Jaclyn Smith opened up about her intense work ethic in her decades-long career.
'Charlie's Angels' Star Jaclyn Smith Admits She 'Enjoys Taking on Different Chores' at 79
At 79, Jaclyn Smith is still an angel — but now she’s got an empire of her own!
While starring as private investigator Kelly Garrett on the hit ’70s action series Charlie’s Angels, Smith became a trailblazer by launching her own clothing line — and today, her $150 million name-brand empire includes clothing, perfume, a fabric collection, wigs and even a skin care line!
Jaclyn Smith has a $150 million name-brand empire.
"I owe it all to Charlie’s Angels, which gave me the opportunity,” Smith admitted. “I was the first actress who branded her own line at a time when everyone just lent their name to a product. Everyone said I shouldn’t do it, but it was probably the best thing I’ve ever done. I feel fortunate because you don’t always get the second go-round.”
The daughter of a dentist dad and a mom who dreamed of being a fashion designer in Houston, Smith had a strong work ethic drilled into her from a young age. “I like to work,” she said. “I enjoy taking on different chores.”
Jaclyn Smith grew up in Houston, Texas.
While she was studying to be a dancer, Smith’s beauty and dark, flowing hair made her the perfect model for Breck, Wella Balsam, Max Factor and other brands. That led to a few TV guest appearances and eventually to starring in Charlie’s Angels.
She launched her first clothing line through K-Mart in 1985, and it was a huge hit. Smith's brand has expanded greatly since then, and her fourth husband, Dr. Brad Allen, collaborated on her skin care line. They met when he operated on her dad. Smith’s mom didn’t want her walking alone through the hospital parking garage, so she asked the surgeon to accompany her to her car — a favor he did gladly! They dated for seven years and tied the knot in 1997.
Jaclyn Smith played private investigator Kelly Garrett on 'Charlies' Angels.'
“I trust Brad, and he took the beauty line to another level,” Smith said. “We have similar values and upbringing. Spiritually, we think the same. He’s kind, and I saw a purity of heart.”
Today, Smith is going strong, her health is great and her marriage is stable. She’s also got two grown married kids, son Gaston, 42, and daughter Spencer, 38, around to keep her company.
Jaclyn Smith is married to Dr. Brad Allen.
“Many people said, ‘Why are you doing this? Why don’t you relax and play with your grandkids?’” Smith said. “I am at my best when I am working. My family is always my top priority, but somehow, you make it all work.”