Jaclyn Smith

October 26, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Jaclyn Smith was born on October 26, 1945. In 1969, Smith’s career in television ads got started. She appeared in Charlie’s Angels in 1976, alongside Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, then known by the stage name Farrah Fawcett-Majors. All three became famous because of the program, and one of them even made the cover of “Time” magazine. After playing the lead in the T.V. show “Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy,” for which she received a Golden Globe nomination for ‘Best Actress in a Miniseries or T.V. Film,’ Smith went on to star in several T.V. series and miniseries over the following 20 years, including “Rage of Angels,” “George Washington,” and “The Bourne Identity.”

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Jacquelyn Ellen Smith

Birth date:

October 26, 1945

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 7"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$150 million

Background

Jacquelyn Ellen Smith, the daughter of dentist Jack Smith and Margaret Ellen, was born in Houston, Texas. Her mother’s ancestry was English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh, while her father was of Russian-Jewish background. In 1964, she earned her diploma from Mirabeau B. Lamar High School. She only finished one year of her psychology and acting major at Trinity University, Texas, in San Antonio. She relocated to New York and enrolled at the Balanchine School of American Ballet.

In 1977, Smith’s first acting role was in C.B.S.’s “Escape from Bogen County,” the week’s featured movie. Then, in 1978, she landed a main role with Tony Curtis and John Forsythe, in Joyce Haber’s “The Users.” Smith and Robert Mitchum co-starred in the suspenseful drama “Nightkill,” in 1980. After “Charlie’s Angels” was canceled in 1981, Smith played in the highly praised television movie “Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy” as the show’s titular character, winning a Golden Globe award for ‘Best Actress.‘

Smith made her entrepreneurial debut in 1985 when she debuted her line of women’s clothing for Kmart. She invented the idea that famous people should create their brands rather than just support others. Smith’s several commercial achievements were parodied in “The Simpsons” episode ‘The Fat and the Furriest,’ from season 15, in which the character was shown to have her line of ax heads. Smith agreed to have a documentary team describe her family design principles and connection with Kmart in a Kmart-sponsored internet video series in May 2009. In the autumn of 2008, Kmart shops began carrying Smith’s home goods after the retailer debuted its Jaclyn Smith Today bedding and bathroom accessory collection.

Career timeline

1969

Smith’s Career Begins

She begins her work in television advertising.

1976

Smith Appears in “Charlie's Angels”

Together with Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson, Smith is cast in the movie "Charlie's Angels."

1985

She Enters the Business World

Smith makes her entrepreneurial debut, as she introduces her line of women's clothing for Kmart.

2010

Smith Returns from a Long Break

She makes a comeback to acting with a cameo appearance on the N.B.C. show "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," after a five-year break.

Why We Love Jaclyn Smith

Her style is classic and timeless
Jaclyn Smith is famous for her classic style that never goes out of fashion — it just gets better with age! We love how she always looks chic and polished without going overboard with too much makeup or expensive designer clothes.
She always stands for human rights
Smith always advocates for women's rights and gender equality. For example, when she started in Hollywood, she was often paid less than her male co-stars because they were considered "more valuable" than actresses; Jaclyn refused to work unless she was paid the same as her male counterparts!
She's a role model for women
Jaclyn Smith has always been a career role model for women: she started her career as a model but quickly moved on to acting. She has starred in many movies and T.V. shows over the years, playing serious roles such as "Police Woman and The Love Boat" and doing voice work for animated films such as "The Aristocats and The Rescuers Down Under."

5 Surprising Facts

She’s inspired by a band
‘Kelly Watch the Stars,’ a tune by the French band Air, was written because of Smith's depiction of Kelly Garrett.
How she met her husband
She first met her husband, cardiothoracic surgeon Bradley Allen, when he treated her father for a cardiac ailment.
Most beautiful people in the world
She was on the inaugural list of the ‘50 Most Beautiful People in the World’ by “People” magazine in 1990.
She turned down a big offer
It has been said that Smith turned down the offer to play governor Victoria Winters, in “Dark Shadows”; Alexandra Moltke eventually took the role.
She dreamed of being a ballerina
Smith achieved recognition as a model and actress despite having aspirations of becoming a professional ballerina.

Jaclyn Smith FAQs

How did Jaclyn Smith make her money?

After appearing in the 1970s television series “Charlie’s Angels,” she rose to fame worldwide and built a very successful licensing and product business. Smith effectively invented the idea of famous people starting their goods line.

Are Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith friends?

Ladd received her wings and a lifelong relationship when she joined the “Charlie’s Angels” ensemble. According to the actress, she and her former co-star remain close friends.