Sportswear '73

a closeup of Shelley

from a Wrangler Sportswear ad, 1973

Shelley appeared in several ads for Wrangler in the 1970s. In 1973, she appeared in an ad for Wrangler Sportswear, an affordable line of clothes for men and women. Shelley wore a sky blue sweater over a white long-sleeved shirt with a pair of matching sky blue pants. She wore a pastel-colored checkered jacket over it. Sporty footwear and a matching belt finished her look. An oversized painter's cap, a fun timepiece and a huge duffle bag accessorized her look. And Shelley looked like a million dollars in her mid-priced fashion sportswear pieces. Note: sandwich optional.

Shelley in an ad for Wrangler Sportswear, 1973

Critical Acclaim, 1982

a pic Shelley from a newspaper ad

for the play Born Yesterday, 1982

Shelley honed her acting skills on stage in the early 1980s. In 1981, Shelley joined the cast of the Jack Heifner three-character play Vanities. Later, she joined the cast of Close Ties which was directed by Arvin Brown (aired on cable TV in March 6, 1983). Both were taped for HBO and, in both, she received glowing reviews. In September of 1982, she starred as Billie Dawn in the Pennsylvania Stage Co.'s production of Born Yesterday. The play ran from September 29 to October 24 of that year and was presented at the J.I. Rodale Theater in Allentown.

Shelley in a newspaper ad

for the play Born Yesterday, 1982

"She's a woman who starts out as one thing and ends up as something else," Shelley said of her character, "That's always a challenge." She added, "I'd heard of the theater's (PSC) reputation among regional theaters, and, like most actors, I welcome the chance to stretch (artistically). This is not a career change for me: I've always been an actor. However, this is a role which will help me grow - in a congenial environment."

Of Shelley's portrayal of Billie Dawn, Sylvia Lawler (writer for The Morning Call) said, "That she acquitted herself endearingly enough in Born Yesterday came as something of a surprise to a lot of people." She added that Shelley's performance had "a touching and engaging innocence." Shelley's foray into stage had resulted in critical acclaim.

Charlie Sunshades 2

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for Charlie cosmetics, 1981

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the best-selling Revlon brand. But aside from Charlie perfume, Charlie also had a skin care, nail care and cosmetics line. In 1981, she appeared in a UK ad for Charlie with the tagline "Summer Dreams Come True with Charlie 'Sunshades' at Boots." To match the new sunshine mood for that summer season, Charlie introduced a cosmetics kit called Sunshsades. It contained Extra Shine Lipstick, Nail Gleamer, Real Live Blusher and two shades of Fresh Eye Shadow. The kit was available in 3 different "colorways," two for summer days and one for summer nights. They were all available at Boots for only £5.95. And Shelley was summer gorgeous in the fabulous ad.

a pic of Shelley from an ad

for Charlie cosmetics, 1981

High Anxiety 15

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, Mike joins Jackie downstairs at 1935's bar. He feels bad for having fired Kenny; and Jackie is willing to hear him out and console him. But Carol suddenly comes over to tell Jackie that her assistant Anthony is on the phone. Jackie takes the call, and Anthony tells her to go to a specific address. Jackie asks Mike to drive her there. In the car, Mike tells Jackie how he feels about the whole incident regarding Ben. He tells her he feels guilty for what happened to Ben. Jackie assures Mike that it wasn't his fault; and that he can't change someone who doesn't want to change. Then she tells him that she was able to do it though. She says she was able to turn graffiti artist Sam into a productive member of society. Mike asks how; and Jackie says she inspired her by taking her to Lucia's studio. And now feels that Sam is ready to do artwork that could be hung from anyone's living room. They arrive at the address, and they're both surprised. Sam left Jackie a graffiti artwork that says, "NICE TRY, JACKIE SHEA. FREEDOM IS BEAUTY." Mike gets a big laugh out of it. Jackie wonders if they could hang it in their living room. Mike says no.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Stylish Nurse 2

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for Budget uniforms, 1975

Shelley appeared in both the ads and the catalogs of the Budget Uniform Center, a company that specialized in uniforms for professional women. In 1975, she appeared in an ad for Budget that had the tagline "You're Fresh!" In the ad, Shelley donned a nurse's uniform from Whittenton's Spring classic line in carefree polyester honeycomb wrap knit. Aside from uniforms, Budget also created shoes, accessories and other career wear -  all of which were featured in Budget's Big Handsome Catalog. And Shelley made one fresh and stylish nurse.

Shelley in an ad for Budget uniforms, 1975

Exercise in the 1980s

Shelley dons fashionable exercise gear, 1987

Exercise became a big thing in the 1980s, as women became more and more conscious about keeping fit and staying in good health. Spearheaded by Jane Fonda's Workout video tape, the exercise revolution encouraged men and women to do aerobics or some form of workout to stay in shape and to be in good health. But Shelley wasn't a stranger to exercise. As a model in the 1970s, she would go jogging or walking and would swim occasionally to stay in shape. She told one reporter in 1979, "I usually get up at 6 am, and go jogging. I'm not a six-mile nut. I'll just jog for a mile, maybe two, if I feel good. If I don't feel good, then I'll jog for a mile and walk for a mile." In 1987, Shelley appeared on the cover of Health magazine promoting walking as a form of exercise.

Shelley dons fashionable exercise gear, 1987

Wards Summer 1976 B

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Montgomery Ward summer 1976 catalog

Shelley has appeared on many spreads for many catalogs from the late '60s to the mid-'70s. Many Supermodels at the time appeared in the most popular catalogs during the era like Cheryl Tiegs, Beverly Johnson, Patti Hansen and Shelley Smith, just to name a few. Many models who eventually became actresses also appeared in the catalogs like Veronica Hamel, Erin Grey, Kim Basinger and Pam Dawber.

Shelley in a spread

for the Montgomery Ward summer 1976 catalog

Shelley appeared on the pages of the Montgomery Ward summer 1976 catalog. In the spread called "The Super Naturals... Conjure Up Coolness With Lightweight Comfort" (which featured sleepwear in soft colors and shapes detailed with lace trim and embroidery), she wore the  Princess Caftan. It had an exceptionally flattering cut, was made from soft crinkle-cloth muslin and was embroidered with a flower on the chest. It had color-cued rick-rack trim around the 3/4 length belled sleeves and a back zipper. Shelley looked ready to hit the sack in style.

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Montgomery Ward summer 1976 catalog

Rib Knit Variations

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for American Thread, 1972

Shelley appeared in an ad for the American Thread Company in 1972. The tagline was "Rib Knit Variations on a Theme by American Thread" and Shelley was among three models who modeled cute little rib knit vests that could be made by anyone in no time at all. The colors of the yarn were brighter and stayed brighter, as the ad said. The black model is Joyce Walker.

Shelley in an ad for American Thread, 1972

Celebrity Tennis in Kuala Lumpur

a promo pic of Shelley from 1986

Shelley along with 15 other celebrity guests braved the heat of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the McDonald's-Sunday Mail Celebrity Tennis event in April of 1986. The stars in attendance were magician Carl Carlsson, songwriter and pianist Carol Connors, singer and Fifth Dimension founder Billy Davis Jr., Medical Center's Chad Everett, actress Shelby Grant, Mission: Impossible's Peter Graves, Charlie's Angels' Shelley Hack, Cagney and Lacey's Martin Kove, Kate and Allie's Ari Meyers, singer of Zorba fame Taro Meyers, singer Bobby Milano, Newhart's Tom Poston, model-actress Deborah Raffin, singer Keely Smith, The Carol Burnett Show and Wonder Woman's Lyle Waggoner and Hill Street Blues' Mike Warren.

a writeup about a celebrity tennis event

attended by Shelley in 1986

In addition to the tennis event, the Hollywood stars were going to participate in a farewell dinner show where the sponsors will donate $10 for every guest to a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Malaysia's historical and cultural landmarks. Asian fans came in droves to get a glimpse, as well as autographs, of their favorite Hollywood stars.

a promo pic of Shelley from 1986

Charlie Sunshades 1

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for Charlie cosmetics, 1981

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the best-selling Revlon brand. But aside from Charlie perfume, Charlie also had a skin care, nail care and cosmetics line. In 1981, she appeared in a UK ad for Charlie with the tagline "Summer Dreams Come True with Charlie 'Sunshades' at Boots." To match the new sunshine mood for that summer season, Charlie introduced a cosmetics kit called Sunshsades. It contained Extra Shine Lipstick, Nail Gleamer, Real Live Blusher and two shades of Fresh Eye Shadow. The kit was available in 3 different "colorways," two for summer days and one for summer nights. They were all available at Boots for only £5.95. And Shelley was summer gorgeous in the fabulous ad.

a pic of Shelley from an ad

for Charlie cosmetics, 1981

High Anxiety 14

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, Mike talks to his 1935 staff and is adamant that they tell him which one of them has been dealing drugs in his restaurant. He's very serious but they all seem to take it lightly. Mike decides to take things further and tells them that, if no one talks, they're all fired. He then says he'll wait in his office for someone to come forward. When he gets there, Jackie is waiting for him. She came over as quickly as she could to show her support, as Ben's autopsy results will be announced at a press conference just minutes away. Scotti calls and tells Mike that Ben's death wasn't caused by drugs but by a congenital heart defect. They're both relieved by the news. Kenny knocks and asked to talk to Mike in private. Jackie understands and leaves the office. Kenny admits to Mike that he was the one dealing drugs. Mike tells Kenny that he will surrender himself to the police, then he fires him. Kenny leaves in a huff.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Stylish Nurse 1

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for Budget uniforms, 1975

Shelley appeared in both the ads and the catalogs of the Budget Uniform Center, a company that specialized in uniforms for professional women. In 1975, she appeared in an ad for Budget that had the tagline "If this was a dress... ...it could cost twice as much." In the ad, Shelley donned a nurse's uniform  that could be mistaken for a fashionable day dress anytime. It was from Budget's White Swan collection and was fit for any youthful professional. Aside from uniforms, Budget also created shoes, accessories and other career wear -  all of which were featured in Budget's Big, Handsome Winter Catalog. And Shelley made one stylish nurse.

Shelley in an ad for Budget uniforms, 1975

Charlie's 5th Angel

Shelley with Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd

in a promo pic for Charlie's Angels, 1979

Shelley became Charlie's 5th Angel 1979 when she joined the cast of Charlie's Angels. Her character was Tiffany Welles was a classy Boston-bred (originally Connecticut-bred) policewoman who was the daughter of one of Charlie's oldest friends. She was chosen from among a bevy of beautiful actresses which included  Kim Basinger, Michelle Pfeiffer, Connie Sellecca and Shari Belafonte. In May of 1979, Bond Girl Barbara Bach was announced the newest Angel. But it was quickly retracted and Shelley was announced as Charlie's newest Angel, with the approval of not just Spelling-Goldberg but also of incumbent Angels Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd.

a writeup about newest Angel Shelley from 1979

Upon the announcement of Shelley's Angeldom in 1979, almost immediately, tongues began wagging about how Charlie's new trio didn't get along, how the Angels set was in turmoil. Writeups began to come out about Cheryl not wanting Shelley in the show because she's blonde as well, about how Jaclyn not wanting Shelley cast because she was competition for the "classy Angel" title. The stories were numerous and many of them were ridiculous if not hilarious. The truth is Cheryl and Jaclyn both felt comfortable with her and knew they could work with Shelley. Jaclyn even said she was the perfect fill in for Kate Jackson.

Wards Summer 1976 A

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Montgomery Ward Summer 1976 catalog

Shelley has appeared on many spreads for many catalogs from the late '60s to the mid-'70s. Many Supermodels at the time appeared in the most popular catalogs during the era like Cheryl Tiegs, Beverly Johnson, Patti Hansen and Shelley Smith, just to name a few. Many models who eventually became actresses also appeared in the catalogs like Veronica Hamel, Erin Grey, Kim Basinger and Pam Dawber.

Shelley in a spread

for the Montgomery Ward Summer 1976 catalog

Shelley appeared on the pages of the Montgomery Ward Summer 1976 catalog. In the spread called "Wards Fashion Finds Mean Super Values For You," she wore a sporty ensemble in navy and white that was perfect for that summer season. She wore the Navy 'N White Striped Tank (a sleeveless, scoop-necked top in textury boucle knit) with a pair of Rag Contrast Stitch Pants (which had 2 stitched flap pockets, stitched button waistband, a fly front and flared legs.) Over that, she wore The ShirtJac (a jacket-like top with rag contrast stitching, 2 mock flap pockets and button front and cuffs.) Contrasting red espadrilles finished her look. And Shelley looked sporty and fashion-forward.

a closeup of Shelley from a spread

for the Montgomery Ward Summer 1976 catalog

From Any Point of View

a closeup of Shelley from an ad

for Shire-Tex by Davenshire, 1966

Shelley appeared in many ads during her tenure as Supermodel. In 1966, she appeared in an ad for Shire-Tex by Davenshire. The ad's tagline was "From any point of view... switched on holiday looks by Davenshire." In the ad, Shelley wore the Newly Belted Hip Hugger in a weave of wool and nylon with a bonded lining in loden. With it, she wore the In-or-Out vertical-striped Sweater in loden and powder blue. Matching loafers and a matching belt finished her look. And Shelley looked fresh and up-to-the-minute.

Shelley in an ad for Shire-Tex by Davenshire, 1966

New Actress on the Scene

a closeup of Shelley from a promo pic from 1978

Shelley was considered one of the hottest new actresses on the scene in 1978. By that time, she was already a highly-paid Supermodel and was recognized around the world as The Charlie Girl. In the previous year, she had done a very memorable cameo in the Woody Allen film Annie Hall. By 1978, she was being considered for the Bond film Moonraker and by mid-year had appeared in her first leading-lady role in the film If Ever I See You Again. In 1979, she guest-starred in the TV series Married: The First Year and had completed the teleflick Death Car on the Freeway to be aired that fall. By mid-year, she was cast as Tiffany Welles in the mega-hit TV series Charlie's Angels and the rest is history.

Shelley in a promo pic from 1978

Charlie Express Sweepstakes 1

a closeup of Shelley from a newspaper ad

for Charlie perfume, 1982

Shelley was THE quintessential Charlie Girl and appeared in many, many ads for the brand. In 1982, she appeared in a newspaper ad for Charlie called the "Charlie Express Sweepstakes" which was a promo tie-up with American Express. All anyone had to do was fill out an entry form at any Charlie counter to get a chance to win a fabulous 15-day trip for two to a faraway place of their choice along with "Mad Money" for their whims and fantasies. The promo also offered customers a chance to purchase the "Charlie Steamer Trunk," which included six shadows, two blushes, two lipsticks, two lipglosses, one double-tip eye-shadow applicator and one split of Charlie cologne in a 6 oz. champagne bottle... for only $10.00 with any $5.00 Charlie purchase. And Shelley was gorgeous in the fabulous ad.

Shelley in a newspaper ad for Charlie perfume, 1982

High Anxiety 13

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, Belinda goes to see Mike in his office in 1935 to apologize for her inaction regarding Ben's addiction. She informs him that Ben's supplier is part of the restaurant's staff; and that Ben liked coming to the restaurant so he could see that person, and not to see her like she thought. Mike says Ben fooled them both and asked for the supplier's name. Belinda swears she doesn't know and Mike believes her. Later, Rick Scotti goes to 1935 to talk to Mike. Mike admits he could have easily pulled strings to keep 1935 open but that isn't the kind of person he is or wants to be. Rick assures Mike that the police will eventually find the culprit and he's sure it won't be Mike. Mike thanks him for his support. At The Mirror, Anthony tells Jackie to check the latest news wire. Jackie wonders why and Anthony tells her to read a specific wire. She reads that Ben's autopsy results will be announced at a press conference at 4 pm. Jackie gets ready to leave to go to Mike. She wants to be with him when the results are announced. She rushes out.

screen captures from the Jack and Mike

episode "High Anxiety," 1986

Letter Perfect Ways

a closeup of Shelley from an ad for Gimbels East, 1975

Shelley appeared on many ads throughout her modeling career. One of them was for Gimbels East, the first department store in Manhattan's Upper East Side. With the tagline "Letter Perfect Ways to Face the Weather," in the ad, she modeled a hooded rain slicker in water-repellant canvas as well as a bright cotton umbrella with a wooden handle - both of which could be monogramed with two or three letters. And Shelley looked perfect for those rainy days.

Shelley in an ad for Gimbels East, 1975

Glamorous Angel Team

Shelley with Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd

in a rare outtake from a promo pic set

for Charlie's Angels, 1979

Shelley became Charlie's Angel no.5 in 1979. Shelley along with Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd were the newest Angel team. By then, she was already a Supermodel (one of the highest-paid Ford models in the world) and was known as THE Revlon Charlie Girl. Capitalizing on Shelley's glamorous Supermodel image, Angels executive producer Aaron Spelling proclaimed, "We’re bringing back the glamour," after Shelley's casting was finalized. The clothing budget per episode was raised to $20,000, with each Angel going through eight outfits. Charlie's new trio was molded into a glamorous-looking team.

an artwork of Shelley on the cover of a 1979 TV Times magazine

Shelley was aware of the show's immense popularity. She was also aware of the kind of show it was. "Of course it's fluff," she said, "but high-grade fluff. You don't compare Agatha Christie to Tolstoy." She knew Charlie's Angels was the best there was in its category. She also knew the women who were cast as leads in the show lived in a fishbowl. She knew she had to ready herself for the publicity that came with the job, positive or negative. In 1979, upon joining the show, she told one reporter, "I had done a lot of press before (as The Charlie Girl). There was so much to do then, so you just deal with it." Later that year, she said, "I was surprised by the amount of attention." In 2000, she admitted, "I was totally unprepared for the press "bonanza" that followed." In 2002, she told E!, "I had press people crawling in my windows." As an Angel, she had entered a totally different space, the rock star space.

a writeup about Shelley from 1979

(it seems the writer didn't like Shelley)

Top and Pants Ensemble

a closeup of Shelley from the package cover

of Simplicity Pattern 7655, 1976

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.

Shelley on the package cover

of Simplicity Pattern 7655, 1976

In 1976, she appeared on the cover of Simplicity Pattern package 7655. It contained patterns and instructions for creating a dress or top and pants ensemble. Shelley wore the top and pants ensemble. She wore the top-stitched scoop-necked top with back zipper and elbow length raglan sleeves and turn-back cuffs. She wore it over a pair of flared pants with back zipper and elastic waistline casing. In one version, she wore the ensemble with a long-sleeved turtleneck sweater under the top, a fancy leather belt around the waist and a matching watch. In another version, she wore the ensemble with a matching woven belt and a matching woven bracelet. And in both versions, Shelley looked utterly fabulous.

closeups of Shelley from the package cover

of Simplicity Pattern 7655, 1976