Charlie’s Angels star Jaclyn Smith was a pioneering 1970s celebrity. Over time, the Houston native has become a successful businesswoman and role model for millions.
Jaclyn may not be Kelly Garrett, who captivated the globe in the 1970s, but she is nonetheless exciting and intriguing.
Showbiz veteran Jaclyn has been performing for 40 years. The award-winning actress and entrepreneur has been famous for decades, but one thing stands out.
Smith, Jaci
Jaclyn has a great profession and a lovely family with children and grandchildren. Today, she’s 76.
Smith, Jaci
Jacquelyn Ellen Smith was born in Houston, Texas, on October 26, 1945. With her first pair of dance shoes, she began her ambition of being a professional ballerina at three.
As a child, Jaclyn was taught to prioritize family.
Growing up in Houston, home was always a joyful sanctuary, and my parents’ principles, though I didn’t realize it at the time, helped me define myself later in life. Family is the core of my happiness and success, she told Medium.
After high school, Jaclyn studied acting at Trinity University. She soon starred in West Side Story and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Jaclyn Smith/Shutterstock
After appearing onstage, Jaclyn wanted to dance. She made her TV debut in 1973 as a Breck shampoo model. Soon, her face was recognised nationwide.
Working with Max Factor led to Jaclyn Smith’s California, her 1989 trademark scent.
Career: Jaclyn Smith
Before Jaclyn proudly presented her fragrance, many things happened. Her college graduation led her to New York City. A good call would come.
“It was there, a thousand miles away from home, that I was lucky enough to try a lot of different experiences, meet many wonderful people, learn my craft, hone my skills, and really be open to finding a path that was right for me”, she
I began acting in commercials and miniseries and loved it. As I played more roles and explored new and exciting characters, I knew this was what I wanted and am grateful for a wonderful career on the big and small screens.”
Jaclyn had small roles in early 1970s TV shows and movies like Switch and McCloud.
Later known as the “Queen of Mini-Series,” her career changed in 1976 when she played Kelly Garrett in Charlie’s Angels.
Smith, Jaci
Youtube/TownsendAgencyHQ
The young actress doubted she’d get the part after reading.
Jackie Smith—Charlie’s Angels
She didn’t like the readings and thought she’d missed the job after the casting.
Just know it wasn’t my best moment. Just forgot about it. I didn’t even think there was a chance for me to get Charlie’s Angels,” she said.
“I was not a driven actress who said, ‘I have to get this role.’ I went in and had fun.”
Getty Images
At first, it looked like the producer wanted someone other than Jaclyn, since they were originally seeking for a redhead to balance the blond Farrah Fawcett-Majors and brunette Kate Jackson. But when casting was over, executives recognized that Smith would be great, as the chemistry between the three females in the starring roles was so good.
Charlie’s Angels aired for the first time in 1976. And it didn’t take long before it was a verified success.
The crime-fighting exploits of Kelly Garrett, Sabrina Duncan and Jill Munroe, operating in a Los Angeles private detective business was a great hit. Charlie’s Angels was nominated for multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards, broadcasting for five seasons.
The show was initially quite contentious, with plenty of bikinis on television being aired right into the homes of millions of Americans. However, that wasn’t anything Jaclyn thought of at the time.
“Queen of Mini-Series”
We were dismissed by feminists as Barbie dolls parading. We wore pretty things, but we didn’t flaunt our sexuality. She said it wasn’t salacious. I didn’t feel exploited. I would have gone away if I felt that. In my heart of hearts, I knew who I was.”
According to IMDB, Jaclyn started the show earning $5,000 each episode. When she left, she was making almost $40,000 per episode, with the Angels’ merchandising spin-offs making even more.
Flickr/rocor
She said, “They did lunch kits and hair accessories, and we designed our dolls.
Jaclyn was onboard for the entirety of the show’s journey, and her captivating performance lead to many further opportunities.
In 1981, the same year Charlie’s Angels stopped airing, she portrayed the First Lady in Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, which was critically acclaimed and turned out to be one of the most highly-rated television films in history. It was via this performance that Jaclyn garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of the renowned first lady.
Jaclyn became recognized as “The Queen of Mini-Series” after acting in critically acclaimed mini-series like Rage of Angels, George Washington, The Bourne Identity, and Family Album.
Clothing brand Jaclyn Smith
In Florence Nightingale (1985), Jaclyn played the title character, her favorite role.
Critics didn’t like it, but Jaclyn enjoyed it, despite the fact she had lots of other projects to focus on simultaneously.
Jaclyn Smith and daughter Shutterstock
She launched her own collection of women’s clothes and accessories which sold at Kmart. They also succeeded greatly. Jaclyn’s brand grew as she became a role model for many women in show business and the public.
Jaclyn Smith married cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond in 1981. They had son Gaston Richmond the year after and daughter Spencer Margaret Richmond in 1985.
Anthony B. Richmond and Jaclyn divorced in 1989. A few years later, she moved her two children to Holmby Hills, Los Angeles. Jaclyn acquired a six-bedroom, six-bath Georgian Colonial mansion because she likes ancient houses. After Charlie’s Angels, she bought a new home, but it needed repairs.
“I love the 18th Century, but I also love comfort, so our upholstery pieces are modern—pieces that you can sink into,” Jaclyn told People in 2014.
The wealthiest urban neighborhood in the US is where Jaclyn lives. Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Bing Cosby have all lived there.
She says, “It’s a great family home with a lot of sunlight coming through the windows and surrounded by a lot of land.”
Gaston played tennis on Jaclyn’s mansion’s tennis court, and Stephanie hung out in the lovely pool. Additionally, Jaclyn and her new husband, heart surgeon Dr. Brad Allen, have office space.
Allen stated the kitchen was the only area that needed renovation. “She redid every room in the house.”
Today, Jaclyn put new furniture and a dollhouse in her garden for the youngsters. She has a green thumb and uploads photos of her garden and flowers on Instagram.
Jaclyn Smith—family
Despite being 76, Jaclyn Smith’s family keeps her young. She calls her family her “rhyme and reason of everything” because of her amazing parents and grandfather.
Jaclyn Smith, Spencer Richmond, and Gaston Richmond Getty Images
It makes you work harder. It increases appreciation for everything. Balance keeps me young, says Jaclyn Smith. “My work is mine. I suppose it completes me. I’m about doing the Spencer baby line with my daughter, who created it, and three generations coming together.”
Smith has amazing children, a great husband in Brad Allen, and is now a grandfather.
She had her first grandchild, Bea, from her daughter Spencer in 2016. Last year, her son Gaston had Olivia Rose, Jaclyn’s second grandchild.
People Magazine named Jaclyn a “Glam-mas” in August 2019. She posts nice family photos on Instagram.
She loves her family
It appears that Spencer, Gaston, and Jaclyn Smith’s grandchildren enjoy spending time together as much as she does.
“They visit me all the time,” Smith said. “This house welcomes them. Bea knows my closet drawer has sweets, so she goes for the gummy bears. She understands my candy weakness.
Bea explores. Tea parties, outings, and her backyard playhouse. Bea also enjoys free time and self-entertainment. We discuss the flowers in the yard. Olivia is very tiny.”
Additionally, the classic characters survived the 1970s Charlie’s Angels series finale. Smith was uncredited in 2003’s Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle. She reprised Kelly Garrett in the latest film last year.
Maintaining legacy
Though it wasn’t as successful as in the 1970s, she expects to see her legendary role as Kelly Garrett with her grandkids.
Smith hopes to watch her renowned role with her family in the future. Instead of granny, they call her “Mimi”.
She admits, “My kids never really watched it that much.” “If they saw me on film, they’d say, ‘Oh, there’s Jaclyn Smith,’ not ‘There’s Mom.’ I’ll enjoy watching with Bea and Olivia. It may be interesting to say, ‘Hey, here’s your Mimi a long time ago.’ My goal is to show them how things evolve and where they originated from.”
Breast cancer struck Jaclyn Smith in 2003. She survived surgery and many radiation treatments since she caught it early.
Jaclyn Smith—cancer
She survived and looks great at 76!
Over the years, she’s supported various foundations. Jaclyn supports the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, American Heart Association, and John Wayne Cancer Institute.
As an AbilityFirst Honorary Chair, she raises money and speaks at events.
“Just surround yourself with loved ones, support, girlfriends,” Smith said of her cancer treatment.
“Educate yourself properly, not online. Forget it. Ask your doctor and an experienced person for advice.”
We’re glad Jaclyn Smith is enjoying her children and grandchildren after a successful career.
If you adore Jaclyn Smith, tell your friends and family.