THEAnd Charlie’s Angels they are back. Kris, Kelly and Sabrina are reunited to celebrate 50 years since the debut of the TV series which in 1976 introduced three girls “stolen” from the Police Academy and transformed into private agents. Serving Charlie Townsend of the Charles Townsend Detective Agency. In front of their fans who flocked to PaleyFest in Los Angeles, Cheryl Ladd (74), Jaclyn Smith (80) and Kate Jackson (77) they told the secrets behind success of the feminist series sharing memories and emotions of times gone by. A series about three women who chase danger instead of being saved from danger, first of its kind to give women permission to be independent, to break the mold and not be defined by men.
Charlie’s Angels: the TV series turns 50, the reunion of Kris, Kelly and Sabrina
A standing ovation greeted Cheryl Ladd (Kris Munroe), Jaclyn Smith (Kelly Garrett) and Kate Jackson (Sabrina Duncan), star of the series by Aaron Spelling aired for 5 seasons from 1976 to 1981. Their tangible emotion can be understood from the words of the Smith, who described the success as overwhelming and unexpected after the pilot episode aired. «From one day to the next, we were hailed as something akin to rock stars. When Cheryl joined us in season two, she added a special, one-of-a-kind element, and the madness continued.” The 3 recalled the value of the series and the feminist message and equal, anything but superficial.
«In addition to being carefree, Charlie’s Angels it subtly conveyed the important message that women are just as capable as men. We are proud to have managed to entertain the television audience and, at the same time, inspire and empower young women around the world”. There was no shortage of thought for another protagonist of the series, Farah FawcettJill Munroe, present only in the first season and died in 2009.
Among their favorite moments with Fawcettthe stars recalled some shots filmed in a very cold location. Fawcett she was annoyed by the low temperatures and found her hidden in the closet of the toolmaker with a gas stove turned on, drinking vodka to warm up.
Charlie’s Angels yesterday and today
The plot of the series is known: three charming ex-policewomen of Los Angeles they are recruited by the mysterious Charlie Townsend (John Forsythe, never appeared on screen) to become private detectives. They are beautiful, courageous, intelligent and always manage to solve the cases entrusted to them with the help of handyman secretary Bosley (David Doyle).
In the first season, alongside the historic Sabrina (Jackson) and Kelly (Smith), there is the splendid Jill Munroe, played by Farah Fawcett, That he will leave the series after a year to embark on an unsuccessful film career. His younger sister Kris will take his place (Ladd). Initially Jackson was supposed to play not Sabrina but Kelly Garrett.
After the end of the show, the 3 actresses were unable to get roles that truly lived up to their fame. Kate Jackson has participated in many episodes of television series but remained rather in the shadows. Same fate for Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith, the only one to stay on the series for all 5 seasons.
The original cast of the “Charlie’s Angels” series. (Ipa Agency)
Life after the series
In addition to having told fun anecdotes and glamorous moments from the series, the three they chose to inspire fans by describing their battle with cancer. At different times they had to deal with this terrible diagnosis. Smith wanted to thank his co-stars, calling them not only excellent colleagues but true friends. She gave them credit for their support during her treatment, which she chose to reciprocate with gusto. «When Cheryl called me, the first thing I did was send her my wigs. She was so brave.”
The global success of Charlie’s Angels inspired the 2011 reboot with Annie Ilonzeh, Minka Kelly and Rachael Taylor. Due to the dramatic drop in audience numbers, the first season ended early after only 4 episodes. The cinematic homages of 2000 and 2003 had better luck (Charlie’s Angels, Charlie’s Angels – More than ever) with Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu.
Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd at the “Charlie’s Angels” 50th anniversary reunion. (Ipa Agency)
A new reunion, Smith’s autobiography: there will be a future for Charlie’s Angels?
For enthusiasts of Charlie’s angels there are some excellent news. A new reunion is scheduled for next May at the Paley Honors and Jaclyn Smith’s memoir will be released in September, Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie. At the center of the memoir will be the story of his life before, during and after Charlie’s Angels.
From her sudden international fame to her battle with breast cancer. From the sisterly relationship with co-star Kate Jackson to the success with her fashion lines. There will be no shortage of stories about his love life and happy, long marriage with husband Brad Allen.
Many wanted to see behind this anniversary a top secret project. The return of the adventures of the 3 detectives to the small screen most fascinating on TV. For the moment there is no concrete sign for a possible remake or reboot but the fans’ joy could attract the attention of some far-sighted producer.
