Hollywood Legend Jaclyn Smith Announces Memoir and Major Reunion
In a significant announcement made on Thursday, iconic Hollywood actress Jaclyn Smith, now 80 years old, revealed she is penning a memoir titled I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie. The book, set for release this fall by Gallery Books, will chronicle her rise to fame, with a particular focus on her years portraying Kelly Garrett, one of the female investigators at the Townsend Agency, on the legendary television series Charlie's Angels.
A Deep Dive into an Iconic Show
According to a press release, Smith's memoir promises to deliver the "behind-the-scenes story of the origin and making of the iconic show." The series, which premiered 50 years ago in September 1976 and aired until June 1981, became a cultural phenomenon for its portrayal of powerful women. Smith was the only actress to appear in all five seasons and all 110 episodes.
Her co-stars during the show's run included Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack, and Tanya Roberts, alongside actors David F. Doyle and John Forsythe. The memoir is described as "intimate, honest and down-to-earth," telling the life story of an accomplished woman who has inspired generations.
Beyond the Angels: A Multifaceted Career
Before her breakthrough role, Smith was a dancer on Broadway and a model, later starring in commercials for brands like Max Factor and Breck shampoo. She also pioneered celebrity fashion lines, partnering with K-Mart to design her own clothing collection. The book's synopsis highlights her journey, stating, "While balancing acting and entrepreneurship, and bravely facing breast cancer, she also found love and raised two beloved children."
Smith's career extended beyond the series, including a cameo in the 2003 Charlie's Angels film with Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz, and an appearance in the 2019 version directed by Elizabeth Banks. With a reported net worth of $150 million, she remains one of the most successful stars from the 1970s.
Historic Reunion for 50th Anniversary
In a related and exciting development, Smith, along with co-stars Cheryl Ladd and Kate Jackson, will reunite live on stage for the first time in decades. This special event, part of the 50th-anniversary celebration, will see the trio discuss the profound impact the series had on their lives.
The reunion is scheduled for April 6 at 7:30 PM at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, as part of PaleyFest LA 2026. Presale access is currently available for Paley Members and Citi Cardmembers, offering premium seating. Their last public appearance together was at the 1992 People's Choice Awards to honor producer Aaron Spelling.
Co-Stars' Legacies and Lives
Cheryl Ladd, 74, joined the show in its second season in 1977, replacing Farrah Fawcett and playing Kris Munroe until the series ended. A former model and singer who performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XIV, Ladd has also appeared in films like Purple Hearts and Unforgettable. She has been married to music producer Brian Russell since 1981.
Kate Jackson, 77, portrayed Sabrina Duncan from 1976 to 1979 and later starred in Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Her film roles include Making Love and Loverboy. Jackson's personal life included marriages to actor Andrew Stevens and businessman David Greenwald, among other relationships.
The memoir I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie goes on sale on September 8, 2026, and is available for preorder now. This announcement marks a poignant moment for fans, celebrating the enduring legacy of Charlie's Angels and the remarkable woman at its heart.
