Cheryl Ladd Defied 'Charlie's Angels' Producers with Tiny Bikini

The actress took a stand against wardrobe choices on the iconic 1970s series.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the glamour and rebellious spirit of 1970s TV stardom.A defiant act of on-set rebellion sparks a ratings surge for the iconic 1970s TV series 'Charlie's Angels'.Los Angeles Today

Cheryl Ladd, who played Kris Munroe on the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels', revealed that she purposefully wore the 'tiniest little bikini ever seen on television' to defy producer Aaron Spelling's preference for her wearing revealing swimsuits on the show. Ladd said she made her point, and the show's ratings even went up afterwards.

Why it matters

Ladd's story highlights the power dynamics and gender dynamics that could exist on set, where actresses were sometimes expected to wear revealing outfits that made them uncomfortable. Her act of defiance showed her willingness to stand up for herself and push back against producers' demands.

The details

In 1977, Ladd joined the cast of 'Charlie's Angels' as Kris Munroe, the younger sister of Farrah Fawcett's character. Ladd said producer Aaron Spelling 'liked me in a bikini' and that she wore so many two-piece swimsuits on the show that 'it was starting to p--- me off.' To make her point, Ladd went out and bought 'the tiniest little bikini ever seen on television' and wore it on set, even though she knew it wouldn't pass ABC censors. Ladd said she heard Spelling wasn't happy, but 'I made my point. And when I was wearing a swimming suit, it was something I felt comfortable in.' Her co-star Jaclyn Smith joked that the show's ratings even went up after Ladd's defiant act.

  • In 1977, Ladd joined the cast of 'Charlie's Angels'.
  • Ladd wore the 'tiniest little bikini ever seen on television' during filming.

The players

Cheryl Ladd

An actress who played Kris Munroe on the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels' in the 1970s.

Aaron Spelling

The producer of 'Charlie's Angels' who preferred Ladd to wear revealing swimsuits on the show.

Jaclyn Smith

Ladd's co-star on 'Charlie's Angels' who joked that the show's ratings went up after Ladd's defiant act.

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What they’re saying

“He liked me in a bikini.”

— Cheryl Ladd, Actress

“Well, our ratings went up!”

— Jaclyn Smith, Actress

The takeaway

Cheryl Ladd's story highlights the power dynamics and gender dynamics that could exist on set, where actresses were sometimes expected to wear revealing outfits that made them uncomfortable. Her act of defiance showed her willingness to stand up for herself and push back against producers' demands, ultimately leading to a boost in the show's ratings.