Jaclyn Smith's new memoir, "I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie," details challenging dynamics on the set of the 1970s television series "Charlie's Angels," including significant temperamental outbursts from co-star Kate Jackson.
Smith, 80, described Jackson, 77, as a "complex person" whose anger "could get the best of her." In one instance recalled by Smith, Jackson allegedly "flew into a fury over some slight" and, with Smith in her motor home, drove it in circles around the production lot, much to the dismay of the crew. On another occasion, when Jackson, Smith, and the third original Angel, Farrah Fawcett, were asked to forgo their lunch break for a photoshoot, Jackson reportedly "locked" the three of them in her trailer.
According to Smith, Jackson would also use shouting as a method to prepare for scenes, unleashing a barrage of expletives that were loud enough to make crew members blush. Smith noted that Jackson allegedly harbored resentment towards the show, feeling she deserved credit and profit for co-creating the concept of the Angels never meeting their boss, receiving directions instead via speakerphone. Smith wrote that the producers did not agree with Jackson's claim.
Smith also recounted difficulties Jackson had with Cheryl Ladd, who joined the cast in the second season after Farrah Fawcett's departure. "Kate never fully accepted Cheryl," Smith wrote. "Maybe it was because she missed Farrah, and in Kate’s mind no one could take her place."
On-Set Atmosphere
As the series progressed into its later seasons, Smith observed a significant shift in the on-set atmosphere, citing increased drug use. "People were doing drugs, in particular, cocaine … with some people using it constantly," Smith recalled. "The more drug use I saw on set, the more time I spent in my motor home. I was in there a lot by the end of the series."
Smith's memoir also includes an anecdote about Tanya Roberts, another cast member. Smith alleged that Roberts invited her to participate in a threesome with Roberts' husband. Smith declined the offer but praised Roberts' "honesty about her sexuality" as "brave and self-aware."