In 1979, Shelley was proclaimed as Charlie's newest Angel and she became a Hollywood superstar virtually overnight. Her face appeared on magazines and newspapers around the world and her casting was even mentioned in the evening news. Everything she said or did became news. But after a year on the TV series, Shelley opted to leave (she signed a one-year contract with a three or five-year option). "I really had no idea it would be as frenetic as it was," Shelley said, "I'm a simple person and I lead a simple life. I believe in keeping my private life to myself." As an Angel, her exes were interviewed, her mother and siblings were besieged by reporters, her entire life was scrutinized. "All I do is lead a dull life, work, go home, go to the supermarket, go to sleep. But suddenly I was public property," said Shelley of her experience. Things mellowed down when she left the series; and Shelley focused on creating a reputable acting career. She headlined several stage plays and got great reviews. She starred in several movies (The King of Comedy, The Stepfather) and got great reviews as well. She was out to prove she was more than just a pretty face and tabloid headlines.
