Cheryl Ladd has publicly shared her breast cancer diagnosis for the first time, revealing her personal battle during a poignant appearance at PaleyFest in Los Angeles. The event, held on Monday, honored the 50th anniversary of the iconic television series "Charlie's Angels," where Ladd reunited with former co-stars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith.
A Humbling Journey Through Treatment
Speaking candidly at a panel discussion, Ladd disclosed that she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Although she did not specify when the diagnosis occurred, she described undergoing chemotherapy, which led to her losing her hair. "It's a humbling experience, and yet I had wonderful doctors and a wonderful husband who helped me fight all through it," the 74-year-old actor explained, as reported by People magazine.
She recounted the challenging road to recovery, noting, "Eventually, I started to get little sprouts of hair. It was a long, long, hard road, but you just get on with it." This heartfelt revelation marked a significant moment, as Ladd has previously kept her health struggles private.
Fellow Angels as Survivors
The panel highlighted a powerful connection among the stars, as NBC's "Today" segment pointed out on Tuesday that both Kate Jackson, 77, and Jaclyn Smith, 80, are also breast cancer survivors. This shared experience fostered a deep bond, with Smith emphasizing the importance of support. "It just connects you because you know what they're going through," Smith said. "And that's when I talk about the power of girlfriends."
Jackson used the platform to advocate for early detection, stressing its critical role in cancer outcomes. "It's really important to understand and embrace not being afraid of getting a mammogram," she stated, per Variety. "Early detection is key. Find it early enough and you'll probably be all right."
Remembering Farrah Fawcett
The discussion also touched on the legacy of Farrah Fawcett, who starred in the premiere season of "Charlie's Angels" before Ladd joined the cast in Season 2. Fawcett died of anal cancer in 2009 at age 62, adding a somber note to the celebration of survival and resilience among the cast members.
Ladd's Continued Career
Since "Charlie's Angels" concluded its five-season run in 1981, Cheryl Ladd has maintained an active acting career. In 2016, she appeared in "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" as Linell Shapiro, the wife of defense attorney Robert Shapiro, portrayed by John Travolta. More recently, in 2022, she was a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars."
Her filmography includes numerous made-for-television movies, such as "A Christmas for the Ages" and "The Christmas Contract," showcasing her enduring presence in the entertainment industry. This PaleyFest panel not only celebrated a television milestone but also shed light on the personal health battles faced by its stars, inspiring awareness and solidarity among audiences.
