The Legacy Of Charlie’s Angels: A Look Back At The Iconic Cast And Impact

In 1976, ABC viewers were fascinated by the ladies leading season 1 of the crime drama Charlie’s Angels. Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett made up the iconic trio of angels working at a detective agency. They earned some big bucks from their time on the show, contributing to their massive net worths.

Jaclyn was the only actress out of the original trio who reprised her role of Kelly Garrett for all five seasons. Fawcett starred as Jill Munroe for one season while Kate left the show after season 3. New characters were brought on to replace them including Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack, and Tanya Roberts.

The Aaron Spelling-produced series lasted for five seasons before ending its successful run in 1981. Each of the show’s lead actresses continued on to pursue other projects. Jaclyn established a great friendship with Fawcett outside of the show and stuck by her side after the late actress was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006.

“Farrah never lost her humor and never lost her hope and never was ‘poor me,’” Jaclyn said in a March 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “She did say, ‘I never thought this would happen to me.’ But she never gave up.”

The six-time Golden Globe nominee died in June 2009 at the age of 62. Jaclyn remembered her costar and longtime friend on the 10-year anniversary of her death.

“When Farrah decided to leave after one season, we all supported her,” the fashion mogul told People in June 2019. “She wasn’t afraid to say, ‘This is what I’m going to do.’ Farrah wanted to be seen as a serious actress. She marched to her own drum. And once she was accepted as an actress, she went back to Playboy and posed at 50 years old. From a serious actress to a sex symbol again. There was never a boring moment.”

The castmates also mourned the loss of Roberts, who died at 65 in January 2021 from sepsis. Jaclyn posted a tribute to her late costar on Instagram after her death.

“Tanya joined Charlie’s Angels for the final season, closing it out as it was initially intended with a redhead, a brunette, and a blonde,” she wrote. “She brought joy to so many people and had a career spanning decades. Goodbye angel, rest in peace.”

Keep scrolling to see the net worths of the Charlie’s Angels cast.

Table of Contents

• Biography of the Angels
• Cultural Impact of Charlie's Angels
• The Legacy and Influence of the Cast
• Tragedy and Remembrance

Biography of the Angels

Jaclyn Smith, born in 1945, is best known for her role as Kelly Garrett. She is the only original angel to remain throughout all five seasons. Kate Jackson, born in 1949, portrayed Sabrina Duncan and was known for her strong, independent character. Farrah Fawcett, born in 1947, played Jill Munroe and became a cultural icon during her time on the show.

Cultural Impact of Charlie's Angels

Charlie’s Angels revolutionized television with its portrayal of strong female leads. The show challenged traditional gender roles and showcased women as capable detectives. It set the stage for many future female-driven series and films.

The series became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring merchandise, spin-offs, and adaptations. Its influence extended beyond entertainment, impacting fashion and pop culture trends of the time.

The Legacy and Influence of the Cast

The legacy of the original angels continues to be felt today. Their portrayal of empowered women paved the way for future generations of female characters in media. The cast’s personal journeys and careers outside of the show also inspire many.

Jaclyn Smith, in particular, has been a role model for aspiring actresses and entrepreneurs alike, demonstrating that it is possible to have a successful career in multiple fields.

Tragedy and Remembrance

The passing of Farrah Fawcett and Tanya Roberts has left a significant mark on their fans and the entertainment industry. Their contributions to Charlie’s Angels and beyond will always be remembered. Jaclyn Smith’s heartfelt tributes highlight the strong bonds formed between the cast members.

As we reflect on the lives of these remarkable women, we celebrate their achievements and the indelible impact they made on television history.