Jaclyn Smith Reflects on Love, Career, and Family in Memoir

Jaclyn Smith, renowned for her role as Kelly Garrett in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ from 1976 to 1981, unexpectedly found love not in Hollywood, but in her father’s hospital room. At 80, she shared stories from her life in her memoir, ‘I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie.’ Smith revealed her fourth husband, Dr. Brad Allen, and she were apart for 17 out of their 35 years together.

Smith met Allen, now 72, when he assisted in her father’s heart surgery back in 1991. By 1993, Allen took a position at the University of Illinois in Chicago. While he worked there for 17 years, Smith remained in Los Angeles.

‘The greatest love comes when you’re least looking for it,’ Smith said to Fox News Digital. ‘He operated on my dad and looked just like the guys I grew up with. Clean-cut and collegiate. He was so good to my parents.’

After experiencing three divorces and focusing on motherhood, Smith approached her relationship with Allen cautiously. She was not in a hurry to walk down the aisle again. ‘When I met Brad, I had two children,’ she explained. ‘It wasn’t just about my heart. It had to be a three-way decision.’

Smith and Allen married on October 11, 1997, in Los Angeles. Her daughter, then 11, was the maid of honor, and her son, then 15, gave her away. By 2009, Allen had relocated permanently to be with Smith.

For Smith, building a life together is essential in marriage. ‘Your heart beats out at first, then it’s about day-to-day living,’ she remarked. Allen supported her during her breast cancer diagnosis in 2002. Smith is now cancer-free after treatment.

Smith married her first husband, actor Roger Davis, in 1968. She later discovered his infidelity, leading to their split. Her book describes the tumultuous nature of their marriage and her early naivety about love.

Smith elaborated on her romantic journey and the values she holds dear. ‘I was romantic and didn’t look beneath the surface. It looked perfect on paper.’

While Davis and Smith were both actors, differing values caused tensions. ‘Attraction is blind; love comes from learning,’ Smith stated. Today’s dating landscape is different, but she emphasizes the importance of shared values.

When reflecting on career opportunities, such as potentially working with Warren Beatty, Smith holds no regrets. She had no concrete career plan, valuing the path she took. ‘Charlie’s Angels’ was a pivotal chance that shaped her life.

Smith’s later marriages didn’t last, with struggles overshadowing relationships. She married actor Dennis Cole in 1978 and later British cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond, with whom she had two children.

Smith ended her marriage to Richmond, citing his battles with substance abuse. Her priority was to protect her children. ‘I couldn’t stay with a man who chose drugs over family.’

Reflecting on her life’s journey, Smith notes her strength. Despite broken marriages, she cherishes her role as a dedicated parent. ‘I worked hard to be there for my children, more than anything.’