Introduction to Cherry Ladd
Cheryl Ladd is an American actress and singer who became famous in 1970s for her role as Kris Munroe on the Charlie’s Angels TV series since its second season, to replace Farrah Fawcett in her departure from the show. Ladd initially began in show business as a singer, and had a singing role on the Hannah-Barbera-produced Josie and the Pussycat cartoon series. But soon she started to take acting more seriously that she has been better known as an actress rather than as a recording artist, although Ladd had scored a Top 40 and Billboard Hot 100 charting singles and a gold-winning record. Her notable hit was “Think It Over,” which landed on the Top pop 40 charts. Her last album (actually a mini-album) You Make It Beautiful was released only in Japan in 1982.
Who is Cheryl Ladd?
Cheryl Ladd is an American actress and singer chiefly known for her role as Kris Munroe on the Charlie’s Angles TV series. She was born Cheryl Jean Stopplemoor in Huron, South Dakota on July 12, 1951. Ladd is part German.
She was married to David Ladd from 1973 to 1980; the union gave them a daughter. Even after their divorce, she maintained her married name as her own screen moniker “Cheryl Ladd” which became partly responsible for her eventual fame.
Cheryl Ladd’s career
In 1970, Ladd entered Hollywood with initial plans to become a recording artist but she was seen much potential as an actress. She started doing small roles on numerous shows such as The Rookies, The Partridge Family and Happy Days. Her big break came when she was chosen to replace Farrah Fawcett as Kris Munroe on Charlie’s Angels TV series. Around the same time she also became a cast of Hanna-Barbera’s TV cartoon series Josie and the Pussycats, doing the singing voice of Melody. While Ladd was in the height of her acting career, she took that opportunity to pursue her passion in singing once more.
In the late 70s music era, Ladd became more visible on several musical-comedy variety series and special events including 1980’s Super Bowl XIV where she sang the National Anthem. Ladd’s biggest recording achievement occurred in 1978, with “Think It Over.” The single reached #34 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned a gold disc. In 1982, Charlie’s Angels‘ closing song “Walking in the Rain” was released as a single in Japan. Throughout her brief music career, Ladd issued three albums: Cherry Ladd (1978), Dance Forever (1979) and Take a Chance (1981).
In the oldies music circles, Cheryl Ladd is considered a one hit wonder, although she is known as an actress rather as a singer.
In Ladd’s later years, she wrote and published several books. They include the children’s book The Adventures of Little Nettie Windship (1996) and the autobiography Token Chick: A Woman’s Guide to Golfing With the Boys (2005). As it turns out, Ladd is actually a passionate golfer.