By Angela Mollard
She wasn’t hired as the “smart” one or the “sexy” one — but former Charlie’s Angel Jaclyn Smith was the longest serving of all the girls.
Now, 27 years after the hit 1970s series ended its five-year run, Jaclyn, 62, is back as host of her own reality show, Shear Genius. She tells Woman’s Day about it, her life as an Angel and the Angels’ battles with cancer.
**You’ve juggled your television and film career with raising two children who are now in their 20s. Do you ever regret turning roles down, including the opportunity to be a Bond girl alongside Roger Moore?
** No, a contract is a contract and I couldn’t get out of my contract with Aaron Spelling to do the Bond film. I understood that because if everyone wanted to get out of it there would have been no Charlie’s Angels. Later, my children were always the priority. I wasn’t going to miss the moments with them and if that meant turning down a movie, I did. I have no regrets. I never missed a moment with my kids — I wanted to see every recital, every sports event. I’m not one to say, “Why didn’t I do this or that’. It breeds unhappiness and I’ve been so lucky in life.
**Do you get together often with the other Charlie’s Angels?
** Yeah, we see each other a lot. We have girls’ lunches, dinner, touch base.
**Has your view on life changed since you underwent treatment for breast cancer in 2002?
** Yes, you become very aware that things can change in a minute. I was very fortunate that I had early detection and now I make trips across the US to inform women of breast cancer risk factors. I now exercise more and eat very healthily with no hormones, preservatives or antibiotics. I grab the moment and I’ve become more spiritually aware.
**You are credited with pioneering the idea of a celebrity label since signing up with Kmart 22 years ago. Is it funny seeing so many other celebrities now turning themselves into a brand?
** It was a way for me to give back and to be involved in a creative and artistic process which I love. The clothes have got better and better and millions of women are wearing them. Now I’ve got a line of upholstery, rugs, bedding, and art reproductions so it’s been really exciting. Today everybody has got a brand so I’m proud that I did it 22 years ago.
**When you visited Australia in 2004 you said you’d never had plastic surgery but you wouldn’t rule it out. Has your view changed?
** Yes, I would do it but I haven’t yet. I think surgery is a little scary but whatever makes a person happy is right for them. You have to be careful though because there’s too many people who take it to a scary place. I don’t like a marble face that looks like everything is pulled. Also, skincare can make a world of difference. I don’t drink or smoke and I’ve never touched a drug — all those things are as important as plastic surgery.
**You’ve been married to your fourth husband, heart surgeon Brad Allen, for 11 years. Does it feel like you’ve got it right this time?
** It’s great, I got lucky now and we have a great life together. We’ve lived apart for a while because he was in Chicago then Houston but now we’re together under the one roof. He’s a genuinely pure soul and he’s so enthusiastic, like a boy.
Shear Genius screens Fridays at 9.30pm on Arena.
For more of this interview, see this week’s Woman’s Day (on sale July 21).
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