In an insightful new memoir, actress Jaclyn Smith offers readers an intimate glimpse into her life and career, particularly during her time on the iconic show, *Charlie’s Angels*. Smith, who portrayed Kelly Garrett alongside Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson, shares stories that reveal the complexities surrounding their on-screen chemistry and the challenges the trio faced behind the scenes.
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As *Charlie’s Angels* approaches its 50th anniversary on September 22, Smith reflects on the profound impact the show had on her life. Living in Los Angeles, the actress frequently receives requests for autographs from fans nostalgic for the series. “People still send Charlie’s Angels pictures for me to sign every day,” says the 80-year-old actress. “Who would have dreamed the afterlife of Charlie’s Angels would be like this?”
When Smith joined the cast in 1976, the show marked a significant turning point in her career. She recalls the early days on set, noting that Jackson was the only actor to remain for the entire five-season run, which concluded in 1981. The dynamic among the three leads was palpable, as each woman hoped to connect with audiences. Looking back, Smith recalls, “We were just three girls hoping to find an audience, and boy, did we find an audience.”
However, the path to stardom wasn’t without its difficulties. Smith reveals that she initially received significantly less pay than her costars. Jackson had been cast as Sabrina Duncan for $10,000 per episode, while Fawcett earned $5,000 for her role as Jill Munroe. In contrast, Smith’s initial offer was only $3,000 for Kelly. Driven by a desire for equity, she negotiated with her agent and managed to secure a raise before filming began. Reflecting on her assertiveness, she remarks, “I was probably a little more aggressive about that than today.”
The landscape of *Charlie’s Angels* changed dramatically when Fawcett departed after the first season to pursue more dramatic roles. Smith recalls how this shift impacted the group dynamic: “Kate had a hard time with Farrah gone. No one could replace her.” Cheryl Ladd, who joined as Kris Munroe, brought a different energy to the show, which Smith found challenging at times. “Kate was sharp and fought for everything, and Cheryl was pretty easygoing, so I felt sometimes caught between the two because they were so opposite,” she explains.
Over the show’s run, different actresses filled the roles of Angels as Jackson eventually left after the third season and was replaced by Shelley Hack, and later, Tanya Roberts. In a surprising revelation, Smith recounts a moment on a flight to Hawaii for filming, where Roberts invited her to partake in a threesome with her and her husband. While she declined the offer, Smith admired Roberts’ forthrightness about her private life.
As the series progressed into its fifth season, Smith observed a troubling trend. “Cocaine had become a constant presence on set,” she writes in her memoir, *I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie*. Smith detailed her growing discomfort with the atmosphere, leading her to retreat into her motor home more frequently. She has always been cautious about substance use, stating firmly, “I’ve never used cocaine and never will, as I’ve watched that drug, in particular, turn people into the worst version of themselves.”
Amidst the challenges and changes, Smith maintained strong relationships with her original co-stars. She reflects, “After the applause, the friendship is still there. That sisterhood was strong.” The bonds formed during their work on *Charlie’s Angels* have endured the test of time, a testament to their shared experiences both on and off the screen.
Readers curious to delve deeper into Smith’s experiences on and off the set can find more details in both her memoir and a corresponding interview in *PEOPLE*. The book, *I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie*, is now available for purchase, where Smith offers a candid account of her journey throughout the years. With the upcoming anniversary of an influential television programme, Smith’s reflections remind us of the cultural legacy of *Charlie’s Angels* and the personal narratives of those involved.