Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd received a standing ovation as they reunited at PaleyFest LA this week, marking the 50th anniversary of the iconic television series Charlie’s Angels. The event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, saw the trio reflect on the show’s groundbreaking impact and their enduring sisterhood.
The series first aired on 22 September 1976 and became a top-10 hit for ABC during its five-year run. Smith described it as “different, special and unique”, adding: “Three women chasing danger instead of getting rescued.” Jackson noted: “We made an impact, I think.”
Cheryl Ladd, who replaced Farrah Fawcett-Majors after the first season, revealed she had initially turned down the role three times. On her first day, she wore a T-shirt reading “Farrah Fawcett Minor” to acknowledge the challenge. “I knew that nobody was going to replace Farrah, so I made a joke of myself,” Ladd said. Jackson affirmed: “Cheryl stepped in and we didn’t miss a beat.”
Despite criticism as “jiggle television”, Jackson dismissed the label, stating: “I knew what we were doing … We were helping to punch a hole in that glass ceiling.” The show’s legacy includes inspiring a film series starring Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu.
During the reunion, Ladd publicly revealed for the first time that she had battled an aggressive form of breast cancer. Smith recalled sending her wigs, as she had done for Jackson during her own cancer battle. The trio urged the audience to prioritise health screenings.
Smith also announced her upcoming memoir, I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie. The three actresses are set to reunite again on 14 May as honourees at the Paley Honors gala in New York.
