Cheryl Ladd was an American actress who made a lasting mark in both film and television, most famously for her role as Kris Munro, the sharp and fearless private investigator on the hit series “Charlie’s Angels” (ABC, 1976–1981). Now, Cheryl Ladd wasn’t always in the spotlight—she actually grew up in the quiet town of Huron, South Dakota, where she lived a pretty typical life. Back then, Cheryl Ladd was just like any other teenager: she cheered at school games and even worked part-time as a waitress at the local diner. But it didn’t take long for people to notice her natural charm and striking beauty, which were already turning heads by her mid-teens.
Instead of settling into small-town life, Cheryl Ladd decided to chase something bigger. So, with dreams in her heart and determination in her step, she moved to Hollywood to start a career in music. And wouldn’t you know it, things started moving quickly for Cheryl Ladd. She landed a gig as the voice behind Melody Valentine on the animated musical show “Josie and the Pussycats” (CBS, 1970–71). Even though the series only ran for one season, it opened doors for her. Soon after, Cheryl Ladd began appearing as a guest on some of the most popular TV shows of the time, including “The Partridge Family” (ABC, 1970–74) and “Happy Days” (ABC, 1974–1984).
As her acting opportunities grew, Cheryl Ladd realized this might be her true calling. She set aside her music ambitions—for now—and focused on building her presence on screen. Then came the big break in 1977: Cheryl Ladd was cast as Kris Munro on “Charlie’s Angels.” She stepped into the role during the show’s second season, right after Farrah Fawcett departed to explore film roles. Cheryl Ladd stayed with the series for the next four seasons, becoming a household name and cementing her place in pop culture history.
Though Cheryl Ladd never quite replicated that level of fame again, she kept working steadily in the industry. Over the years, she took on various roles in both movies and television, proving her staying power as a performer. Fast forward to 2016, and Cheryl Ladd made a strong return to the small screen with a recurring role on Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed drama “American Crime Story” (FX, 2016– ). In the series, which dramatized the infamous 1995 O.J. Simpson murder trial, Cheryl Ladd portrayed Linell Shapiro, the wife of defense attorney Robert Shapiro. It was another solid reminder that Cheryl Ladd still had what it takes—decades after first capturing audiences’ hearts as one of Charlie’s trusted angels.
When it comes to Cheryl Ladd’s career highlights, one film that really stands out is Permanent Midnight from 1998—it’s widely regarded as her highest rated performance. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised Cheryl Ladd’s role in that movie, often pointing to it as a standout moment in her filmography. On the other hand, looking back at earlier works, Purple Hearts (1984) tends to receive much less acclaim, making it Cheryl Ladd’s lowest rated project to date. While Cheryl Ladd has taken on a variety of roles throughout her career, these two films represent the high and low points in terms of critical reception. It’s interesting to see how Cheryl Ladd’s journey in Hollywood includes such contrasting successes and setbacks.