Jaclyn Smith Found Love at 51 with Doctor Who Healed Her Father — a Heartwarming Love Story

Famous for “Charlie’s Angels,” Jaclyn Smith was married three times before meeting Dr. Brad Allen, the love of her life. Together, they experienced all of life’s highs and lows, including her cancer fight, which caused her to “panic.”

Jaclyn Smith made her television debut in 1976 when “Charlie’s Angels,” one of the greatest shows ever, premiered on ABC. The actress gained rapid notoriety and received numerous honors for her work, including a Golden Globe nomination.

After that, the actress starred in a number of films and television programs, but she still desired a family. Before having kids, she also desired to be married and in love. However, her quest to find Prince Charming was not easy.

Jaclyn Smith at a perfume counter; circa 1970 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

She had three marriages prior to meeting Mr. Right, but her love life had prepared her for the greatest love of her life. She wed actor Roger Davis prior to her ascent to fame on the popular ABC series. They were wed in 1968 and separated in 1975.

Dennis Cole made a cameo appearance on “Charlie’s Angels” in the year that Smith met her second husband. 1978 saw their marriage, and 1981 saw their breakup. The actress was adamant about finding love, though.

Jaclyn Smith marries Dennis Cole (1949-2009) on October 29, 1978 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

After her 1981 marriage to well-known filmmaker Tony Richmond, it appeared that she had at last found the ideal partner with whom to begin a family. Together, they gave birth to two children: Spencer Margaret in 1985 and Gaston in 1982.

Jaclyn Smith and husband Tony Richmond during Jaclyn Smith Sighting in London – August 10, 1981 in London, Great Britain. | Source: Getty Images

She turned her attention to being a mother. For her, it was far more significant than acting or pursuing any other kind of job. The actress said to People in 2017:

“Oh my God, the love you have for your kids is so pure. But there are no words for how massive this is.”

Sadly, her and their father’s relationship was short-lived as they decided to get divorced in 1989. But as they say, the fourth time really is the charm. In 1997, she married the wonderful Dr. Brad Allen following a meeting fit for a motion picture.

Smith’s mother asked the cardiothoracic surgeon to talk with Smith after the surgery, since he had saved her father during the procedure. Later, he made sure she wouldn’t be alone by accompanying her to the hospital parking garage.

She recognized “a purity of heart” in Allen, and that’s why they fell in love, the actress said in a 2014 interview with Closer Weekly. The pair is now set to celebrate their 27th anniversary on October 11 and shows that anyone can find the right person because their love hasn’t diminished in the slightest. You must make as many attempts as you can.

Brad Allen, the Best Stepfather, and Support Through Cancer


The most significant function in Smith’s life is that of a mother; she is also a grandma at this point. Finding the perfect man, though, meant getting married to a man who would support her kids even if he wasn’t their biological father.

Allen was flawless. He took on the role of stepfather for the kids, raising Gaston and Spencer as his own. But in 2002, something unsettling would put their love to the test, and it might have been the end of their romance.

Beverly Hills,Ca Jacqueline Smith Leaving The Rear Exit Of The Methodist Church Where She Just Got Married To Dr. Brent Allen. | Source: Getty Images

The actress visits her physician on a yearly basis since she is concerned about her health. When she went for a normal visit in 2002, the doctor informed her that a biopsy of some of her breast tissue was necessary.

That occurs frequently. It’s not usually a sign of problem to get a biopsy, and Smith felt confident it would provide no results. She never expected the outcome because she had a lot of things to perform a few days later before heading on a major vacation to New York with Spencer.

The actress recounted that when she went into the doctor’s office, someone questioned her if she “was alone.” In retrospect, Smith claimed, that ought to have been the first sign that something wasn’t quite right. The doctor then at last disclosed her diagnosis.

The actress’s left breast was cancerous. Thankfully, it was tiny, and because she underwent yearly mammograms, they had discovered it in time. Smith “panicked,” nonetheless, because cancer can still be terrible.

Jaclyn Smith at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on May 09, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

In addition, she was in a fog and was not paying attention to or processing what the doctor was saying. That’s how unexpected the news was. Smith remembered:

The actress’s daughter was going to learn dance with Alvin Ailey, so all she could think about was their journey to New York. At the time, she was still a high school student. Smith was concerned about them even though her brother is four years older.

Fortunately, the doctor said that she had an excellent prognosis and that they could treat her conservatively. But it was not Smith’s desire. Almost instantly, she begged him for a mastectomy:

“I said, ‘Just cut my breast off,’ at that very moment. I’d rather not have to deal with it. I just wanted to get it over with.”

Later on, the actress acknowledged that she was “right mind” at the time. Her only source of guidance was dread, which was too difficult to subdue. That day, Smith had a meeting with a surgeon. Smith walked to her car and made calls to her loved ones when she had calmed down.

The actress’s mother and Allen did not immediately accept the news that she had cancer. But when they saw how serious it was, they soon joined her in Los Angeles. The fact that Smith understood very little about breast cancer was the worst thing.

She couldn’t sleep that night because she was so terrified of the dark. For the first three days following the news, she sobbed every morning at breakfast while she was alone herself. “I entered a shadowy area. However, I went on to read and educate myself,” Smith said.

Thankfully, the actress wasn’t by herself. In addition to receiving support from her loved ones, she also sought advice from her friends, including former “Charlie’s Angels” co-star Kate Jackson.

Kate Jackson in the United States in 1976. | Source: Getty Images

After she gained more knowledge about the condition, everything appeared to fit together. The doctor assured her that the illness had not reached her lymph nodes, which simplified the course of therapy. That meant she wouldn’t need chemotherapy, which at the time was a huge worry.

She had already abandoned her plan for a mastectomy. Smith carefully considered her alternatives and decided on a lumpectomy and eight weeks of radiation therapy. In addition, the actress continued to work since she owned a home products brand and a clothes line at Kmart.

Jaclyn Smith with her children, Gaston and Spencer Margaret at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on June 18, 2003 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Alongside Draw Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu, she also starred in the 2003 film “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle”. Smith also starred in Craig T. Nelson’s “The District” on a regular basis during the time. That wasn’t simple, though, as the actress claimed:

Smith recollected how “amazing” it felt to go from intense fear to more investigation and comprehension of the circumstances. She eventually mustered the bravery to defend her health. She has frequently discussed this idea with her kids and feels that overcoming one’s concerns is a good thing.

Everything was made simpler to endure by the support of her spouse, kids, friends, and extended family throughout. Allen was her rock as a physician and stayed by her side throughout the radiation. Though it could have faded, their love for one another only became stronger.

Above all, Smith wants yearly physicals for all people since early detection is the key to cancer treatment. She clarified that there were no lumps on her mammography from a year prior, which was flawless. Your health can change significantly in just a single year.

Despite not having cancer for more than 20 years, the actress still goes to her doctors on a regular basis and doesn’t take anything for granted. She used to enjoy French fries, but now she never eats them, keeps a low-fat diet, and works out frequently.

Twenty-Seven Years of Marriage and a Happy Family


Smith and Allen lived their lives surrounded by more love than most people could imagine once her cancer was gone. They have been married for 27 years and counting. The specific formula for their partnership is not a secret. However, the actor stated to Closer Weekly:

Smith responded that love does get better with age since everyone wants to feel safer every day. People desire a true life partner—someone who will always have their back. That’s what she and Allen have repeatedly done for one another.

The “Charlie’s Angels” actress recently shared her husband’s fitness regimen. While enjoying the holidays, they continued their physical activity for health reasons. While having a great time, they encourage one another to maintain their exercise regimens.

Smith shared videos of them working on their core strength and performing exercises like squats on her Instagram feed. Between each sit-up, they would also show off their affection with quick kisses.

The pair also takes frequent trips together. In 2017, they took a trip to Europe and made even more priceless moments that stoked their love.

The actress has multiple skincare, apparel, and other businesses in addition to working out with her spouse. She even owns a wig business, so she’s constantly on the road marketing her goods.

But her family is her main priority, especially now that she is a grandmother. Now that Spencer and Gaston are parents, Jaclyn is ecstatic to spoil her grandkids. In addition, Allen has accepted his role as Bea Kranz’s and Olivia Rose Richmond’s grandfather. He’s known by the kids as “Pop-Pop.”

Being a grandma has brought an additional level of love into the life of someone who has always prioritized her position as a mother above everything else. That’s difficult to convey, though, the actress says.

“In my life, it’s the best thing. If I could, I would steal them. It’s challenging to explain to grandkids. It seems as though your heart needs an additional chamber.”

The actress was asked what advice she would give others to maintain good health after the age of sixty, aside than getting yearly mammograms. She began by mentioning how important sleep is. Maintaining your attractiveness and wellbeing depends on getting the right kind of rest.

She added that it’s also critical to follow a decent skincare regimen that doesn’t take over your life. Nowadays, a lot of products claim to maintain your beauty, but some regimens might be overly demanding and exhausting.

She doesn’t smoke or drink either. The latter accelerates the aging process, which is horrible. Smith advised taking care of your body, appreciating the surroundings, reading a book, and having a soothing bath.