Jaclyn Smith

Jaclyn Smith – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

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Jaclyn Smith (born October 26, 1947) is an American actress, producer, and entrepreneur best known as one of the original “Charlie’s Angels.” Learn about her early life, acting career, business ventures, and famous quotes.

Introduction

Jaclyn Smith is a landmark figure in television history. Rising to fame as Kelly Garrett on the iconic series Charlie’s Angels, she became a cultural symbol of feminine strength and style. But her journey extends far beyond acting—she built a successful brand empire, faced personal health battles, and remains an inspirational presence in entertainment and business. Her story weaves talent, resilience, and entrepreneurship into one compelling legacy.

Early Life and Family

Jaclyn Ellen Smith was born on October 26, 1945 (some sources list 1947) in Houston, Texas.

After high school, she briefly studied psychology and drama at Trinity University (Texas), but left after one year. Balanchine School of American Ballet, aspiring initially to a dance career.

Early Career & Breakthrough

Smith began to land small roles in film and television. Her earliest appearances include an uncredited role in Goodbye, Columbus (1969) and a part in The Adventurers (1970). The Partridge Family, McCloud, Switch, and The Rookies.

In 1971, she became a “Breck girl” for Breck Shampoo, and later a spokesmodel for Wella Balsam shampoo, which raised her visibility in modeling and print advertising.

Her true breakthrough came in 1976, when she was cast as Kelly Garrett in Charlie’s Angels, created by Aaron Spelling and Leonard Goldberg. Charlie’s Angels became a cultural phenomenon, with Smith being the only original female lead to remain throughout all the seasons.

Major Career Highlights

Charlie’s Angels and Acting Work

• Charlie’s Angels ran from 1976 to 1981.

• Smith reprised the role of Kelly Garrett in cameo appearances in the films Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003) and Charlie’s Angels (2019).

• Beyond Angels, she starred in numerous television films and miniseries, such as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (1981), Rage of Angels (1983), George Washington (1984), The Bourne Identity (1988), The District (2002–2004), and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation guest appearances.

• She received a Golden Globe nomination in 1982 for Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Film for her portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.

• In 1989, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Business, Branding & Design

Smith was ahead of many in expanding beyond acting into business ventures and branding:

• In 1985, she launched her own fashion line for Kmart, making her one of the early actresses to build her own brand rather than just endorse others.

• Over time, she extended her brand into home furnishings, bedding, bath accessories, and even wigs (e.g. STYLE by Jaclyn Smith).

• She has maintained an active presence in designing and product development associated with her name.

Personal Life & Challenges

• Smith has been married four times: to Roger Davis (1968–1975), Dennis Cole (1978–1981), filmmaker Tony Richmond (1981–1989) with whom she had two children (Gaston and Spencer Margaret), and, since 1997, to cardiothoracic surgeon Brad Allen.

• In 2003, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent treatment, and survived.

• She has been a promoter of breast cancer awareness and participated in related documentaries and causes.

Legacy and Influence

• Smith is widely remembered as a trailblazer in the “action woman” archetype on television, paving the way for stronger female roles in media.

• Through her transition into business and design, she demonstrated how actors can diversify their influence and income beyond screens.

• Her continuity on Charlie’s Angels made her a consistent anchor for fans of the show and lent her a high degree of recognition globally.

• Her survival and openness about cancer added to her image as resilient and inspirational.

Personality & Qualities

Jaclyn Smith combines grace, professionalism, and entrepreneurial spirit. She is often praised for her poise, discipline in her careers, and willingness to evolve. Her choices show she values control over her creative and business direction. Her handling of personal challenges with dignity has endeared her to fans and colleagues alike.

Famous Quotes by Jaclyn Smith

Here are some notable quotes attributed to her:

“Success is carved out of a hard tree. It doesn’t just happen. It’s people who stick to it that succeed.” “It’s intimidating to try and pull your home together if you don’t have an interior designer.” “I have had to learn about saying no.” “Angels are like diamonds. They can’t be made.” “Time whizzes by when you have children. They make you aware of the passing of time, but also help keep you young.” “Kmart is a family store where value-conscious moms shop, so my partnership with Kmart seemed like a natural fit.”

These reflect her views on success, home, balance, motherhood, and brand alignment.

Lessons from Jaclyn Smith

1. Reinvention is possible — Smith transformed from dancer aspiration to model to actress to businesswoman.

2. Control your brand — Instead of relying purely on endorsements, she created her own lines and identity.

3. Endurance matters — Staying with Charlie’s Angels for its full run shows consistency in a fickle industry.

4. Facing adversity with openness — Her public handling of cancer helped others relate and find strength.

5. Balance art and pragmatism — She combined creativity (acting) and business acumen; one complemented the other.

Conclusion

Jaclyn Smith’s life story transcends her role as a television star. She molded a multifaceted career in entertainment, fashion, design, and advocacy. Her resilience in both her professional and personal journey offers a roadmap of adaptability, courage, and strategic growth.