Who Were the Original Charlie’s Angels?
The Original Charlie’s Angels
Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith were the original Charlie’s Angels when the show premiered on September 22, 1976 on ABC.
Farrah Fawcett as Jill Munroe
Farrah Fawcett was Jill Munroe for the first season, but turned in her resignation prior to the season finale airing. Her quitting turned into a legal battle with the producers as she had signed a five-year contract. She didn’t have to audition for the role, producer Aaron Spelling cast her after seeing her in “Logan’s Run.”
Why Did Farrah Fawcett Leave Charlie’s Angels?
Creative differences and financial compensation seem to be why Farrah Fawcett left the popular TV show after just one season. She gave an interview where she stated she didn’t like the writing on the show and wanted her character to have more emotion. Her salary allegedly was less than that of Kate Jackson; the producers negotiated a bigger salary for her but she declined. As part of getting out of the contract she agreed to return for 6 guest appearances.
Who Replaced Farrah Fawcett on Charlie’s Angels?
Cheryl Ladd filled the vacancy at the private detective agency when Farrah Fawcett left after the third season. She was cast as Jill’s sister, Kris Munroe. She stayed on for the remainder of the series.
Kate Jackson as Sabrina Duncan
Kate Jackson played Sabrina Duncan from season 1 to season 3. She didn’t have to audition for the role, the producers saw her on an early ‘70s TV show, The Rookies, were she played Jill Danko. Originally cast to play Kelly, she asked the producers to cast her as Sabrina instead.
Why Did Kate Jackson Leave Charlie’s Angels?
Producers dropped Kate Jackson from Charlie’s Angels at the end of the third season.
Rumor is Jackson was offered the female lead in “Kramer vs Kramer” but producers wouldn’t give her time off to film (the part went to Meryl Streep who ended up winning an Oscar). Upset at not being able to accept the role, and being displeased with the scripts, Jackson, allegedly, became difficult on set. According to People magazine, producer Aaron Spelling released a statement that in part read "Due to problems on the set, Kate is being dropped for the good of the show."
Who Replaced Kate Jackson on Charlie’s Angels?
Shelley Hack was cast as Tiffany Welles after Kate Jackson left. She was the famous face of Charlie perfume, and maybe producers liked the similarity with the name Charlie’s Angels when casting her. Ratings were not great during the fourth season and Hack was let out of her contract after just one year.
Who Replaced Shelley Hack on Charlie’s Angels?
Tanya Roberts became the last angel cast on the TV show Charlie’s Angels. She was cast as Julie Rogers to fill the vacancy left by Shelley Hack’s departure.
Jaclyn Smith as Kelly Garrett
Jaclyn Smith played Kelly Garrett for the entire season. Unlike Fawcett and Jackson, Smith had to audition for the role. Smith and David Doyle, who played Bosley, are the only cast members to appear in all 115 episodes.
How Many Charlie’s Angels Were There Altogether?
There were six actresses that played angels on Charlie’s Angels. Farrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson, Cheryl Ladd, Tanya Roberts and Shelley Hack.
Which Charlie’s Angel Stayed on The Show The Longest?
Jaclyn Smith was on Charlie’s Angels for the duration of the show. Despite other actresses leaving, Smith stayed on for all five seasons.