Dive deep into the fascinating true story of how Jaclyn Smith, then riding high as a Charlie’s Angels icon, initially rejected The Love Boat—only to be persuaded by producer Aaron Spelling with a luxurious green Jaguar, a cameo that unexpectedly led to a real-life marriage.
In the vibrant television landscape of the late 1970s, few stars shone as brightly as Jaclyn Smith. As the elegant and formidable Kelly Garrett on ABC’s hit detective drama Charlie’s Angels, Smith was a household name. She was, notably, the only cast member to remain on the show for all five seasons, from 1976 to 1981, cementing her status as a television icon.
Her unparalleled success afforded Smith the luxury of being discerning about her acting roles. So, when the call came from the new romantic comedy-drama series The Love Boat in 1977, her initial response was a firm “no.” But producer Aaron Spelling, a mastermind of 70s and 80s television, was determined to have the beloved angel grace his new series.
The Green Jaguar Bribe: A Producer’s Desperate Measure
Spelling’s desire to secure Jaclyn Smith’s guest appearance on The Love Boat was so intense that he resorted to an extraordinary incentive. This captivating detail was revealed by The Love Boat star Ted Lange, who played the iconic bartender Isaac Washington, during the CW’s documentary series TV We Love.
“Sometimes in order to get a big star on the show, Aaron had to be very generous,” Lange recalled, as reported by Remind magazine. “Jackie Smith from Charlie’s Angels — she didn’t want to do our show. So, Aaron says ‘What’s your favorite car?’ She says ‘Jaguar. Green.’ She got a Jaguar! Green!” This extravagant bribe ultimately sealed the deal, highlighting the lengths producers would go to secure top-tier talent for their shows.
From Guest Star to Real-Life Romance: ‘A Tasteful Affair’
Jaclyn Smith made her debut on The Love Boat in the Season 1 episode “A Tasteful Affair,” which aired on October 1, 1977. She portrayed Janette Bradford, and her cameo offered more than just a luxury car. The episode featured her then-boyfriend, Dennis Cole, as a private investigator tracking her character aboard the Pacific Princess.
Smith and Cole had originally met when he guest-starred on Charlie’s Angels. Their on-screen reunion on The Love Boat solidified their romance, leading them to marry just one year later, in November 1978. Their relationship became a real-life fairytale that captivated fans, further intertwining their careers and personal lives.
The Crossover Event: ‘Love Boat Angels’
While the initial guest spot required a significant inducement, Jaclyn Smith returned to the famed TV cruise line for a unique crossover event. In 1979, Charlie’s Angels aired the episode “Love Boat Angels,” which saw the Angels—including Smith’s Kelly Garrett—embark on the Pacific Princess to capture art thief Paul Hollister (Bert Convy).
This memorable episode was significant for several reasons. It marked the first appearance of the new Townsend Agency recruit, Tiffany Welles (played by Shelley Hack), and featured many familiar faces from The Love Boat cast, including Ted Lange, Gavin MacLeod, Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, and Lauren Tewes. The crossover perfectly blended two of ABC’s most popular series, much to the delight of fans.
Fame’s Strain: The End of a Marriage
Despite the romantic beginning, Jaclyn Smith’s marriage to Dennis Cole eventually ended four years after their Love Boat appearance. Smith candidly discussed the pressures of her burgeoning fame on their relationship with People magazine.
“All the publicity contributed to the breakup,” she explained. “I guess a man doesn’t want competition, and I understand that. …I understood Dennis wanted to be the head of the house, and the papers were calling him ‘Mr. Jaclyn Smith.’” Her honesty shed light on the challenges many celebrities face in balancing personal relationships with the demands of an intensely public career.
Jaclyn Smith’s Enduring Legacy
Even at 80 years old, Jaclyn Smith continues to captivate audiences with her timeless glamour and talent. Her career spans numerous television and movie credits beyond Charlie’s Angels and The Love Boat, including appearances in The Partridge Family, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and even cameo roles as Kelly Garrett in the 2003 and 2019 Charlie’s Angels films. Her story is a testament to an enduring career shaped by iconic roles, unexpected opportunities, and the ever-present spotlight of Hollywood.
