
Cheryl Ladd
Also known as: Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor, Cheryl Jean
Birthday
July 12, 1951
Birth Sign
Cancer
Birthplace
Huron, South Dakota
Age
75 years old
Height
5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
About
Cheryl Ladd is an American actress, singer, and author whose career has spanned over five decades. A Cancer by birth sign, she rose to global prominence as Kris Munroe, the third "Angel" added to the cast of ABC's Charlie's Angels in 1977, replacing Farrah Fawcett-Majors. Her tenure on the show lasted until its cancellation in 1981, establishing her as a defining figure of 1970s pop culture. Standing approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall with blonde hair and blue eyes, she cultivated an "All-American" look that became iconic during the height of her fame. Beyond her television stardom, Ladd transitioned into film, appearing in notable titles such as Purple Hearts (1984), Millennium (1989), Lisa (1990), Poison Ivy (1992), and Permanent Midnight (1998). In recent years, she has continued to act with credits including Unforgettable (2017) and the independent film A Christmas for the Ages. She remains a resilient figure in the industry, balancing her work as an author with public advocacy.
Early Life & Background
Born Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor on July 12, 1951, in Huron, South Dakota, Ladd grew up in a small town where she developed an early interest in performance. She attended high school in her hometown before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her artistic ambitions. Her initial foray into the entertainment industry was not acting but singing. She signed with Capitol Records and released country-pop music in the early 1970s. Her musical career included the release of the album Cheryl Ladd in 1973 and the single "I'm Not Lisa." This song became a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1977 after being featured in the film Smokey and the Bandit II. This crossover success paved the way for her casting in Charlie's Angels.
Before her television stardom, Ladd pursued a successful career in country music, releasing several albums and singles. She trained in ballet and tap as a child, which contributed to her physical agility later in life. Her move to Los Angeles marked a significant shift from her rural roots to the heart of the entertainment industry. She worked hard to establish herself as a recording artist before breaking into the world of acting. The success of "I'm Not Lisa" gave her the visibility needed to audition for major television roles. By the time she joined the cast of Charlie's Angels, she had already proven her ability to connect with audiences through music.
Career Growth
Ladd's career breakthrough occurred when she joined Charlie's Angels in its second season in 1977. As Kris Munroe, she brought a distinct energy to the series, often portrayed as the younger, more athletic member of the team. The show was a massive commercial success, ranking among the top-rated programs of the late 1970s. Her role earned her two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film in 1978 and 1979, though she did not win these specific awards. Beyond Charlie's Angels, Ladd maintained a steady presence in Hollywood. In the 1980s, she starred in the war drama Purple Hearts alongside John Travolta and the sci-fi horror Millennium.
In the 1990s, she appeared in the psychological thriller Lisa and the cult classic Poison Ivy. Her filmography also includes roles in Permanent Midnight in 1998 and Unforgettable in 2017. In addition to acting and singing, Ladd has authored books, including The Secret Life of Charlie's Angels and Cheryl Ladd: My Story, detailing her experiences in the industry. In 2014, she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to television. In April 2026, she participated in the Charlie's Angels 50th-anniversary celebrations, reuniting with co-stars Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith for interviews and promotional events. She continues to act and make public appearances, maintaining a connection with her fans through social media and reunions.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Cheryl Ladd is generally portrayed as a resilient, down-to-earth, and talented individual. Media coverage often highlights her longevity in the industry and her ability to reinvent herself across different genres. Her social media voice is positive and engaging, often focusing on gratitude, family, and advocacy. In April 2026, she publicly revealed that she had survived an aggressive battle with breast cancer. Speaking to AARP and Fox News, she described the diagnosis and treatment process, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Her openness about the illness has been praised by fans and advocacy groups, adding a layer of resilience to her public image. She maintains an active presence on Instagram (@angelcherylladd) and X (formerly Twitter) (@realcherylladd), where she shares updates on her life, family, and professional endeavors. Her follower counts remain strong, reflecting her enduring fanbase.
Fame & Fandom
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While there is no official fandom name for Cheryl Ladd, fans of Charlie's Angels often refer to themselves as "Angels." The fanbase is highly organized, with online communities dedicated to discussing the show's legacy, sharing memorabilia, and organizing reunions. Notable fan campaigns include petitions to bring back Charlie's Angels for a reboot and charity drives in Ladd's name following her cancer diagnosis. Fans frequently celebrate her birthday on July 12th with tributes on social media. Legends and iconic moments surrounding Cheryl Ladd center on her entrance into Charlie's Angels. When she joined the cast in 1977, she was immediately compared to Farrah Fawcett, who had just left the show. Ladd's portrayal of Kris Munroe, with her athletic prowess and youthful charm, helped revitalize the series. One widely retold story involves her performing many of her own stunts on the show, which was unusual for female actors at the time. Another iconic moment was her appearance on the cover of TV Guide in 1978, which solidified her status as a pop culture icon. These stories are verified through interviews and archival footage.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Her song "I'm Not Lisa" was written by Shelly Fabian and became a signature track. She was also a skilled dancer, having trained in ballet and tap as a child. Another notable fact is her involvement in the production of Charlie's Angels spin-offs and reunions. She has also been an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes. Interesting trivia and lesser-known facts include her early success as a country singer, which predated her acting career. One widely retold story involves her performing many of her own stunts on the show, which was unusual for female actors at the time. Her song "I'm Not Lisa" was written by Shelly Fabian and became a signature track. She was also a skilled dancer, having trained in ballet and tap as a child. Another notable fact is her involvement in the production of Charlie's Angels spin-offs and reunions. She has also been an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes.
Notable Quotes
“It was a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. It changed my life forever.”
“Early detection saved my life. I want every woman to know that getting screened is crucial.”
“Singing came naturally to me, even before I stepped onto the set of Charlie's Angels.”
Family & Personal Life
Cheryl Ladd has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor David Ladd (born David Russell Ladd), son of director Jon Ladd. They were married from 1971 to 1976. During this period, they had one child together, a daughter named Tessa Ladd. The couple divorced in 1976. Following her divorce from David Ladd, Cheryl married Brian Russell, a producer and director, in 1983. Their marriage lasted until 1995, ending in divorce. There are no public records of children from her marriage to Brian Russell. As of 2026, Cheryl Ladd is reported to be single. Recent news reports and interviews do not indicate any current romantic partnerships or engagements. She resides primarily in California, maintaining a private life away from the spotlight despite her enduring fame.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Cheryl Ladd has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor David Ladd (born David Russell Ladd), son of director Jon Ladd. They were married from 1971 to 1976. During this period, they had one child together, a daughter named Tessa Ladd. The couple divorced in 1976. Following her divorce from David Ladd, Cheryl married Brian Russell, a producer and director, in 1983. Their marriage lasted until 1995, ending in divorce. There are no public records of children from her marriage to Brian Russell. As of 2026, Cheryl Ladd is reported to be single. Recent news reports and interviews do not indicate any current romantic partnerships or engagements. She resides primarily in California, maintaining a private life away from the spotlight despite her enduring fame.
- MarriedDavid Ladd1971 - 1976They had one daughter together, Tessa Ladd.
- MarriedBrian Russell1983 - 1995A producer and director; no children from this marriage.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$22 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
As of 2026, Cheryl Ladd's net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million. Celebrity Net Worth estimates her wealth at approximately $18 million, citing earnings from her long-running television career, film roles, music sales, book royalties, and residuals. Other sources, such as Wealthy Gorilla, suggest a slightly lower figure of $12 million, while some fan-driven sites estimate it closer to $25 million due to the enduring popularity of Charlie's Angels. The consensus average places her net worth around $18 million. Her wealth is derived primarily from residuals from Charlie's Angels, which continues to generate revenue through syndication and streaming. She also earns from her music catalog, book sales, and occasional speaking engagements. Real estate holdings include properties in California, though specific valuations are not publicly disclosed. The financial trajectory of her career shows steady growth over the decades, supported by the timeless appeal of her most famous role.
Awards Won (1)
Ladd received two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress – Series, Miniseries or Television Film in 1978 and 1979 for her work on Charlie's Angels. She was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. She has received numerous honors and distinctions throughout her career, including recognition for her humanitarian efforts and contributions to the arts.
2014 · Television
Career Achievement
Known For
Charlie's Angels
1977 · Kris Munroe
Purple Hearts
1984 · Lt. Julie Kurtz
Milennium
1989 · Dr. Ellen Krieger
Poison Ivy
1992 · Maggie Mauser
Permanent Midnight
1998 · Lori
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- actor, singer, television actor
- Born
- July 12, 1951
- Birthplace
- Huron, South Dakota
- Gender
- Female
- Spouse
- David Ladd, Brian Russell
- Birth Sign
- Cancer
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor
- Height
- 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
- Spouse
- David Ladd, Brian Russell
- Children
- Tessa Ladd
- Education
- Huron High School
Filmography
67
Total
32
Film
35
TV
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Cheryl Ladd?
Who was Cheryl Ladd married to?
What is Cheryl Ladd's net worth?
Did Cheryl Ladd have breast cancer?
What is Cheryl Ladd best known for?
Social Media
Similar People
Join the community
fans discussing

