Cheryl Ladd Wore 'Tiniest Bikini Ever' to Challenge 'Charlie's Angels' Producers

The actress took a stand against the show's bikini-heavy wardrobe by deliberately choosing a swimsuit network censors would reject.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, reflecting dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, red-carpet aesthetic.The glamorous, high-stakes world of 'Charlie's Angels' is captured in this abstract close-up of luxurious textures, evoking the show's iconic style and the unbreakable bond between its stars.Los Angeles Today

In a 50th anniversary panel for 'Charlie's Angels', actress Cheryl Ladd revealed that she purposefully wore the 'tiniest bikini ever' on set to push back against the show's producers, who she said 'liked me in a bikini.' Ladd's co-stars Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson also opened up about their own battles with breast cancer, underscoring the unbreakable bond the 'Angels' share.

Why it matters

Ladd's story highlights the challenges female actors faced in the 1970s to assert control over their on-screen image, as well as the lasting impact of the 'Charlie's Angels' franchise and the real-life camaraderie between its stars.

The details

Cheryl Ladd, who played Kris Munroe on 'Charlie's Angels', revealed that she deliberately wore an extremely revealing bikini on set to push back against producer Aaron Spelling, who she said 'liked me in a bikini.' Ladd said the bikini-heavy wardrobe was 'starting to p--- me off', so she bought 'the tiniest little bikini ever seen on television' that she knew would not pass ABC censors. Ladd's co-stars Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson also joined the panel, and the three women opened up about their shared battles with breast cancer, underscoring the deep bond they formed through their time on the iconic show.

  • In 1977, Ladd took on the role of Kris Munroe in 'Charlie's Angels'.
  • The series aired until 1981.
  • The Paley Center's PaleyFest L.A. panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of 'Charlie's Angels' took place in 2026.

The players

Cheryl Ladd

An actress who played Kris Munroe on the TV series 'Charlie's Angels' from 1977 to 1981.

Aaron Spelling

The producer of 'Charlie's Angels' who Ladd said 'liked me in a bikini'.

Jaclyn Smith

An actress who played Kelly Garrett on 'Charlie's Angels' and is also a breast cancer survivor.

Kate Jackson

An actress who played Sabrina Duncan on 'Charlie's Angels' and is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Farrah Fawcett

An actress who played Jill Munroe on 'Charlie's Angels' in the first season before leaving the show. She later died in 2009 after a battle with anal cancer.

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What they’re saying

“He liked me in a bikini,”

— Cheryl Ladd

“Well, our ratings went up!”

— Jaclyn Smith

“It's really important to understand and embrace not being afraid of getting a mammogram. Early detection is key. Find it early enough, and you'll probably be all right.”

— Kate Jackson

What’s next

The three 'Charlie's Angels' stars are expected to continue making public appearances and speaking out about their shared experiences on the iconic show, as well as their battles with breast cancer, in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary celebration.

The takeaway

Cheryl Ladd's story of challenging the 'Charlie's Angels' producers' bikini-focused wardrobe choices highlights the ongoing struggle for female actors to assert control over their on-screen image, even in the face of industry pressures. The unbreakable bond between the 'Angels' stars, forged through their shared experiences on the show and in life, is a testament to the lasting impact of this groundbreaking television series.