Jaclyn Smith’s journey to fame started in the 1970s when she was cast as Kelly Garrett in the iconic television series Charlie’s Angels. Though her role in the show catapulted her into superstardom, Jaclyn’s career trajectory has been defined by much more than just her acting. Over the decades, she has carved out a diverse and successful career, transitioning from an actress to a businesswoman and philanthropist. While many remember her as the quintessential TV angel, Jaclyn’s evolution into a multi-faceted public figure has inspired countless others.
Even though Jaclyn’s days in front of the camera have slowed down, she remains a symbol of strength, perseverance, and grace. Through her various ventures, she continues to make a lasting impact, proving that a star’s true legacy is about more than the roles they play.
Early Life and Pursuit of Passion
Born Jacquelyn Ellen Smith on October 26, 1945, in Houston, Texas, Jaclyn’s early life foreshadowed the strong, determined woman she would become. At the age of three, she received her first pair of dancing shoes, beginning a lifelong love of the arts. Though her early aspirations centered on becoming a professional ballerina, her interests later shifted toward acting. After high school, she pursued drama studies at Trinity University, performing in several college productions.
Her move to New York City after graduation proved to be pivotal in her career. There, she worked as a model for Breck shampoo, which rapidly elevated her visibility and opened doors to future opportunities. Jaclyn also worked with brands like Max Factor, and by 1989, she launched her own fragrance line, Jaclyn Smith’s California. However, Jaclyn’s true calling lay in acting, and soon, her career in commercials and TV series began to take off.
Rise to Fame with Charlie’s Angels
In 1976, Jaclyn’s big break came when she was cast as Kelly Garrett in Charlie’s Angels. At the time, she didn’t think much of her audition and wasn’t sure she would land the role. However, the producers were impressed with her natural chemistry with the other leads, Farrah Fawcett-Majors and Kate Jackson. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and Jaclyn’s performance as a smart and capable crime-fighter made her a household name.
Despite some early criticism regarding the show’s portrayal of women, Jaclyn never felt exploited. As she put it, “The feminists didn’t like us because they said we were Barbie dolls prancing around. We wore pretty things, but we didn’t flaunt our sexuality. It wasn’t salacious.” Jaclyn’s confidence in herself and the role she played is clear—she believed the show highlighted women’s strength rather than objectifying them.
As the series gained popularity, Jaclyn’s salary soared, and by the end of the show’s run, she was making nearly $40,000 per episode. Beyond the acting, Jaclyn was also involved in the merchandising of the show, which included lunch boxes, dolls, and even hair accessories. This involvement not only solidified her as a key figure in the show’s success but also laid the groundwork for future business ventures.
Expanding Her Career into Business and Family
As Charlie’s Angels came to an end in 1981, Jaclyn’s career didn’t slow down. She expanded into acting roles in TV mini-series, earning the title of “Queen of Mini-Series.” Her portrayal of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in the 1981 TV movie Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy earned her a Golden Globe nomination, marking her as a serious actress with remarkable range. Other notable projects followed, including Rage of Angels, George Washington, The Bourne Identity, and Family Album.
But Jaclyn’s success didn’t stop at acting. She ventured into business, launching her own line of clothing and accessories for women, sold exclusively at Kmart. The brand’s success demonstrated her keen entrepreneurial instincts, and soon she became a well-known figure in the fashion industry.
In addition to her professional achievements, Jaclyn focused on building a family. She married cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond in 1981, and the couple had two children, Gaston and Spencer. Though the couple divorced in 1989, Jaclyn continued to prioritize her family. She relocated to a beautiful Georgian Colonial mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, where she could raise her children in comfort and style.
A Legacy Defined by Family and Giving Back
At 76, Jaclyn Smith’s life remains focused on her family and her philanthropic efforts. She often shares moments from her life on social media, particularly about her grandchildren, Bea and Olivia Rose. Jaclyn’s family means the world to her, and she credits them with keeping her grounded and fulfilled. Her children, along with her second husband, heart surgeon Dr. Brad Allen, have played an integral role in shaping her post-Hollywood life.
Beyond her family, Jaclyn remains deeply involved in charity work, particularly in the fight against breast cancer. After being diagnosed with the disease in 2003, she underwent successful treatment and has since become an advocate for cancer research. She supports several organizations, including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Additionally, she holds a position as the Honorary Chair for AbilityFirst, an organization that helps individuals with disabilities.
Her resilience and devotion to giving back highlight her unwavering strength. Jaclyn’s life story is not just about her fame in Hollywood, but also about how she continues to live with purpose, using her platform to inspire others and make a positive impact in the world. Through her work, family, and charitable efforts, Jaclyn Smith has truly cemented her legacy.
