This 70s Tinseltown Icon Married a Close Friend of Her Ex-Husband & Theyve Been Together for 45 Years – Their Story

The star of "Charlie’s Angels" and her second spouse faced significant backlash when their relationship first became public. However, rather than causing a rift, the media scrutiny only strengthened their bond.

The actress has experienced two marriages, having one daughter with her first husband, David Ladd. Currently, she enjoys a blended family life with her second husband, Brian Russell.

Despite the obstacles that came with starting anew, she and music producer Brian discovered strength in their partnership. Their romance began in the fall of 1979, soon after her split from David, who had been Brian’s close friend.

By January 1981, they tied the knot. In the early stages, the couple dealt with the challenges posed by paparazzi and gossip columns. Brian recalled, "We were dragged through the mud for a while, but it made us cling even closer together.".

As they coped with the pressures of fame, their relationship flourished both at home and in their careers. Thanks to Brian’s influence, she was able to display her singing and dancing talents in a series of popular specials, working with stars like Ben Vereen, Carol Burnett, and Rick Springfield.

After "Charlie’s Angels" concluded in 1981, the couple focused on finding new opportunities that would help her evolve beyond her previous image, allowing audiences to see her in a different light.

Their collaborative efforts bore fruit with projects like "The Grace Kelly Story" and "Kentucky Woman," along with more upcoming works for 1983, including the feature film "Now and Forever" and a Showtime production of "The Hasty Heart" alongside Gregory Harrison.

Brian played an essential behind-the-scenes role, serving as the executive producer for "The Grace Kelly Story" and her last two television specials, while also writing songs for her third album, "Fascinated." The singer remarked, "It’s easy to be partners, and to bolster each other. Brian is very strong and aware of who he is. He’s a stabilizing factor in our lives.".

Brian also recognized her growth both personally and in her career. He noted, "When I watch the work she’s doing now, it’s obvious her acting has matured. But emotionally too, she’s stronger — she’s very much in charge of her career and of herself.".

Despite their frequent collaborations, she never felt apprehensive about spending too much time with him. She mentioned, "I’ve done movies with him and without him, and it’s so much nicer to spend these hours with the person you love.".

Outside of the public eye, the couple embraced a more tranquil lifestyle, creating a harmonious home life. Since early 1981, they resided in a secluded two-bedroom house situated above West Hollywood, boasting expansive views stretching to the ocean.

Their blended family life settled into a stable routine over two years. They shared custody of their daughters: her then-eight-year-old, Jordan, and his then-six-year-old, Lindsey, from his previous marriage to singer Brenda Russell.

The girls alternated weeks with the couple, forming a close bond in the process. The proud mother described them as "very good sisters" who genuinely cherished each other’s company.

While they considered the possibility of expanding their family, they decided it wasn’t the right time by 1983. With the success of "Grace" and numerous creative projects underway, they felt fulfilled.

Reflecting on their journey, the actress found it deeply satisfying: "We worked hard, we played hard, and we feel very blessed." She acknowledged the occasional struggles of life, stating, "You have to pick up and move ahead, and it certainly helps if you have a good partner in life.".

The most satisfying aspect was the slower pace compared to the grueling 14-hour days she endured while on "Charlie’s Angels," which had taken a toll on her first marriage.

Now, she noted, she had more time to focus on being a mother and a wife. "We take time for ourselves, time for our lives. The balance is better than it has ever been," she said.

However, blending their families was not without its challenges. Cheryl Ladd, who became famous as Kris Munroe on "Charlie’s Angels," recognized that no blended family is flawless, describing the process as complex, filled with strong feelings and occasional slip-ups.

Regardless, she believed that every challenge came with its own rewards and noted the precious results — three grandchildren: Nehemiah, Judah, and Kailah.

When both daughters eventually moved out, the silence was deeply felt. Cheryl admitted feeling torn — one side overwhelmed by missing them, and the other enjoying newfound freedom.

"I went from two girls to no children, and I was a little bipolar about that. Part of me sat on the bed and cried, ‘I miss the girls!’ The other side said, ‘Honey, we can run around naked!’" she explained.

As life progressed and seasons changed, the ties within their family strengthened. In a 2018 interview, Cheryl spoke of her relationship with Brian as being in a golden phase: "We started out as friends, we still are and that is the thread that’s really bonded us.".

Throughout the years, they experienced joyful moments and difficult trials, yet the foundation they established helped them navigate through it all. By then, she affectionately described their life together as "just yummy.".

Always open to new experiences, Cheryl and Brian embraced various projects, whether it involved building houses or writing books. Grateful for the life they had built together, she expressed, "I’m so lucky that we found each other.".

Their relationship, built on shared aspirations and mutual respect, continued to prosper. In a 2022 interview, Cheryl revealed that the secret to her enduring marriage with Brian was their friendship and creativity. "We’re still madly in love with each other, but we’re also still friends," she stated.

She commended his abilities, particularly highlighting his book "The Marble Sea," which received high praise. Cheryl remarked, "We both do what we love, and we understand each other’s need for space and time.".

Before her marriage to Brian, Cheryl was wed to actor David Ladd from 1973 until 1980. Their divorce took a significant toll on their daughter, Jordan. After spending a year at Southern Methodist University, Jordan returned to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue acting. In a 1997 interview, she shared, "Every day I would feel totally insecure. Now that only happens every other day.".

When Jordan decided to follow in her mother’s footsteps in acting, Cheryl felt no apprehension. She believed her daughter had a clearer understanding of the industry than she did when she first arrived in California from South Dakota. The Hollywood veteran admired Jordan’s innate talent for performing, saying it was "kind of in the DNA.".

As Jordan advanced her career, the bond between mother and daughter strengthened significantly. Cheryl mentioned that formal advice was rarely needed. The two collaborated again in the Lifetime Christmas film, "The Christmas Contract," in 2019, which Cheryl described as "wonderful.".

The past difficulties that once strained their relationship were behind them, with Cheryl stating they are now "best friends who adore each other and are there for each other.".

Their connection only deepened after they worked together. During the filming of "The Christmas Contract," Cheryl mentioned it was the most time she had spent with Jordan since her daughter moved out.

The family-oriented woman, who underwent vision surgery, characterized their relationship as a true friendship, filled with "adult-women conversations" and lots of laughter. Jordan was unique and always managed to make her laugh.

As Cheryl observed Jordan carve her own niche, she often reminisced about her early Hollywood experiences. The label of a ’70s sex symbol made her uncomfortable, but she remained focused on being a dedicated wife and mother. Being part of "Charlie’s Angels" thrust her into a whirlwind of demanding hours, and at just twenty-six, managing fame, marriage, and motherhood left her feeling overwhelmed.

Even though her success brought joy, Cheryl acknowledged it was a double-edged sword. She believed personal growth often resulted from facing life’s toughest challenges instead of easy victories.

In recent years, Cheryl has continued to showcase her warmth and depth in roles such as Janet Cohen in "Christmas Unwrapped" (2020), Erin Mays in "A Cowgirl’s Song" (2022), and Joan in "A Christmas for the Ages" (2023).

The strength Brian consistently provided at home was put to the ultimate test when Cheryl received a breast cancer diagnosis. In April 2026, she bravely shared her journey for the first time at the PaleyFest 50th anniversary of "Charlie’s Angels," describing her experience as "humbling.".

It was Brian who first encouraged her to seek medical advice after discovering a lump in her left breast, urging her to contact the doctor without delay. She recalled, "He just about threw me in the car." A biopsy revealed she had an aggressive form of breast cancer, prompting treatment to begin the next day.

Throughout her struggle, Brian was a constant presence. In an interview, Cheryl recounted how attentive he was, helping her when her appetite waned and cooking simple meals like tomato soup to encourage her to eat.

"He literally babied me along and kept me eating so I didn’t just get skinnier and skinnier," she shared. He helped maintain her weight while preparing meals, offering encouragement, and comforting her through the toughest days.

"I’m telling you, I sure married the right guy," she affirmed. Their daughters, Jordan and Lindsay, also supported her, visiting often and, as Cheryl put it, "praying for me like crazy.".

Now cancer-free, Cheryl took the opportunity at the PaleyFest event, alongside fellow survivors and co-stars Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson, to encourage women everywhere not to overlook potential warning signs.

"If you find a little something in your breasts… do not ignore it," she advised. The sisterhood formed on that iconic set had supported all three women through challenges far greater than any role they ever played.

Beyond her professional life, Cheryl finds strength in her faith during uncertain times. As a Christian, she often prays and relies on her belief that a higher power has a plan.

"I really turn a lot of myself and my soul and my pain over to the Lord," she shared in an interview. The knowledge that she’s never alone, whether in moments of hardship or happiness, has become her greatest source of serenity.

This legendary icon’s journey highlights the importance of purpose, love, and remaining grounded. From her early days in Hollywood to her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and actress, she has remained true to herself. Throughout every phase of her life, she has shown that grace, gratitude, and faith can help overcome any obstacle.