Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson Tell Drew Barrymore What Made Them Excited to Make a Cameo in the 2000 “Charlie’s Angels” Film

**Drew Barrymore Revives ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Legacy with Original Stars**

Drew Barrymore has reignited nostalgia for the classic television series ‘Charlie’s Angels’ by welcoming original cast members Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson to her talk show. The episode, which aired on September 14, featured a candid discussion about their experiences on the iconic series that originally aired from 1976 to 1981.

As the trio engaged in conversation, Jackson and Smith reminisced about their time on set, particularly recalling a memorable episode titled ‘Angels in Chains’. Jackson, now 77, described the unique filming process they underwent, revealing that she and her co-stars were literally chained together for the duration of filming, including during breaks and even trips to the restroom. “It was quite an experience,” Jackson shared, with Smith, 80, nodding in agreement.

Barrymore, who produced the 2000 film adaptation of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ featuring herself, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz, expressed her desire to pay homage to the original series. She noted that the intention behind recreating the iconic look from ‘Angels in Chains’ in her film’s opening scene was to honour the legacy of the original cast. “We thought it was important to link the past with the present right from the start,” Barrymore explained.

Smith praised Barrymore for her vision, highlighting how the reboot successfully connected different generations. “I love what you did because it linked generations. You kept the heartbeat of the show intact,” she remarked, highlighting the enduring appeal of the franchise across decades.

The discussion evolved to cover the impact of ‘Charlie’s Angels’, with Barrymore acknowledging that it was not only a pivotal moment for women in entertainment, but it also captivated male audiences. Drawing from her childhood memories of watching the show, Barrymore stressed its significance in shifting perceptions of female empowerment. “We were role models for women, and men loved it equally,” she asserted.

Additionally, Smith shared her personal emotions regarding her cameo in the 2000 film, reflecting on how it strengthened her connection with her children who had not previously watched the original series. “I was honoured to be in that movie. It meant a lot to me, especially since my kids didn’t really see us in our prime. But doing that cameo, I felt I stepped up my game,” she stated, noting that even her granddaughters are now fans of both shows.

The conversation also touched on serious topics that were addressed in previous episodes of ‘Charlie’s Angels’. In a recent interview, Smith disclosed that she had pitched a storyline dealing with issues such as anorexia nervosa, shedding light on the challenges faced by young girls in society. “We wanted to raise awareness about important topics, and I had a little girl who was suffering from anorexia. I thought it would be helpful to create an episode around it,” Smith detailed, recalling her approach to co-creator Aaron Spelling.

Although the episode was never produced, Smith’s vision did manifest into a different project, as Spelling later created the 1981 television film ‘The Best Little Girl in the World’, which garnered critical acclaim and won an Emmy. Reflecting on this follow-through, Smith expressed both pride and disappointment that her proposed storyline didn’t air on ‘Charlie’s Angels’ but acknowledged the impact of the resulting film.

As the conversation unfolded on ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’, it became clear that the legacy of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ extends far beyond its initial run. The original stars and the rebooted film share a common bond in their aim to empower and inspire audiences. Barrymore, Smith, and Jackson’s camaraderie discussed not only the lighter moments of filming but also the responsibility they felt to address complex social issues through their platform.

With every reunion and conversation, the cultural significance of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ continues to resonate, proving that the show has secured its rightful place in television history. As new generations discover the thrill of being an “angel”, the legacies of those who paved the way remain ever-present, reminding viewers of the power of storytelling in shaping and reflecting societal change.