Jaclyn Smith Says She, Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson Were 'Just Girls Having Fun' onCharlie's Angels(Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson on ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 1976.Photo: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment ContentFifteen years after the death ofFarrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith is reflecting on the close bond she shared with her former costar — particularly as the two, along with Kate Jackson, shot to superstardom with the popularity ofCharlie’s Angels.“There was a camaraderie of shared history. We crossed that bridge and it changed our lives,” Smith, 78, says of the trio. “There was no walking into a grocery store in an anonymous way anymore and so, for all three of us, there was a special bond.“Smith adds that the women were never competitive, choosing instead to support one another throughout and beyond filming.“We weren’t [going], ‘I want this scene, I want that one.’ " she tells PEOPLE. “It was just girls having fun. We were like college roommates. Just independent women, making our way.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Fawcett died in 2009 at age 62 following her anal cancer diagnosis in 2006. Prior to her death, she launchedThe Farrah Fawcett Foundation, which raises money for cancer research and education. Smith is among those who who will co-chair the foundation’s annual gala on Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas.As Smith describes, Fawcett was just one of the girls — one who wasn’t afraid to poke fun at her closest friends.“She was a true girlfriend. Not a competitive girlfriend, she wished everybody well,” Smith says. “She was the first to visit me after I had my first child. I could see her joy because she knew that was my dream — to have children — and the dream had come true.“Smith continues: “But she was funny, too. She would say, ‘Look — your fingers aren’t fat anymore. Now you don’t have to wear napkin rings around them!’ “Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith on ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 1976.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyFifteen years after Fawcett’s death, Smith reflects on the success of the show that brought them together, and how it continues to resonate with fans.“It was so innocent. Families watched our show, young people,” Smith says. “The people who watched that show grew up with us and still support the foundation.“She continues: “There are shows that come along and leave a mark. It was the first of its kind.”

Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson on ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 1976.Photo: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content

Fifteen years after the death ofFarrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith is reflecting on the close bond she shared with her former costar — particularly as the two, along with Kate Jackson, shot to superstardom with the popularity ofCharlie’s Angels.“There was a camaraderie of shared history. We crossed that bridge and it changed our lives,” Smith, 78, says of the trio. “There was no walking into a grocery store in an anonymous way anymore and so, for all three of us, there was a special bond.“Smith adds that the women were never competitive, choosing instead to support one another throughout and beyond filming.“We weren’t [going], ‘I want this scene, I want that one.’ " she tells PEOPLE. “It was just girls having fun. We were like college roommates. Just independent women, making our way.“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Fawcett died in 2009 at age 62 following her anal cancer diagnosis in 2006. Prior to her death, she launchedThe Farrah Fawcett Foundation, which raises money for cancer research and education. Smith is among those who who will co-chair the foundation’s annual gala on Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas.As Smith describes, Fawcett was just one of the girls — one who wasn’t afraid to poke fun at her closest friends.“She was a true girlfriend. Not a competitive girlfriend, she wished everybody well,” Smith says. “She was the first to visit me after I had my first child. I could see her joy because she knew that was my dream — to have children — and the dream had come true.“Smith continues: “But she was funny, too. She would say, ‘Look — your fingers aren’t fat anymore. Now you don’t have to wear napkin rings around them!’ “Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith on ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 1976.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyFifteen years after Fawcett’s death, Smith reflects on the success of the show that brought them together, and how it continues to resonate with fans.“It was so innocent. Families watched our show, young people,” Smith says. “The people who watched that show grew up with us and still support the foundation.“She continues: “There are shows that come along and leave a mark. It was the first of its kind.”

Fifteen years after the death ofFarrah Fawcett, Jaclyn Smith is reflecting on the close bond she shared with her former costar — particularly as the two, along with Kate Jackson, shot to superstardom with the popularity ofCharlie’s Angels.

“There was a camaraderie of shared history. We crossed that bridge and it changed our lives,” Smith, 78, says of the trio. “There was no walking into a grocery store in an anonymous way anymore and so, for all three of us, there was a special bond.”

Smith adds that the women were never competitive, choosing instead to support one another throughout and beyond filming.

“We weren’t [going], ‘I want this scene, I want that one.’ " she tells PEOPLE. “It was just girls having fun. We were like college roommates. Just independent women, making our way.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Fawcett died in 2009 at age 62 following her anal cancer diagnosis in 2006. Prior to her death, she launchedThe Farrah Fawcett Foundation, which raises money for cancer research and education. Smith is among those who who will co-chair the foundation’s annual gala on Oct. 24, 2024, in Dallas.

As Smith describes, Fawcett was just one of the girls — one who wasn’t afraid to poke fun at her closest friends.

“She was a true girlfriend. Not a competitive girlfriend, she wished everybody well,” Smith says. “She was the first to visit me after I had my first child. I could see her joy because she knew that was my dream — to have children — and the dream had come true.”

Smith continues: “But she was funny, too. She would say, ‘Look — your fingers aren’t fat anymore. Now you don’t have to wear napkin rings around them!’ "

Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith on ‘Charlie’s Angels’ in 1976.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Fifteen years after Fawcett’s death, Smith reflects on the success of the show that brought them together, and how it continues to resonate with fans.

“It was so innocent. Families watched our show, young people,” Smith says. “The people who watched that show grew up with us and still support the foundation.”

She continues: “There are shows that come along and leave a mark. It was the first of its kind.”

source: people.com