Jaclyn Smith Turned Down Bond Girl Role to Stay on 'Charlie's Angels'

The 'Charlie's Angels' star reveals she was offered the part of Dr. Holly Goodhead in 'Moonraker' but had to decline due to her contract.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:30am

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Jaclyn Smith, the iconic star of the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels', has revealed that she was offered the role of Dr. Holly Goodhead in the 1979 James Bond film 'Moonraker' starring Roger Moore. However, Smith had to turn down the opportunity due to her existing contract with 'Charlie's Angels', which she says she was honoring at the time. The part ultimately went to actress Lois Chiles.

Why it matters

Jaclyn Smith's decision to prioritize her commitment to 'Charlie's Angels' over a potentially career-defining Bond girl role provides insight into the challenges and tough choices faced by actors, especially women, in Hollywood. Her story highlights the power of contract obligations and the importance of loyalty, as well as the unpredictable nature of an acting career where opportunities can arise and disappear quickly.

The details

In a recent interview at the 'Charlie's Angels' 50th anniversary reunion at PaleyFest, Smith revealed that she was offered the part of Dr. Holly Goodhead in the 1979 Bond film 'Moonraker'. However, she had to turn it down because of her existing contract with the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels', which she says she was honoring at the time. Smith explained that her 'Houston upbringing' and loyalty to producer Aaron Spelling, who first 'invited her to the party', led her to prioritize her work on 'Charlie's Angels' over the Bond girl opportunity.

  • In 1979, Jaclyn Smith was offered the role of Dr. Holly Goodhead in the James Bond film 'Moonraker'.
  • In 2026, Jaclyn Smith discussed turning down the Bond girl role during the 'Charlie's Angels' 50th anniversary reunion at PaleyFest.

The players

Jaclyn Smith

An American actress best known for her starring role as Kelly Garrett in the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels'. She was offered the part of Dr. Holly Goodhead in the 1979 James Bond film 'Moonraker' but had to decline due to her 'Charlie's Angels' contract.

Aaron Spelling

An American television and film producer who created the hit TV series 'Charlie's Angels', which Jaclyn Smith starred in. Smith says Spelling was the first to 'invite her to the party', leading her to prioritize her work on the show over the Bond girl opportunity.

Lois Chiles

An American actress who ultimately played the role of Dr. Holly Goodhead in the 1979 James Bond film 'Moonraker' after Jaclyn Smith turned it down.

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What they’re saying

“I had a contract [for 'Charlie's Angels'] and, you know, Houston upbringing, you follow your contract. And Aaron [Spelling] was the first to invite me to the party, so I was honoring my contract.”

— Jaclyn Smith, Actress

“I think things happen for a reason, I really do, so I have no complaints.”

— Jaclyn Smith, Actress

What’s next

Jaclyn Smith's fans and admirers will likely continue to speculate about how her career might have unfolded if she had accepted the Bond girl role in 'Moonraker'. However, the actress seems content with the path she chose, staying loyal to the hit show that made her a star.

The takeaway

Jaclyn Smith's decision to turn down a potentially career-defining Bond girl role in order to honor her commitment to 'Charlie's Angels' highlights the tough choices actors, especially women, often face in Hollywood. Her story serves as a reminder that loyalty, integrity, and following one's instincts can sometimes take precedence over immediate opportunities, and that the 'road not taken' may not always be the one that leads to the greatest success.