Jaclyn Smith Had to Turn Down Playing a Bond Girl Because of Her “Charlie’s Angels” Schedule. Why She Doesn’t Hold a Grudge (Exclusive)

Jaclyn Smith Reflects on “Charlie’s Angels” and the Legacy of Aaron Spelling

In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Jaclyn Smith, one of the iconic stars of the television series “Charlie’s Angels,” has opened up about her enduring loyalty to the show’s executive producer, Aaron Spelling. As the series celebrates its 50th anniversary on September 22, Smith shares her fond memories and gratitude for Spelling, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 83.

Speaking affectionately about Spelling, Smith described him as both a visionary and a supportive friend. “He was a genius, and he was a great friend too,” she said. Reflecting on Spelling’s generosity, Smith recalled how he often went above and beyond to show appreciation for his cast. “You had to make him not give you things,” she revealed, explaining how he would reward hard work with lavish gifts. “He wanted to give you the moon and the stars and everything in between.”

The Houston-born actress went on to highlight Spelling’s kindness towards not only his employees but also their families. Smith recalled an instance when Spelling made a phone call to assist her in enrolling her children in a private school. “I felt Aaron was on my side without conditions,” she said, adding, “It wasn’t like ‘If you do this, I’ll do that.’ No, he was just my friend.”

Although Smith was offered the role of Holly Goodhead in the 1979 James Bond film “Moonraker,” she was compelled to decline it when Spelling refused to alter the filming schedule for “Charlie’s Angels.” The role ultimately went to Lois Chiles, who received acclaim for her performance. However, Smith holds no resentment over the decision. “In Texas, you dance with the person that brought you to the party, and he did, and I loved him for it,” she remarked.

Smith also addressed the difficult decisions faced by her co-stars, including Kate Jackson, who lost out on a role in “Kramer vs. Kramer,” a performance that later earned Meryl Streep an Academy Award. Reflecting on Jackson’s disappointment, Smith acknowledged the contractual obligations they all adhered to: “We did sign a contract, and there are certain rules,” she noted.

Throughout “Charlie’s Angels,” the dynamic among the cast evolved as members came and went, most notably with the departure of Farrah Fawcett after just one season. Smith revealed, “Kate had a hard time with Farrah gone. No one could replace her.” The introduction of Cheryl Ladd, who played Kris Munroe, added a new dimension to the show’s chemistry, contrasting sharply with Jackson’s more assertive nature.

As “Charlie’s Angels” entered its final season, the atmosphere on set became overshadowed by the rampant drug use among the cast and crew. In her memoir, “I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie,” Smith described how troubling it was to witness the decline, stating, “The more drug use I saw, the more time I spent in my motor home. I was in there a lot by the end of the series.” Despite these challenges, Smith has maintained close ties with her original co-stars, having an unbreakable friendship with Fawcett and Jackson. “After the applause, the friendship is still there,” she said. “That sisterhood was strong.”

As her reflections provide a fascinating glimpse into the world behind “Charlie’s Angels,” Smith’s heartfelt stories also serve as a poignant reminder of the powerful connections forged during the show’s production. For more insights from Jaclyn Smith, the complete interview appears in this week’s issue of PEOPLE, set to hit newsstands on Friday. Her memoir, “I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie,” is available at bookstores nationwide.