Shelley in a promo pic, 1978
Shelley's first leading lady role came in the 1978 film If Ever I See You Again. She was handpicked by producer/director/leading man Joseph Brooks to play the part of artist Jennifer Corly, his love interest in the film. Brooks told one reporter, during the audition process, "I saw scores of girls on the East Coast, the West Coast and points in between - and SHE walked in. I know that sounds overly dramatic. But when (Shelley) walked into the room, I turned to my assistant and said, 'She's got it! She's got the part.'" Shelley's side of the story, "I was amazed at how quickly Joe made up his mind. I didn't read for the part or take a screen test. I walked in and he told the other people in the room that I was the girl he was looking for."
Shelley with Joseph Brooks in a promo pic
for If Ever See You Again, 1978
