Cheryl Ladd facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cheryl Ladd
Ladd in 2001
Born	Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor (1951-07-12) July 12, 1951 (age 74) Huron, South Dakota, U.S.
Occupation	Actress singer author
Years active	1970–present
Known for	Charlie's Angels Purple Hearts Millennium One West Waikiki Las Vegas Grace Kelly
Spouse(s)	David Ladd ​ ​ (m. 1973; div. 1980)​ Brian Russell ​ ​ (m. 1981)​
Children	2, including Jordan Ladd
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Cheryl Ladd (born Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor on July 12, 1951) is an American actress, singer, and author. She is most famous for playing Kris Munroe in the TV show Charlie's Angels. She joined the cast in 1977 and stayed until the show ended in 1981. Besides Charlie's Angels, Cheryl Ladd has appeared in many movies and TV shows, and she has also released music albums.

Early Life and Beginnings

Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor was born in Huron, South Dakota, on July 12, 1951. Her mother, Dolores, was a waitress, and her father, Marion, was a railroad engineer. After finishing high school, Cheryl traveled with a band called The Music Shop. They performed in different places across the United States Midwest. In 1970, she moved to Los Angeles to start her career.

Starting a Career in Hollywood

Cheryl Ladd first came to Hollywood hoping to become a singer. She was even the singing voice for a character named Melody on the cartoon show Josie and the Pussycats. She also sang on the show's album in 1970.

However, she soon started getting acting jobs. She appeared in commercials and had guest roles on popular TV shows. Some of these shows included The Rookies, The Partridge Family, Police Woman, and Happy Days.

Becoming a Charlie's Angel

Ladd (middle) as Kris Munroe in Charlie's Angels

Cheryl Ladd's big break in acting came in 1977. She was chosen to join the TV series Charlie's Angels. She replaced Farrah Fawcett, who had left the show after just one season. To help viewers get used to the change, the show's creators decided to make Cheryl's character, Kris, the younger sister of Farrah's character. This made her an instant part of the "Angels family."

Cheryl Ladd remained a main character on Charlie's Angels for four seasons. She stayed with the show until it was canceled in June 1981.

Music Success During Charlie's Angels

While she was a star on Charlie's Angels, Cheryl Ladd used her fame to boost her music career. She appeared on musical TV specials and even sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XIV in January 1980. She released three music albums during this time. One of her songs became a top-40 hit, and she earned a gold record for one of her albums.

Later Career and Other Ventures

Cheryl Ladd in 2007

After Charlie's Angels, Cheryl Ladd continued to be a well-known face on television. She starred in more than 30 TV movies. One notable role was playing Grace Kelly, a famous Hollywood actress who became a princess.

She also appeared in several feature films. These included Purple Hearts (1984) and Poison Ivy (1992), which also featured Drew Barrymore. Drew Barrymore later starred in the Charlie's Angels movies. Cheryl Ladd also had a lead role in the TV series One West Waikiki (1994–96). She made guest appearances on other popular TV shows like Charmed and CSI: Miami. From 2003 to 2008, she played Jillian Deline in the TV drama Las Vegas.

Author and Broadway Star

In 1996, Cheryl Ladd wrote a children's book called The Adventures of Little Nettie Windship. Later, in 2005, she published an autobiography titled Token Chick: A Woman's Guide to Golfing With the Boys. This book shared her love for golf. For several years, she even hosted a golf tournament.

In September 2000, Cheryl Ladd performed on Broadway. She took over the main role in the musical Annie Get Your Gun. She played the part until January 2001.

In 2010, Cheryl Ladd and her Charlie's Angels co-star Jaclyn Smith received the TV Land Pop Culture Award for their work on the show. Cheryl Ladd has continued to act in TV productions, including the movie Love's Everlasting Courage and episodes of NCIS and Chuck. In 2022, she was a contestant on Dancing with the Stars.

Personal Life

Cheryl Ladd married actor David Ladd in 1973. David is the son of famous actor Alan Ladd. They have a daughter named Jordan Ladd, who is also an actress. Cheryl kept the surname Ladd after they divorced in 1980.

Since 1981, Cheryl Ladd has been married to music producer Brian Russell. She also has a stepdaughter, Lindsay Russell. Cheryl Ladd is an ambassador for Childhelp, a non-profit organization that works to prevent and treat child abuse.

Film and Television Roles

Film Appearances

Television Roles

Music Albums

Cheryl Ladd released several music albums during her career. Her 1978 album, Cheryl Ladd, reached number 129 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The song "Think It Over" from that album became a hit, reaching number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

See also

In Spanish: Cheryl Ladd para niños