Jaclyn Smith Details Threesome Proposal and Set Secrets in New Memoir

POLICY WIRE — New York, United States — Actor Jaclyn Smith has shared a series of behind-the-scenes revelations in her upcoming memoir, titled I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie. Among the accounts, the 80-year-old alleges that her late co-star Tanya Roberts and Roberts’ husband, Barry Roberts, once propositioned her for a threesome.

According to reports from People, Smith explains in the book that the couple maintained an open marriage. Smith noted that Roberts felt entirely uninhibited regarding her lifestyle and openly invited others to swing with them.

The proposition occurred while the cast members were traveling on a flight to Hawaii to film episodes for Charlie’s Angels. Smith declined the offer, though she maintained a level of admiration for Roberts and her brave, self-aware honesty regarding her sexuality.

Roberts famously portrayed Julie Rogers during the fifth and final season of the detective drama. She stepped into the role after replacing Shelley Hack, who had previously taken over the part from original cast member Kate Jackson.

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the franchise during a conversation with People, Smith expressed amazement at the enduring interest surrounding the cult series. She shared that fans continue to mail in photographs for her signature on a daily basis, marveling at the unexpected longevity of the show.

Smith originally starred as Kelly Garrett alongside Jackson and Farrah Fawcett when the iconic series debuted in 1976. She recalled that the original trio simply hoped to attract viewers, noting that they quickly secured a massive audience.

Beyond the casting dynamics, Smith’s memoir offers a deeper look into the off-camera environment during production. She writes that cocaine became an increasingly persistent presence as the television series progressed over time.

To distance herself from the environment, Smith spent significant time isolating herself inside her motor home by the end of the run. Witnessing the effects of the substance ultimately led her to vow never to touch it, observing firsthand how the drug could bring out the worst traits in individuals.

Even five decades later, Charlie’s Angels retains a dedicated following via DVD releases and television reruns. The original television property also paved the way for a major feature film franchise headlined by Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu.

Earlier in the year, Smith joined fellow cast members Jackson and Cheryl Ladd for a reunion appearance at PaleyFest LA 2026. Their former co-star Farrah Fawcett passed away in 2009 at the age of 62.

During a panel discussion at the festival, Jackson pointed to the distinct interpersonal chemistry as a core driver of the program’s enduring appeal. She emphasized that the original three leads maintain a lifelong bond like sisters and expressed astonishment that supporters have remained loyal for half a century.

Jackson added that she felt an immediate sense of confidence in the project’s success from day one. While filming the pilot episode, she never experienced any doubts that the unique production would become a major hit.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)