Charlie's Angels Stars Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith Open Up About Cancer Battles

Ladd reveals secret breast cancer fight, while Smith supported her through the ordeal.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structure of a human breast, glowing against a dark background, conceptually representing the fragility and resilience of the body in the face of cancer.Former Charlie's Angels stars Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith's candid revelations about their personal battles with breast cancer underscore the critical importance of early detection and community support.Hollywood Today

During a PaleyFest reunion, former Charlie's Angels stars Cheryl Ladd and Jaclyn Smith spoke openly about their personal battles with breast cancer. Ladd disclosed that she had recently fought an aggressive form of the disease, while Smith, a breast cancer survivor herself, provided support by sending Ladd wigs during her treatment. Both actresses emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged women to get regular checkups.

Why it matters

The candid revelations from these beloved TV icons shed light on the private struggles many celebrities face, while also serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare and the value of community support during difficult health battles.

The details

Ladd, who played Kris Munroe on the iconic 1970s series, revealed that she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She detailed the physical and emotional toll of her treatment, including losing her hair for a significant period. Meanwhile, Ladd's former co-star Jaclyn Smith, who is also a breast cancer survivor, immediately reached out to support Ladd, sending her personal wigs to help during her recovery.

  • Ladd's cancer diagnosis and treatment occurred recently, prior to the PaleyFest 50th anniversary celebration of Charlie's Angels.
  • Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment in 2002 after a routine mammogram detected the disease.

The players

Cheryl Ladd

An actress best known for playing Kris Munroe on the 1970s TV series Charlie's Angels, Ladd recently revealed that she secretly battled an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Jaclyn Smith

Another former Charlie's Angels star, Smith is also a breast cancer survivor who underwent a lumpectomy and radiation treatment in 2002. She supported Ladd during her cancer battle by sending her personal wigs.

Brian Russell

Ladd's husband, a music producer, who provided unwavering support to his wife throughout her cancer treatment.

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What they’re saying

“Mine was an aggressive form. I had wonderful doctors. But I was bald for quite a while. It was a humbling experience.”

— Cheryl Ladd, Actress

“The first thing I did was send her my wigs. She was so brave. She did have a very aggressive form [of cancer].”

— Jaclyn Smith, Actress

“Early detection is the key. Every minute is important.”

— Jaclyn Smith, Actress

What’s next

Ladd and Smith plan to continue using their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and the value of community support during treatment.

The takeaway

The candid revelations from these beloved TV icons serve as a powerful reminder that even celebrities face private health battles, and that open dialogue, early detection, and a strong support system can make all the difference in overcoming such challenges.