noah, and Mike introduces the hilarious duo. They have a few laughs and Jackie says she has to leave. Mike walks her to the door. Outside, Mike raves about Animal Crackers which amuses Jackie, who says he's such a fan. Waiter Kenny comes out and asks Mike if he should serve free food to the guys. Mike says yes. Jackie gets a cab and Mike goes back inside. He tells the Ben and Noah the food is on him. They ask him if they can invite a few non-paying friends over and Mike agrees.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Brigitte Mit Constanze 1

a closeup of Shelley from the December 1971 issue

of the German mag Brigitte Mit Constanze

Shelley was one of the most visible Supermodels in the 1970s. She appeared on many magazines around the world. In 1971, Shelley appeared on the pages of Brigitte Mit Constanze, a German women's magazine, modeling the latest looks of the era. In the spread Brigittes Schneller Schnitt (Brigitte's Quick Cut), she modeled Zwei Festliche Blusen Und Zwei Kleider (Two Festive Blouses And Two Dresses). The photos were taken by her then boyfriend, fashion photographer Steen Svensson. The first outfit featured was a printed blouse with a contrasting collar and cuffs. It also came with a matching belt and worn over a pair of matching trousers. And, of course, Shelley looked sensational in it.

Shelley in a fashion spread

for the German mag Brigitte Mit Constanze, 1971

Supermodels in 1993

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic

for A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

Shelley starred in the 1993 TV movie A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Wicked Wives. 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 and fellow Supermodels

in promo pic for A Perry Mason Mystery:

The Case of the Wicked Wives, 1993

Party Dress

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

for Simplicity 8611, 1969

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 1969, she appeared on the cover of pattern package 8611. It contained patterns and instructions for creating a party dress with a high round neckline, long bell-shaped sleeves and an elastic casing above the normal waistline. It was above-the-knee in length. Two other variations using the same pattern were also included. And as always, Shelley looked fabulous.

Shelley on the package cover for Simplicity 8611, 1969

Young Expressions G

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 another romantic dress that was perfect for those spring day-to-evening activities. It was made from fabric of two check-print sizes. It had a scoop neck with short puffed sleeves with ruffled ends. The long skirt had a ruffled hem and an empire waist. Rick rack trimmings adorned the bodice. And Shelley looked romantic indeed.

a pic of Shelley (with Randi Oakes) from a spread 

for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog

Darned Good

Shelley in a promo pic

for Single Bars, Single Women, 1984

Shelley starred in the TV movie Single Bars, Single Women in 1984. Inspired by the Dolly Parton hit song of the same name, it explored the new singles scene of the 1980s after the women's lib movement of the 1970s. Gender roles were changing, women were becoming more confident in going out on their own and looking for love and companionship. The film was deemed "darned good" and was viewed as a touching, heartwarming, funny and, at  times, devastating slice of women's single life during the era. Paul Michael Glaser, Tony Danza, Christine Lahti and Mare Winningham co-starred. The film is available on VHS format.

a short writeup about Single Bars, Single Women, 1984

Charlie Girl in Paris

a pic of Shelley as THE Charlie Girl, 1978

thank you Ric Gillette for posting

Shelley first became famous as THE Charlie Girl in 1976. Hand-picked to represent the Revlon brand, she was the embodiment the brand's ideal – gorgeous, sexy and young. Many of the Charlie ad campaigns and commercials also involved Shelley's then boyfriend, photographer Steen Svensson, and renowned hair stylist and makeup artist Rick Gillette. Rick recalls, "Shelley Hack was really the perfect girl for Charlie." Revlon shot numerous Charlie commercials with her alongside famous singers singing the catchy jingle. One of them was with Mel Torme and it was filmed in 1978 on a yacht docked on the La Seine, in front of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame de Paris. Male supermodel Matt Collins appeared at the end of the commercial as her date on-board. By then, Charlie was the #1 fragrance in the world (the first American-made international bestseller) and Shelley THE Charlie Girl had catapulted to icon.

an imagined Shelley promo pic for Charlie

based on her 1978 Charlie perfume ad

High Anxiety 3

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

To continue, Nora, Jackie's editor acknowledges in jest that at least someone read her last column. She asks about how Jackie's new one is coming along, about the ornithologist. Jackie corrects Nora and says the man is a horticulturist and informs her he's being evicted. Nora isn't surprised and says he's a fruit loop for doing what he's doing. Later, Jackie meets Mike at his restaurant, 1935. She tells him Nora thinks her horticulturist is out of his mind. Mike explains that thinking God told him to collect two of every bird makes the man a definite cuckoo. Jackie says he's not hurting everyone with his 2,000 birds. Mike is astonished. Belinda, a waitress at 1935, comes over and asks Jackie if she's staying to watch her and the Animal Crackers show. Jackie asks about Belinda's audition with Animal Crackers. She tell her the formal audition will be held the next Saturday but, so far, the guys in the group seem impressed with her act. Jackie says she's keeping her fingers crossed for Belinda. Mike sends her back to work.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Slink into These D

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 shiny silver body-hugging gown of panne velvet textured in diamonds. By Exit 1, it had long sleeves and a V-neckline. The shine continued from head to toe with a mirrored barrette by Flower Modes, swinging beads by Eye Plus and silver pumps by Edith Henry. And Shelley looked absolutely fabulous and shined like a star.

a pic of Shelley from a spread

for Seventeen magazine, 1970

TV and Movie Producer

Shelley at Hallmark Channel's Winter 2012

TCA Press Tour Evening Gala in Los Angeles, 2012

In 2010, Shelley and her husband, Harry Winer, formed Smash Media Productions. Harry is president of the production company while Shelley acts as co-president. Through Smash Media, they have produced numerous movies for the Hallmark Channel such as Lucky Christmas, Perfect Match, A Bramble House Christmas, Falling For You and Holiday Hearts. On her own, Shelley has produced Summer of Dreams and Christmas in Evergreen, also for Hallmark. "We really loved working with [Hallmark], I mean really loved working with them," Shelley told Steve Gidlow in 2018, "The people are lovely and I love their movies, these happy stories where you get to explore these wonderful arcs of peoples' lives and how they change and open their hearts to love."

Shelley at Hallmark Channel's Winter 2012

TCA Press Tour Evening Gala in Los Angeles, 2012

Through Smash Media, they have also produced documentaries like Citizen of the World and Maharajah of the Road. They have also produced a couple of action movies that have been released internationally. They produced The Expatriate (retitled Erased in the US) which starred Aaron Eckhart, Liana Liberato and Olga Kurylenko. And they also produced The Doorman which starred Ruby Rose and Jean Reno. Both are heart-pounding action thrillers that don't disappoint. If you can find them, watch them!

Another A-Line Dress

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

for Simplicity 7459, 1967

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 1967, she appeared on the cover of pattern package 7459. It contained patterns and instructions for creating an A-line dress with princess seaming, a high round neckline and a back zipper. It had short sleeves and was above-the-knee in length. Matching footwear, bracelets and a headband finished her look. As always, Shelley looked fabulous.

Shelley on the package cover

for Simplicity 7459, 1967

Young Expressions F

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 romantic dress that was perfect for those spring shindigs. It had a scoop neck with ruffled borders as well as short ruffled double-tiered sleeves. The long dress had a ruffled hem and a ribbon bowed at the empire waist. Matching low-heeled sandals finished her look. And Shelley looked romantic indeed.

a pic of Shelley (with Randi Oakes)

from a spread for the Spiegel Spring and Summer 1972 catalog