September 2026

MEMORY LANE MUSINGS

50 years of ‘Charlie’s Angels’

by Sara Jordan-Heintz

“Once upon a time, there were three little girls who went to the police academy…”

On Sept. 22, 1976, “Charlie’s Angels” debuted on ABC with the episode “Hellride,” following the success of the made-for-TV movie, which had aired that March.

The original lineup: Kate Jackson (Sabrina Duncan), Farrah Fawcett (Jill Munroe), and Jaclyn Smith (Kelly Garrett). Considering the mega star Farrah became, it’s hard to believe she actually only starred in the first season (and appeared in six more episodes throughout seasons three and four as part of a legal settlement).

The concept: three sexy former cops who agree to work for the mysterious Charles Townsend, voiced by John Forsythe, who sends them on exciting and sometimes dangerous missions.

And in my opinion, nobody in the business worked harder than the Angels’ stunt doubles. From scaling buildings to driving cars without brakes and even chasing a suspect on skateboard. My hat goes off to you all.

Cheryl Ladd came aboard as Jill’s sister Kris Munroe in season two, remaining on the show until the end (Cheryl is an “original” Angel as far as I’m concerned). Shelley Hack, the face of Charlie perfume for Revlon, got the tough job of replacing Kate Jackson in season four as Tiffany Welles. Kate had worked heavily in the development of the show (and was not always credited), even encouraging a name change from the show’s original title “The Alley Cats.” Had you noticed Kate was the only actress who never wore a bikini on the show? She had that written into her contract.

I was sad to see Shelley dropped after only one season, being replaced by final Angel Tanya Roberts, who played Julie Rogers in season five — a former model turned investigator.

Jaclyn Smith appeared in every episode, as well as David Doyle, who played John Bosley, their associate. It was only recently I learned that David was the original voice of Grandpa Lou on the “Rugrats.”

In honor of the anniversary, I spent several months binge-watching all 109 episodes of the show. My four-year-old daughter Louisa’s favorite episode is “Of Ghosts and Angels.”

One thing that hasn’t changed in 50 years? America’s obsession with “Charlie’s Angels” memorabilia. I recently chatted with “Angelologist” Mike Pingel, who has written several books on the Angels and runs www.charliesangels.com. Pingel worked as Farrah’s assistant from 200 to 2007 and managed official websites for Cheryl and Tanya. He’s the go-to guy for consultations on Angels projects.

 

Mike Pingel’s collection surpasses 2,000 “Charlie’s Angels” items and includes mass-produced toys, dolls, puzzles, games, trading cards, makeup sets, and more. (Photo courtesy of Mike Pingel)

Some of the rarest items to find are the Rainy-Day Set and the Fashion Dress-Up Set. (Image courtesy of Mike Pingel)

His collection surpasses 2,000 “Charlie’s Angels” items, including:
• The original “Harry’s Angels” script (Harry was changed to Charlie because of another show called “Harry O.”)
• A “Charlie’s Angels” pinball machine
• Cheryl Ladd’s Kris Munroe business card
• “Charlie’s Angel’s” Clapper
• A cast-issued crew gift tin
• Mass-produced toys, dolls, puzzles, games, trading cards, makeup sets, and more.
And despite the “Jiggle TV” label, one could argue the merchandise was aimed at adolescent girls as its fanbase.

 “Some of the rarest items are: Kris Munroe prop business card that Cheryl Ladd handed out on the show. She gifted me one for my 30th birthday. Best Buy Lunch Box: it was the final item Farrah Fawcett signed to me before her passing. The Rainy Day Set: rare and fun item with a ‘Charlie’s Angels’ purse, hat and umbrella. Cost is about $400. The fashion Dress-Up Set is rare and comes with a purse, high heels, sunglasses, watch, and belt — a really fun item and goes for about $600,” Pingel says.

“The hunt for ‘Charlie’s Angels’ toys continues to this day. It’s getting harder since most items were produced in 1977 — 49 years ago.”

I own the Hasbro dolls dressed in some groovy jumpsuits. I also have a Fleetwood Toys “Charlie’s Angels” character necklace, which features a cutout image of Jaclyn in a slinky pink dress holding a gun. I’m not sure what special occasion wearing that necklace calls for, but I’ll think of something. I also treasure my personally inscribed photos of both Jaclyn and Cheryl.

I’ve already told my family I’ll be in my bedroom with a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door, reading my favorite angel — Jaclyn Smith’s — new memoir “I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie.”

“The legacy of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ continues today because they were three strong women who went undercover each week to catch criminals. The Angels took care of one another, and they were able to get themselves out of harm’s way without the help of a man,” Pingel says. “They were strong and independent women — the very first example of ‘girl power’ on TV. The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ actresses paved the way for generations to come, both on television and in real life. The Angels showed women they could do anything a man could do — and even better.”

Who’s your favorite Angel? Drop me a line and let me know.

 

 

Sara Jordan-Heintz is a journalist, author, and editor based in Iowa. An “old soul” she is an avid collector of vintage jewelry, Russian stacking dolls, and autographs. In her free time she’s a voracious reader and lover of classic movies — “All About Eve” being her top pick. Her favorite fictional sleuths are Columbo and Jessica Fletcher. She holds a degree in American Studies from the University of Iowa. Connect with her at: sara.jordan909@gmail.com.