Cheryl Ladd laughed as she recalled being labeled a “troublemaker” by “Charlie’s Angels” producer Aaron Spelling. He appreciated her bikini appearances on the popular 1970s show, but she was getting frustrated with the frequency of wearing them on screen.
While speaking at the Paley Center’s PaleyFest L.A. panel on Monday in celebration of the 50th anniversary of “Charlie’s Angels,” Ladd shared how she decided to send a clear message to the producers. She bought what she described as “the tiniest little bikini ever seen on television,” knowing it would not meet ABC censors’ standards.
“We filmed it, and Aaron was not pleased,” she commented. “He instructed someone to tell the ‘little troublemaker’ she wouldn’t be doing that again. Although I never repeated it, I made my point, and afterward, I wore swimsuits I was comfortable in.”
Jaclyn Smith, her co-star, added, “And our ratings went up!”
Ladd, Smith, and Kate Jackson—who played a crucial role in launching “Charlie’s Angels”—shared anecdotes and cherished memories about the show’s beginnings at a full house at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Smith remarked, “I knew the show was different, special, and unique. It featured three women facing danger instead of being rescued, pioneering a new kind of show. It empowered women to be independent and break free from traditional roles defined by men.”
The mood turned serious as Ladd publicly disclosed for the first time that she had been recovering from breast cancer, a battle that both Jackson and Smith have also faced.
“It’s always shocking, and mine was an aggressive type,” Ladd said of her diagnosis. “It’s humbling, but I had excellent doctors and a wonderful husband who supported me throughout.”
Ladd shared how she grappled with hair loss due to chemotherapy, but as her hair started growing back, she found strength. “It was a long, tough journey,” she acknowledged.
Smith praised “the power of girlfriends” and her family for helping her through her own cancer treatment and extended support to Ladd by sending her wigs. “She was incredibly brave,” Smith noted.
Smith also recalled being by Jackson’s side during her treatment for breast cancer.
Jackson emphasized the importance of mammograms, telling the audience, “Early detection is key. If you catch it early, chances are good.”
Ladd added, “If you find something, don’t ignore it.”
The “Charlie’s Angels” panel commenced with a highlight reel showcasing memorable episodes, including Season 1’s “Angels in Chains,” Season 2’s “Angel Flight,” and Season 3’s “Angel Come Home,” featuring a guest return by Farrah Fawcett.
Jackson recounted the creation of “Charlie’s Angels,” explaining how she was starring in “The Rookies” and had a right of first refusal with Spelling/Goldberg Prods. Leonard Goldberg presented her with a project called “Alley Cats,” which she found to be a terrible idea.
“Len said, ‘It’s available because all three networks have already passed on it,’” Jackson remembered. “I thought it sounded like a bad idea. When he explained the plot of ‘Alley Cats,’ I considered it the worst idea ever.”
Spelling was also not enthusiastic about the concept, so he asked Jackson for suggestions. She proposed the idea that evolved into “Charlie’s Angels,” inspired by an oil painting on Spelling’s wall and a speaker box on his desk.
Jackson initially intended to play Kelly Garrett but later switched to the role of Sabrina Duncan. The producers initially sought a redhead for Kelly, and Smith, who was in “Switch” with Robert Wagner at the time, auditioned for Spelling.
Smith recounted how ABC initially doubted the show’s longevity, thinking it was a fluke. “They believed women in male roles wouldn’t work. But once we stayed in the top 10, they came around,” she said.
Farah Fawcett, who passed away in 2009, played Jill Munroe in the first season and became a star. Her departure after the first year led to a legal battle. Jackson and Smith expressed their sadness and confusion over her leaving, acknowledging her lasting legacy.
Reflecting on favorite memories, the stars recalled filming “Angels in Chains” in Taos. They shared a humorous moment when Fawcett, unhappy with the cold, sought refuge in a prop master’s closet with a gas stove and vodka to keep warm.
After Fawcett’s exit, Ladd joined the cast as Kris Munroe. “She fit right in without missing a step,” Jackson commented. Initially hesitant to replace Fawcett, Ladd eventually agreed when Spelling proposed she play Fawcett’s character’s younger sister, cementing her place in the show’s family.
At the peak of its success, “Charlie’s Angels” became a merchandising phenomenon. Despite this, Jackson mentioned she received minimal financial compensation from it over the years, citing a small check from Sony as her only earnings.
The actresses also reflected on roles they missed due to commitments to “Charlie’s Angels.” Jackson had to forgo “Kramer vs. Kramer,” and Smith missed an opportunity to be a “Bond girl” due to contractual obligations.
“Things happen for a reason,” Smith remarked.
Other potential roles included Ladd being considered for “The Burning Bed,” a part that eventually went to Fawcett, and Smith considering “Beetlejuice,” which she passed on after not connecting with the script.
Looking ahead, Smith plans to publish a memoir in September titled “I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie,” covering her time on the show and her family. Ladd frequently appears in Christmas films, joking, “I got a thing for Jesus, I’m just saying!”
Jackson, who has largely stepped away from acting to focus on family, shared her readiness to return to the industry. “I realized I couldn’t balance directing and motherhood, so I chose to be a full-time mom. But now, I’m ready to go back!” she declared.
The event was moderated by KABC-TV entertainment reporter George Pennacchio and organized by publicity executive Jay Schwartz in conjunction with PaleyFest. Jackson, Smith, and Ladd are also set to be honored at the Paley Honors Spring Gala in New York on May 14.
