Jaclyn Smith, born on October 26, 1945, in Houston, Texas, is a renowned American actress and entrepreneur best known for her portrayal of Kelly Garrett on the iconic television series Charlie’s Angels. Her role on the show helped her become one of the most recognizable faces in television history. Beyond her success in acting, Smith also made her mark as a successful businesswoman, launching her own line of clothing and home goods that achieved significant commercial success. With a career spanning over five decades, Smith’s legacy in entertainment and business is a testament to her versatility, talent, and enduring appeal.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jacquelyn Ellen Smith was born in Houston to Margaret Ellen Hartsfield and Jack Smith, a dentist. Raised in a close-knit family, Smith grew up with a strong appreciation for the arts. She attended Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in Houston, where her interest in performance first took root. Smith developed a passion for ballet during her childhood and initially aspired to become a professional dancer.
After high school, Smith moved to New York City to study at the renowned Balanchine School of American Ballet. While she loved dancing, she soon discovered her talent for acting and modeling. This shift in focus led her to pursue a career in front of the camera, and she began appearing in commercials for major brands such as Breck Shampoo and Listerine, where her stunning beauty and grace caught the attention of casting directors. Her success in modeling opened the door to acting, where she would soon find the role that would define her career.
Breakthrough with Charlie’s Angels
Jaclyn Smith’s career took a monumental leap in 1976 when she was cast as Kelly Garrett in Charlie’s Angels. The show, produced by Aaron Spelling, was a revolutionary crime drama that followed three female detectives working for the elusive Charlie Townsend. Smith starred alongside Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson, and together, the trio became known as “Angels,” quickly capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Smith’s portrayal of Kelly Garrett, the smart, sophisticated, and compassionate member of the team, resonated deeply with audiences. While Charlie’s Angels was often critiqued for its glamorous depiction of women in action roles, Smith’s performance added depth to her character, portraying Kelly as both tough and empathetic. She became the heart of the show, often taking on the role of problem solver and negotiator during the Angels’ missions. Smith’s natural elegance and warmth helped make Kelly Garrett a beloved character, and she was the only actress to remain on the show for its entire five-season run from 1976 to 1981.
During the height of the show’s popularity, Jaclyn Smith became a cultural icon. She, along with her co-stars, dominated magazine covers, and Charlie’s Angels merchandise, including posters, dolls, and clothing, flew off store shelves. Her feathered hairstyle became a fashion trend, inspiring millions of women to adopt the look. Smith’s presence on the show helped Charlie’s Angels become a major force in pop culture, earning legions of fans and securing its place as one of the most memorable series of the 1970s.
Smith’s work on Charlie’s Angels earned her critical recognition, and while she was often praised for her beauty, she also garnered respect for her ability to blend action, drama, and humor seamlessly. Her role in the series became a defining part of her career, yet Smith remained determined to grow as an actress and not be limited by her time as an “Angel.”
Life Beyond Charlie’s Angels: TV Movies and Mini-Series
Following the conclusion of Charlie’s Angels in 1981, Jaclyn Smith worked hard to prove herself as a versatile actress capable of handling more challenging roles. She appeared in a series of television films and mini-series, earning critical acclaim for her performances. One of her most notable projects during the 1980s was the television movie Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (1981), where Smith played the iconic former First Lady. Her portrayal was widely praised, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film.
Smith continued to build on her success with a string of popular television films, including Rage of Angels (1983), The Night They Saved Christmas (1984), and Florence Nightingale (1985), where she portrayed the famous nurse and social reformer. Her ability to take on diverse roles demonstrated her range as an actress and allowed her to move beyond the “Angel” persona that had defined her early career.
In the 1990s and 2000s, Smith continued to appear in television movies, with standout roles in Cries Unheard: The Donna Yaklich Story (1994) and Navigating the Heart (2000). Her steady work on television cemented her status as a reliable and talented actress who could command attention in both dramatic and lighthearted roles.
Business Ventures: The Birth of a Brand
While Jaclyn Smith was becoming a household name in television, she was also making strides as a businesswoman. In 1985, Smith made history by becoming one of the first celebrities to launch her own line of clothing. Partnering with Kmart, she introduced the Jaclyn Smith Collection, a line of affordable, stylish clothing for women. The partnership was groundbreaking, as Smith was one of the first Hollywood stars to successfully transition into the business world in this way.
The Jaclyn Smith Collection was an instant success, resonating with women who appreciated fashionable, yet affordable, clothing. Smith’s hands-on approach to designing the collection, along with her commitment to quality, helped make the line a success, and it became one of Kmart’s top-selling brands. Over the years, Smith expanded her brand to include home furnishings, wigs, and other lifestyle products, further solidifying her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
Smith’s foray into the world of fashion and home goods set a precedent for future celebrities looking to build their own brands. Her ability to balance a successful acting career with a thriving business made her a role model for women who aspired to achieve success in multiple industries. Today, the Jaclyn Smith brand continues to be a staple in the retail industry, and Smith is regarded as a pioneer in the celebrity business world.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Jaclyn Smith’s personal life has been a topic of public interest for much of her career. She has been married four times, with her longest-lasting marriage being to her current husband, surgeon Brad Allen, whom she married in 1997. Smith has two children, Gaston and Spencer, from her previous marriage to filmmaker Tony Richmond. Throughout her career, Smith has maintained a reputation for her grace and professionalism, even as she balanced the demands of motherhood and her career.
In addition to her work in entertainment and business, Smith is deeply involved in philanthropy. Having lost close friends and family members to cancer, Smith has been an outspoken advocate for cancer research and awareness. She has supported organizations such as the American Cancer Society and has worked to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment.
Smith’s dedication to health and wellness extends beyond her philanthropy. In 2003, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a diagnosis she faced with the same resilience and grace that she displayed throughout her career. After undergoing treatment, Smith emerged cancer-free and has since become a strong advocate for women’s health, sharing her story to inspire others facing similar battles.
Legacy in Television and Business
Jaclyn Smith’s influence in both the entertainment and business worlds is undeniable. As one of the original stars of Charlie’s Angels, Smith helped redefine what it meant to be a female action star on television. Her portrayal of Kelly Garrett left an indelible mark on popular culture, and the show’s enduring popularity is a testament to its impact on television history.
Beyond her acting career, Smith’s successful transition into the world of fashion and business set her apart from many of her peers. Her entrepreneurial ventures have inspired countless celebrities to follow in her footsteps, and her commitment to quality and style has made her a beloved figure among consumers.
Smith’s ability to reinvent herself over the years, from a television star to a savvy businesswoman, has earned her lasting respect in multiple industries. Her work in television continues to be celebrated by fans, and her business ventures have cemented her legacy as a pioneer in the world of celebrity branding.
Jaclyn Smith’s career is a testament to her talent, intelligence, and enduring appeal. Whether on screen or in the boardroom, Smith has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with, and her contributions to both entertainment and fashion will continue to inspire future generations.