Jaclyn Smith Bio, Age, Height, Husband, Career, Charlie’s Angels, Net Worth, Wigs & Facts

Jaclyn Smith is an American actress and entrepreneur whose five-year run as Kelly Garrett on Charlie’s Angels made her a 1970s television icon and whose business instincts turned that fame into a $150 million empire. Now 80 years old and still active in fashion, skincare, and publishing, she remains the only original Angel to appear in every episode of the groundbreaking series. From her Houston ballet roots to her Kmart pioneering deal and her upcoming 2026 memoir, Smith has spent nearly five decades proving that reinvention is the ultimate Hollywood superpower.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Jacquelyn Ellen Smith was born on October 26, 1945, in Houston, Texas, to Jack Smith, a dentist, and Margaret Ellen Smith. She began taking ballet lessons at age three and originally dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina, training rigorously throughout her childhood. After graduating from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School in 1964, she briefly enrolled at Trinity University in San Antonio before deciding to pursue dance and modeling full-time in New York City.

In New York, she studied at the School of American Ballet while working as a model. She landed national campaigns, most notably as a Breck shampoo girl in 1973, which gave her early exposure on magazine covers and billboards across the country. Her camera-friendly presence and classical posture soon caught the attention of television casting directors.

Career Journey

Early Career and Charlie’s Angels Breakthrough (1976–1981)

Smith’s big break arrived in 1976 when she was cast as Kelly Garrett in ABC’s Charlie’s Angels. The show, created by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts, paired her with Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson as three glamorous private investigators working for the mysterious Charlie Townsend. While Fawcett’s poster became a pop-culture phenomenon and Jackson provided the cerebral edge, Smith offered the show’s steady emotional center.

Notably, Smith is the only original Angel to remain with the series for its entire five-season run (1976–1981), outlasting cast changes that brought in Cheryl Ladd, Shelley Hack, and Tanya Roberts. She later made an uncredited cameo as Kelly Garrett in the 2003 film Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, bridging the original series and the modern reboot.

Television Movies and Miniseries Stardom (1981–1990s)

After Charlie’s Angels, Smith pivoted to television movies and miniseries, becoming one of the most bankable small-screen actresses of the 1980s. Her portrayal of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy in the 1981 biographical drama earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. She also starred in high-profile adaptations including Rage of Angels (1983), The Bourne Identity (1988), and Windmills of the Gods (1988), showcasing a dramatic range that extended far beyond the action-oriented persona of Kelly Garrett.

Business Empire: The Kmart Revolution (1985–Present)

In 1985, Smith made history by launching her own women’s apparel collection exclusively for Kmart, becoming one of the first celebrities to develop a personal brand rather than simply endorse an existing label. The line was an immediate success and eventually expanded into home furnishings, bedding, bath accessories, and a STYLE by Jaclyn Smith wig collection for Paula Young Wigs in 2008.

Her business philosophy—accessible luxury for real women—kept the brand thriving for decades. In 2024, she introduced a new women’s clothing line on the Home Shopping Network (HSN), proving her continued relevance in retail. Industry observers credit her with pioneering the modern celebrity-brand model later adopted by the Kardashians, Rihanna, and countless influencers.

Recent Activity and 50th Anniversary (2025–2026)

In April 2026, Smith reunited with fellow surviving Angels Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd for a Charlie’s Angels 50th anniversary celebration. The trio appeared together for interviews, reminiscing about their time on set and urging audiences to prioritize regular health screenings. Smith also revealed that her memoir, I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie, is scheduled for release in September 2026. The three original stars are also set to be honored together at the Paley Honors gala in New York on May 14, 2026.

Career Stats & Milestones

Personal Life

Marriages and Family

Smith has been married four times. Her first husband was actor Roger Davis (1968–1975), whom she wed after a whirlwind courtship in New York. She later married actor Dennis Cole (1978–1981), who guest-starred on Charlie’s Angels during their marriage. After that divorce, she remained close to Cole’s son, Joe, from a previous marriage; Joe was tragically murdered in 1991 at age 30 during an attempted robbery, a crime that remains unsolved.

In 1981, Smith married British cinematographer Tony Richmond. The couple had two children: Gaston Richmond (born 1982) and Spencer Margaret Richmond (born 1985). They divorced in 1989, but Smith and Richmond maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship.

Her fourth and current marriage is to Houston cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Brad Allen. They met while Smith’s father was being treated for a heart condition at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center. After dating for seven years, they married in Los Angeles on October 11, 1997, with 11-year-old Spencer serving as maid of honor and 15-year-old Gaston walking his mother down the aisle. The couple celebrated their 28th anniversary in 2025 and frequently post workout videos together, often stealing kisses between reps.

Children and Grandchildren

Smith is a proud grandmother to three granddaughters: Bea, Olivia Rose, and Wren Jaclyn. She has spoken openly about the joy of grandmotherhood, saying of her first granddaughter, “I don’t want to be away from her ever.”

Health and Advocacy

In 2003, Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent successful treatment and has since become a vocal advocate for early detection and regular screenings. She appeared in the 2010 documentary 1 a Minute about breast cancer and co-chairs events for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, supporting cancer research and patient assistance programs.

Hobbies and Lifestyle

Smith maintains an active lifestyle centered on fitness and wellness. She and Brad train together regularly, combining cardio and resistance workouts. She does not smoke, drink, or use drugs, and credits her husband with keeping her motivated to follow a low-fat diet. She also remains deeply involved in the day-to-day creative decisions of her fashion and skincare lines.

Controversies

Jaclyn Smith has largely avoided the tabloid scandals that often accompany long Hollywood careers. Her divorces were public but never notably acrimonious. The most painful public chapter involved the unsolved 1991 murder of her stepson Joe Cole (Dennis Cole’s son from a previous relationship), which drew media attention but was a family tragedy rather than a professional controversy. She has otherwise maintained a reputation for grace, professionalism, and discretion across five decades in the spotlight.

Awards & Achievements

• Golden Globe Nomination — Best Actress, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (1981)
• Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (1989)
• Pioneering Celebrity Brand Founder — Kmart fashion line (1985)
• Breast Cancer Survivor Advocate — Featured in 1 a Minute documentary (2010)
• Farrah Fawcett Foundation Co-Chair — Supporting cancer research and patient care
• Paley Honors Gala Honoree (2026, alongside Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“It was groundbreaking. It was about three emotionally and financially independent women. We shot at beautiful locations with fancy fast cars, and they cared about each other, so there was a heart to show. The friendship — that’s what makes it lasting.”
— On Charlie’s Angels, 2016

“I want this one to be forever.”
— On her marriage to Brad Allen, 1997

“I don’t smoke, drink, do drugs. Brad keeps reminding me about a low-fat diet.”
— On her wellness routine

Favorites

• TV Role: Kelly Garrett (Charlie’s Angels)
• Fashion Era: 1970s bohemian glamour
• Workout Partner: Husband Brad Allen
• Beauty Focus: Skincare (uses her own line developed with Brad)
• Cities: Houston (hometown), Los Angeles (current home), New York (early career)
• Causes: Breast cancer awareness, Farrah Fawcett Foundation
• Granddaughter: Bea (first grandchild, often mentioned in interviews)

Earnings

Jaclyn Smith’s estimated net worth is $150 million as of 2026. Her wealth is derived from multiple long-running revenue streams:

• Acting Residuals: Decades of syndication, DVD sales, and streaming revenue from Charlie’s Angels and her extensive television filmography.
• Kmart & Retail Partnerships: Her 1985 deal pioneered celebrity licensing; she eventually expanded into home goods, wigs, and accessories, generating tens of millions over four decades.
• HSN Fashion Line: Launched in 2024, targeting the direct-to-consumer market.
• Wig Collection: The STYLE by Jaclyn Smith line for Paula Young Wigs remains a steady seller.
• Skincare Line: Developed with Dr. Brad Allen, promoted through her official channels.
• Real Estate: She owns property in the Los Angeles area, including a well-appointed home where she films workouts and interviews.

Interesting Facts

• Jaclyn Smith is the only original Charlie’s Angel to appear in every single episode of the series’ five-season run.
• She received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1989, thirteen years after the show debuted.
• Her Kmart partnership in 1985 made her one of the first celebrities to launch a self-named brand rather than simply endorse another company’s product.
• She was treated for breast cancer in 2003 and has been cancer-free since.
• She remained close to her second husband Dennis Cole’s son, Joe, until Joe was murdered in an unsolved 1991 robbery.
• Her memoir title, I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie, is a playful nod to the unseen voice of the Charlie’s Angels boss.
• She and Brad Allen have been married for nearly 30 years, making it her longest and most stable relationship by far.

Did You Know Already?

• Smith originally moved to New York to become a ballerina, not an actress.
• She was a Breck shampoo model before she ever appeared on television.
• She made an uncredited cameo in the 2003 movie Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.
• Her daughter Spencer was her maid of honor at her wedding to Brad Allen.
• She co-chairs charity events for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, continuing the legacy of her late co-star.
• In 2026, she reunited with Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd for the show’s 50th anniversary, nearly half a century after they first appeared together.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @realjaclynsmith
• Facebook: Jaclyn Smith Official
• Official Website: jaclynsmith.com
• HSN Store: Available via Home Shopping Network online

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Jaclyn Smith?
Jaclyn Smith was born on October 26, 1945, making her 80 years old as of 2026.

Who is Jaclyn Smith’s husband?
She has been married to Houston cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Brad Allen since October 11, 1997.

How many times has Jaclyn Smith been married?
She has been married four times: to Roger Davis, Dennis Cole, Tony Richmond, and Brad Allen.

Does Jaclyn Smith have children?
Yes. She has two children with ex-husband Tony Richmond: Gaston Richmond (born 1982) and Spencer Margaret Richmond (born 1985).

What is Jaclyn Smith’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $150 million, built through acting, her Kmart fashion empire, wig lines, and skincare ventures.

Is Jaclyn Smith still acting?
While she no longer acts regularly, she remains active in business and public life. In 2026, she is promoting her memoir and appearing at Charlie’s Angels anniversary events.

What businesses does Jaclyn Smith own?
She pioneered the celebrity-brand model with her Kmart fashion line (since 1985) and later launched wig collections, home furnishings, skincare, and an HSN clothing line.

Conclusion

Jaclyn Smith’s career is a masterclass in longevity. From the feathered hair and gun holsters of Charlie’s Angels to the boardrooms of Kmart and HSN, she has spent nearly fifty years building a legacy that transcends any single role. At 80, with a loving marriage, three granddaughters, a thriving business empire, and a memoir on the way, she remains as elegant and relevant as ever—a true Hollywood survivor who wrote her own second, third, and fourth acts.

If you enjoyed this biography, please share it with fellow classic TV fans and leave a comment with your favorite Kelly Garrett moment.