Twitter
Facebook
Cheryl Ladd talks about working with Farrah Fawcett and feeling “hurt” at being left out of “Angels” Emmy reunion
With Farrah Fawcett’s passing last week, a great deal of attention has been paid to her last public appearance at the 2006 Emmy Awards – just two weeks before she received her cancer diagnosis.
At the end of a tribute to Charlie’s Angels creator Aaron Spelling on that Emmy night, Fawcett stunned and delighted the audience when she walked out hand-in-hand with her Angels’ co-stars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith.
So where was Cheryl Ladd? She replaced Farrah on the show after season one and remained on it for four years until it was cancelled in 1981. She admits to feeling “hurt” that she was not asked to participate in the reunion and tribute to Spelling.
“I think Kate made the decision for everybody that this is how it was going to be,” Ladd says in the new issue of TV Guide. “I was the outsider, but Jaclyn and I have remained fast friends.”
While Farrah left the show after the first season, she and Ladd did work together for a total of six episodes during seasons three and four when Farrah made guest appearances as part of a legal settlement with producers. Since their characters were sisters, the two had many of their scenes together.
“It was awkward,” Ladd admits. “I don’t think she wanted to be there. She was a little surprised how well the show did after she left. So we both chose to be 100 percent professional.”
It is ironic that Ladd was excluded from the reunion since the continued success of the show hinged on her being able to fill Fawcett’s shoes and connect with the public. Ratings for seasons two and three soared and did not drop off until season four when Jackson left and was replaced by Shelly Hack.
Hack was no Cheryl Ladd.
Comments
(All comments are reviewed before being published, and I review submissions several times per day.)
Tyson says:
At the People’s Choice Awards in 1992, Aaron Spelling got a lifetime achievement award. Farrah was not there, it was Cheryl, Jacklyn, and Kate. Farrah’s manager Jay Bernstien said in the TV Land documentary “Inside Charlie’s Angels” that it was Farrah’s husband Lee Majors who wanted Farrah to leave the show. Lee wanted an old fashioned wife who would be home to cook for him. He was probably jealous of her sudden fame. Although I love all the angels, the show was never the same after Farrah left. The scripts became dull, and it did not have the campiness, escapism, and pace like the episodes “Angels in Chains”, “Target Angels”, etc. It was not Cheryl’s fault, but the fault of the writers and producers. The weakest season was season 5, where it seemed that the production did not care about the show. Kate should of let Cheryl participate, it was over 30 years ago when they worked together.
Adrian says:
I liked the idea of only the original angels being at the reunion. We all don’t know the real reason why Cheryl wasn’t invited. Personally I never saw Cheryl Ladd as one of Charlie’s Angels. I just saw her as an extra. She would never replace Farrah Fawcett. I was also told that it was Cheryl Ladd that was the problem not Kate Jackson. Cheryl was a bitch to Kate on set. So i understand why Kate wouldn’t want her there. As the saying goes there’s nothing better than the original. The Angels will always be Farrah, Jaclyn and Kate.
Robert says:
Sorry Adrian but Kate Jackson was the problem on Charlie’s Angels not Cheryl Ladd. Kate was a problem on the set of Scarecrow and Mrs. King. Bruce Boxleitner could not stand working with her either. Plus Norman Miller who did all the clothes designing for CA said she was very difficult. Kate is a talented actress but I question her professionalism.
Shelley Hack and Cheryl Ladd feud? Doubtful since both have spoken kindly of each other. Jaclyn Smith barely ever mentions Shelley or Tanya Roberts when talking about CA. Plus the writers wrote Shelley’s character so poorly she had an uphill battle on the show. I give her credit for dealing with deck of cards she was given.
Where I thought Shelley improved on the show, Tanya started out strong but became weaker by the end of the series. Again this was more to do with the writers then the actress.
That said, all 6 actresses should have been at the reunion.
David says:
Tangent: Perhaps the time has come for an all-male version of the show. Charlene’s Devils, anybody?
ChristianVA says:
I loved all Angels but let’s be honest, Farrah fell into the same “the show won’t survive without me syndrome”. The series was a great success with her in it. By her leaving she could have jeopardized all their careers. She comes off selfish if you ask me.
Cheryl Ladd comes along and brilliantly replaces Farrah and she is very charismatic and if you ask me sexier than Farrah. For Kate Jackson to have this high and mighty attitude is very disturbing. Is she a great actress? No doubt but she isn’t humble about it. For me my favorite Angels were Jaclyn, Cheryl, Kate Farrah, Tanya and Shelley. To be loyalty speaks volumes and Cheryl should have been there over Farrah. Charlie’s Angels made Farrah a worldwide phenomena
ChristianVA says:
But I agree I think all Angels should have been there
ChristianVA says:
You know I did totally forget Lee Majors wanted a stay at home wife but I also had the feeling throughout the years and countless interviews that Farrah didn’t want to be in Charlie’s Angels and how she sort of made fun of the series. So it is hard for me to believe she was “forced” by Lee to leave Charlie’s Angels
MT says:
I loved the entire 5 season of the Angels and I have all five on DVD!!! In honor of Aaron at the time of the event and putting all of the egos aside for Aaron if all six Angels could have been there with John Forsythe’s voice as Charlie introducing the Angels with original three walking out then Cheryl (Kris from San Francisco) coming from stage right grabbing Farrah’s hand, then Shelley (Tiffanie from Boston) from stage left and Tanya (Julie from being a model) stage left grabbing Shelley’s hand would have been phenomenal for Aaron and Angel fans!!! If I remember correctly Kate had the longest amount of time during her speech and poor Jaclyn (my favorite angel I might add) turn came up the Teleprompter went on the fritz and she had to wing it. Perhaps if they could have cut down on Kate’s part and spread it among all six it would have really been special!!! And John Forsythe was still living at the time, he could have finally revealed himself as Charlie and represented himself self and David Doyle (Bosley) who had already passed away. My favorite trio was the original three but I loved Chery Ladd as little sister Kris and thought she did a remarkable job replacing big sister Jill and creating her own unique character that was different from Farrah. I loved Farrah too but have to admit when she left my favorite angel Jaclyn (Kelly) got more exposure which I loved…just my thoughts…thanks!!!
Lisa says:
In a 1980 issue of US magazine with Jaclyn on the cover they also had a few quotes from Kate and Kate said something like ” Cheryl got me in a few ways” meaning Cheryl did some sneaky things to Kate, so it’s not all Kate being against Cheryl for no reasons. In 2020 when Kate’s book is released hopefully we’ll finally know the truth
Marcus says:
Like there are 6 angels, there are six brothers. Jaclyn (Jackie), Farrah (Michael), Kate (Jermaine), then Cheryl (Randy), Shelley (Tito) and Tanya (Marlon), this time instead the scenario is different, Farrah (Michael), leaves and is replaced with Cheryl (Randy). Kate (Jermaine) leaves second and replaced by Shelley (Tito) who leaves and replaced with Tanya (Marlon). That’s how I see it too.
Marcus says:
Like there are 6 angels, there are six Jackson brothers. Jaclyn (Jackie), Farrah (Michael), Kate (Jermaine), then Cheryl (Randy), Shelley (Tito) and Tanya (Marlon), this time instead the scenario is alot different, Farrah (Michael), leaves and is replaced with Cheryl (Randy). Kate (Jermaine) leaves second and replaced by Shelley (Tito) who leaves and replaced with Tanya (Marlon). That’s how I see it too.
Marcus says:
But then again John would be Jackie, David would be Tito, Kate as Jermainrle, Jaclyn as Marlon, Farrah as Michael Cheryl as Randy, Shelley as Latoya and Tanya as Janet.
Andrew Parsell says:
favourite angels, Cheryl, Shelley, Jaclyn. Farrah thought she was beautiful. It was only on the outside. Kate was a bully and sounded as if she had a sore throat all the time. Tanya, I don’t remember, but have season five to watch on dvd. I do know I liked Shelley’s character though.
Gene says:
Reserve: In response to your post that Cheryl Ladd pulled a “it’s me or her” ultimatum to the producers….. Of course I wasn’t there, so I can not be CERTAIN of this, but if I had to gamble, I would say that you are INCORRECT about that. I had read that there was friction between Shelley and Jaclyn (I hate when people claim to be “fans” but can’t spell the angels’ names correctly….. jeez), but Jaclyn HARDLY seems like the type of lady to make such a demand, as she comes across as COMPLETELY classy and well thought out on her decisions. I just don’t think she has that type of energy in her being. Being a hard core fan, I will state again that I wish that all 6 angels could have been included. These people who are saying “…. Farrah’s little sister…” etc…. .COME ON PEOPLE, it was a TV SHOW! This ISN’T REAL!! Gosh! Cheryl should have been included because she was a loyal cast member and did save the show, not because she was “Farrah’s little sister” wow…. that is so weird to even think of it that way! I have read many times that Farrah did not dislike Cheryl at all, and had no problem working with her. I think just like people with everyday jobs, sometimes a co-worker my try your patience, but it isn’t anything person usually. I do however feel there could have been some friction between Cheryl and Kate, simply because I have heard Cheryl tell of her experiences, and while Kate has not said anything about Cheryl other than “we didn’t become good friends” I think that alludes to the impression that there COULD HAVE been issues. Not everyone’s personalities “click” so to speak…. sad because Cheryl seems to be such a sweetheart, how could someone not like her? Actually, they ALL seem like such sweet and lovely women…… guess you had to be there…..
GOD BLESS ALL THE ANGELS…… I love them all……
Rosemarie says:
I think at least 4 of the Angels should have been there, Kate, Farrah, Jaclyn and Cheryl….
Rita Pintasera says:
it would have been great if cheryl & shelley had introduced d original trio of kate, farrah & jaclyn. and then a quick camera shot showing softporn performer tanya seated among the audience, far back from the main gathering!
Glenn Griffiths says:
Was original line up. That does not include Cheryl Ladd. Sounds like sour grapes on Ladd’s part. Kate Jackson was a far better actress and angel.
Paul DeCroix says:
Had Cherly been included then you would have to invite Shelly & Tanya who also were leads on the 5 year old show. That would ruined the whole premise which was based on a trio of crime fighting sexy ladies. Kate was right to say NO the Cherly. Also, Farrah was not interested in ever reaching out to Cherly with welcoming hands. She resented Cherly. Farrah ONLY agreed to to the TV movie “Charlie’s angels” which became the pilot for the series. It was argued that Farrah broke her contract but there never was a formally signed contract. Maybe a verbal contract but that is not the same in the eye’s of the law. In the end Farrah made more $$$ then any of the women on Charlie’s Angels”. She made more for one season and 6 guest star appearances then Jacklyn Smith who worked on the show for the full 5 year run. Farrah earned $200,000.00 per guest star appearance as part of the out of court settlement.
Tryll says:
I like Farrah,Kate,And Jaclyn They Will Always Be 3 Original Charlie’s Angels Not Cheryl Ladd. It Would Have Been Nice To Cheryl,Shelly,And Tanya To Be On Stage With Farrah,Kate,And Jaclyn To Paid Tribute To Aaron Spelling. But It Wasn’t Meant To Be.Since Kate was Running The Show.
JC says:
As a fan of Charlie’s Angels, I admit I prefer Cheryl to Farrah; the second season of the show is the best of the lot (in my opinion). And despite the backstage hoopla we’ve all heard about the chilly relationship between Cheryl and Kate, you can’t deny the on-screen chemistry of Kris, Sabrina, Kelly and Bosley is terrific; Cheryl blended in perfectly. At the same time, however, because of that off-screen animosity with Kate it does taint the feel of the show somewhat when compared to the first season with Farrah.
Previous comments on here about Farrah being resentful of Cheryl are simply unjustified; yes the two were not close but they had no problems filming their scenes together. In fact, I read an article where Farrah had praised Cheryl for the continued success of the show. So if Farrah could say this and have no problem with Cheryl, why was Kate holding a grudge? Farrah made the decision to leave and someone had to succeed her. I feel Kate fails to realise this and all these years later still doesn’t realise this. After all, ratings for Cheryl’s debut season were just as high as the first year; if viewers at the time could accept Cheryl in an instant, why couldn’t Kate?
The Emmy Award reunion should have no doubt included Cheryl; she was a loyal Angel until the end (alongside Jaclyn) and should be respected as such, just as Shelley and Tanya should be acknowledged (they were and are a part of Charlie’s Angels whether people like them or not).
In saying that, I believe the media/critics etc take too much on board about “replacement” actors; many shows continued to succeed with “non-original” stars, just look at Law & Order, NYPD Blue, CSI and Ironside to name a few. And in keeping with Ironside, the 1993 reunion movie had all the original stars of the series (obviously) AND Elizabeth Baur (who succeeded Barbara Anderson on the show when she left after the fourth season, and appeared in 80+ episodes; the two women would work together for the first – and only – time for the reunion and they had no issues). Raymond Burr in no doubt acknowledged Baur’s contribution to the show even though she was not an “original”.
All this could tie in with Charlie’s Angels; although no reunion film was ever made when Farrah was still alive, any future reunion (which won’t happen anyway) will have to include Cheryl by default. It would be great to see this, but we’ll all have a very long wait I feel!
scorchy says:
Why the crappy dig at Shelley at the end? They didn’t even have her character developed until several episodes after Kate left. They literally re-wrote the first scripts with next to nothing to showcase her. Shelley was gorgeous but not properly utilized in the show.
Michelle says:
The funny thing is I was introduced to the show in reruns after school. I would race home. I just LOVED Kris Munroe. I wanted to grow up to be Kris Garrett. I liked Kelley too but Kris was my favorite. Then one day the show started up as 3 little girls went to the police academy. Instead of 3 little girls went to the police academy 2 in LA
1 in San Francisco.
I was devastated. I knew Jill was Kris’s sister. Then it was explained to me why. I could not stand the Farrah episodes.
Dana says:
Cheryl was my favorite angel. She should have been included. I’ve always been perplexed by the admiration for Jaclyn. She is the most stilted and wooden actress I’ve ever seen. She was beautiful in the first season, but not the most beautiful in my opinion. Her lack of personality affects her looks.
Gen says:
Almost everyone thinks of the original 3 when contemplating the Angels. Farrah Fawcett brought massive attention to the show and created enough momentum so that it could last 5 years.
WILSON TOIA says:
I always thought Cheryl Ladd was a better actress than Farrah Fawcett. Both were beautiful but Cheryl had a more wholesome beauty. Some of my favorite episodes were when they were both in them. I was surprised to find out that Chery was not invited to the tribute to Spelling. After all she was the longest running Angel after Farrah. And I certainly didn’t understand Kate’s animosity toward her. After all as someone else posted, Farrah left on her own accord. Would Kate have rather just ended the show then? It all ended when Kate left the show anyway. Shelley was a very pretty addition but the writers just made her so syrupy. If she had been a hard ass like Tanya perhaps she would have survived to the end. Tanya was just okay in my book. I guess it was like all the changes in the Supremes. Too many changes made it impossible to hope for it to last.
WILSON TOIA says:
In my last post I made an error. I meant to say that Cheryl Ladd was the longest running Angel after Jaclyn not Farrah.
Vatryll M Rainie says:
It should had All Six Angels Farrah Fawcett,Kate Jackson,Jaclyn Smith,Along with Cheryl Ladd,Shelly Hack,and Tanya Roberts at Emmys To Paid to Aaron Spelling back in 2006.
Bill says:
All 6 Angels should have been included in the Emmy’s show.
IMO Cheryl and Jaclyn were tied as the most beautiful. Cheryl and Tanya had the best bodies with Jaclyn’s body being almost as good.
I don’t understand why anyone thinks that Jaclyn wasn’t a good actress?
Andre says:
Cheryl was always the heart of the show!
John Mathis says:
Farrah never breached her contract as she never signed it!
Jay Scott says:
I agree with one of the earlier comments suggesting that is was doubtful Kate Jackson had enough clout to dictate who was included or not to the Emmys producers… It could’ve been done so many ways, like having Cheryl Ladd read the intro before the original three came out. I will say, being an 8th grader when the whole CA phenomenon hit, I loved Farrah and when she quit I was ready to dismiss Cheryl Ladd before the 2nd season started. She totally won me over in the first 10 mins of her appearing. That southern sweet accent and smile made me march out and buy the spiral notebook with her on the cover (lol..yes they had those back then) to replace the one I had with Farrah’s red bathing suit photo…which fun fact, the Farrah notebook as well as the Suzanne Somers notebook covers required my mom write a note to my English teacher that she allowed me to have such a scandalous school supplies. I really didn’t connect with Shelley or Tanya’s characters. I always liked Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson and think Jaclyn really turned out to be somewhat of a pioneering genius with the stuff at Kmart (Jessica Simpson should bow to her everytime she cashes one of her checks!) It’s really somewhat comical to catch an episode on Cozi TV every once in awhile, for a show I LOVED so much as a teenager, it’s a struggle to not groan and giggle at it now. It just seems sooo dated, whereas another show of similar era, Hart to Hart, holds up much better. The fact that we are discussing the Emmys deal like 15 years later speaks volumes though. Just my two cents.
Jay Scott says:
Sorry I just wanted to mention one other thing…. While I totally understand Kate Jackson’s frustration with the Kramer vs Kramer situation… can anybody REALLY picture anyone but Meryl Streep playing that part?? I think things like that involve divine intervention, and in the end you really can’t complain about it. Like the part of Roz on Frasier going to Peri Gilpin instead of Lisa Kudrow… No one could possibly play Phoebe on Friends as well and Roz was perfect on Frasier. Kate probably would have a done an OK job, but Meryl owned that part and deserved the Academy Award.
Darren Colvin says:
That article is very telling… Quote “I THINK Kate made the decision for everybody that this is how it was going to be….“. Notice, Cheryl ASSUMES but she doesn’t know for sure. A typical Ladd tactic. She’s done that a couple times. She talked to the media playing victim and the rag sheets spread the bs gossip. Cheryl had done some sneaky things to Kate Jackson. No wonder Kate kept her at arm’s length knowing Ladds tactics!
Kate and Cheryl had already worked on a film „Satan’s School for Girls“ in 1973. Cheryl was just a no-name. And just like in Charlie’s Angels she had dalliances with important men. Whereas Kate was a pro with high work ethics. Kate was on to Cheryl!
Back to the article: This is cute, too. Quote Ladd „She (Farrah) was a little surprised how well the show did after she left.“ Well the time slot had been changed so more people got to watch. And seasoned actress Kate Jackson was still on the show. So: “Ratings for seasons two and three soared and did not drop off until season four when Jackson left and was replaced.“ As long as Jackson was on the show, Charlie’s Angels worked. After she left the show became a parody.
ABC knew exactly why they wanted the original angels for the 2006 Emmy reunion and tribute to Spelling: Farrah (the phenomenon), Kate (best actress and co-creator of CA!) and Jaclyn Smith. These women had started it all, they had great chemistry and true friendship on and off screen. And it showed!! It would not have been the same without Farrah or Kate. And a fourth woman would have ruined the moment.