Cheryl Ladd, 74, opens up about breast cancer battle

The 'Charlie's Angels' star shares her 'long, hard road' with the disease

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:49am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of the internal anatomy of a human breast, glowing against a dark background and conceptually representing the hidden medical battle with breast cancer.A revealing X-ray view of the internal structures of the breast, capturing the hidden medical challenges that actresses like Cheryl Ladd have bravely confronted.Los Angeles Today

Cheryl Ladd, the 74-year-old actress known for her role on the classic TV series 'Charlie's Angels', opened up about her personal battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer during a PaleyFest 50th anniversary celebration for the show. Ladd spoke candidly about her experience, including going bald for a period of time during treatment, and credited her husband Brian Russell for supporting her through the difficult journey. Ladd's 'Charlie's Angels' co-stars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith, both breast cancer survivors themselves, also shared their own stories and emphasized the importance of early detection.

Why it matters

Ladd's openness about her cancer battle helps raise awareness and destigmatize the disease, especially among older women. Her story also highlights the power of community and support systems during difficult health challenges. As a beloved TV icon, Ladd's willingness to share her personal journey can inspire others facing similar circumstances.

The details

During the PaleyFest event, Ladd described her breast cancer as an 'aggressive form' that left her bald for a significant period of time. She credited her husband Brian Russell for being there for her 'at every turn' throughout her treatment and recovery. Ladd's co-stars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith, who are also breast cancer survivors, offered additional context. Smith revealed that she immediately sent Ladd her own wigs to help, while Jackson has become a strong advocate for early detection after her own two-time battle with the disease.

  • Ladd opened up about her breast cancer battle during the PaleyFest 50th anniversary celebration of 'Charlie's Angels' on April 6, 2026.
  • Ladd's former co-star Farrah Fawcett was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and died from the disease in 2009 at the age of 62.

The players

Cheryl Ladd

A 74-year-old actress best known for her role as Kris Munroe on the classic TV series 'Charlie's Angels', who recently opened up about her personal battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Kate Jackson

A 77-year-old actress who played Sabrina on 'Charlie's Angels' and is a two-time breast cancer survivor who has become a strong advocate for early detection.

Jaclyn Smith

An 80-year-old actress who played Kelly Garrett on 'Charlie's Angels' and is also a breast cancer survivor who emphasizes the importance of early detection.

Brian Russell

Cheryl Ladd's music producer husband who supported her throughout her breast cancer battle.

Farrah Fawcett

The original 'Charlie's Angels' star who was diagnosed with anal cancer in 2006 and died from the disease in 2009 at the age of 62.

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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

“I have a wonderful husband. All through it, he was there for me at every turn, and that makes a difference.”

— 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

“If you find a little something in either of your breasts, don't ignore it. It might be nothing. But go quickly and find out for yourself.”

— Cheryl Ladd, Actress

The takeaway

Cheryl Ladd's openness about her personal battle with an aggressive form of breast cancer, and the support she received from her 'Charlie's Angels' co-stars who have also faced the disease, serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of early detection, community, and perseverance in the face of a health crisis. Her story helps destigmatize the disease and encourages others to be proactive about their own breast health.