'Charlie's Angels' stars mark 50 years with reunion

Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd, stars of 'Charlie's Angels' gathered for a celebratory reunion in Los Angeles this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking TV series that revolutionised entertainment.

The three spoke candidly about the professional and personal sacrifices required by such a demanding series, which in stark contrast to the conventions of 1970s TV featured three women confronting danger rather than being rescued from it.

Jaclyn Smith reflected on the show's revolutionary impact, claiming the series significantly shifted viewer expectations regarding women on television. Smith highlighted how the show's legacy extended well beyond mere amusement, allowing women to portray autonomous lifestyles.

Kate Jackson disclosed the unexpected origins of the series, revealing it was initially titled 'Alley Cats'. That darker, rejected concept involved chains and whips until producer Aaron Spelling sought Jackson's input.

She proposed an entirely new vision inspired by an oil painting of angels in Spelling's office, while the idea for Charlie's disembodied voice came from the speaker box on Spelling's desk. Jackson also noted that she eventually switched roles to play Sabrina Duncan instead of Kelly Garrett.

Kate shocked the audience by revealing that, by 2000, she had received only $80 for all merchandise royalties since the show's inception. She also had to turn down a role in Kramer vs. Kramer due to scheduling conflicts. She shared that she left acting for 20 years to focus on being a full-time mother.

Jaclyn said contractual obligations forced her to pass up the opportunity to be a Bond Girl. "Three women chasing danger instead of being rescued from danger… our show was the first of its kind. It gave women permission to be independent and not be defined by men."

The event took an emotional turn when the actresses discussed their personal health struggles. Ladd revealed for the first time that she has been recovering from an aggressive form of breast cancer that tested her resilience.

Having already battled the disease themselves, Jaclyn and Kate offered their full support. Jaclyn shared that she had sent Ladd her own wigs when Ladd began chemotherapy, crediting her own recovery to the support of her family and friends.

The trio concluded by urging the audience never to ignore concerning symptoms, emphasising the critical importance of early detection and regular mammograms.