The couple is Cheryl Ladd and David Ladd, who were married on July 28, 1973.

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WHO SAID “I DO” ON THIS DAY IN 1973?

On this day in 1973, Hollywood celebrated the wedding of two rising stars whose careers would soon make them familiar faces to millions of television viewers. Cheryl Ladd, who would go on to become one of television’s most beloved actresses, married actor and producer David Ladd, the son of legendary Hollywood star Alan Ladd. Their marriage came before Cheryl’s biggest career breakthrough, at a time when both were building promising futures in the entertainment industry.

Looking back more than five decades later, their wedding remains a fascinating snapshot of Hollywood in transition. Neither could have predicted just how dramatically their lives—and Cheryl’s career in particular—would change in only a few short years.

Cheryl Ladd’s Early Journey

Born Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor on July 12, 1951, in Huron, South Dakota, Cheryl displayed artistic talent from an early age. Music was initially her passion, and after high school she moved to California with dreams of becoming an entertainer.

Like many aspiring performers, her early years involved determination, auditions, and small opportunities. She found work singing and recording before gradually moving into television acting.

One of her earliest entertainment jobs involved providing the singing voice for the animated character Melody in the Josie and the Pussycats franchise. Although audiences didn’t yet recognize her face, the experience helped introduce her to the entertainment business.

Television guest appearances soon followed, allowing Cheryl to gain valuable experience in front of the camera.

David Ladd’s Hollywood Heritage

David Ladd was born into one of Hollywood’s most respected acting families.

As the son of Alan Ladd, famous for classics such as Shane and This Gun for Hire, David grew up surrounded by filmmaking. While following in his father’s footsteps brought high expectations, David established his own acting career through television and film roles before later becoming a successful producer.

By the early 1970s, both Cheryl and David were young performers with bright futures.

Their relationship blossomed during this exciting period, culminating in their wedding on July 28, 1973.

A Marriage Before Stardom

When Cheryl and David married, Cheryl had not yet become an international television sensation.

That would change dramatically in 1977.

Following the departure of Farrah Fawcett after the first season of Charlie’s Angels, producers faced the difficult challenge of replacing one of television’s biggest stars.

Rather than attempting to duplicate Farrah’s character, they introduced a new Angel: Kris Munroe, the younger sister of Jill Munroe.

The role went to Cheryl Ladd.

It proved to be one of the smartest casting decisions in television history.

Becoming Kris Munroe

Joining an enormously successful television series is never easy, particularly when replacing a hugely popular actor.

Yet Cheryl approached the role with warmth, confidence, and natural charm.

Rather than imitate Farrah Fawcett, she created Kris Munroe as an energetic, optimistic, and intelligent investigator whose personality quickly won over viewers.

Her chemistry with fellow Angels Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith helped maintain the show’s popularity.

Within a remarkably short time, audiences embraced Cheryl as an essential member of the team.

The concern that Charlie’s Angels might struggle after Farrah’s departure soon faded as Cheryl established herself as a star in her own right.

More Than a Television Beauty

Although Charlie’s Angels became famous for its glamorous stars, Cheryl Ladd consistently demonstrated that she possessed genuine acting ability.

She balanced humor, dramatic moments, and action scenes with ease.

Her approachable personality also made her a favorite guest on talk shows, award ceremonies, and charity events.

Unlike many performers who become permanently associated with one iconic role, Cheryl continued expanding her career long after Charlie’s Angels ended.

A Career Beyond the Angels

Following the success of the series, Cheryl starred in numerous television movies, dramatic productions, and feature films.

She appeared in projects including:

• Poison Ivy
• Grace Kelly
• Purple Hearts
• Millennium
• Permanent Midnight

She also became a familiar face on television through guest appearances and recurring roles on popular series.

Her career demonstrated remarkable longevity, spanning decades rather than relying solely on one famous role.

Music Career

Many fans forget that Cheryl maintained her interest in music throughout her acting career.

She recorded several albums and singles during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Her pleasant singing voice and television popularity helped her enjoy moderate success in the recording industry as well.

Although acting remained her primary profession, music always remained an important creative outlet.

Family Life

During their marriage, Cheryl and David welcomed their daughter, Jordan Ladd, who would later establish her own successful acting career.

Jordan became well known for roles in films including Never Been Kissed, Cabin Fever, and Death Proof.

Three generations of the Ladd family have therefore enjoyed successful careers in entertainment.

Although Cheryl and David eventually divorced in 1980, they remained connected through their daughter.

Finding Love Again

Several years after her divorce from David Ladd, Cheryl married music producer Brian Russell.

Their marriage has endured for decades, becoming one of Hollywood’s quieter success stories.

Away from cameras, Cheryl has frequently spoken about the importance of family, friendships, and maintaining perspective despite the pressures of celebrity life.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Throughout her career, Cheryl has devoted considerable time to charitable work.

She has supported organizations focused on children’s health, cancer research, and community outreach.

Her involvement with charitable causes reflects a commitment to using her public profile to benefit others.

She has also participated in numerous fundraising events and awareness campaigns over the years.

David Ladd’s Career Evolution

While Cheryl became one of television’s biggest stars, David increasingly focused on producing.

His work behind the scenes allowed him to contribute to numerous film projects while building a respected career separate from his father’s legendary legacy.

Although he acted less frequently, his influence within the industry continued through production work.

Why Fans Still Remember Them

Photographs from Cheryl and David’s early years together capture a youthful optimism that resonates with classic television fans.

The image of Cheryl with her feathered blonde hair and radiant smile beside David’s confident Hollywood appearance perfectly reflects the style of the early 1970s.

For many fans, these photographs represent a fascinating moment before Cheryl’s meteoric rise to worldwide fame.

A Lasting Television Legacy

Today, Cheryl Ladd remains closely associated with one of television’s most iconic series.

Charlie’s Angels helped redefine action-adventure television by placing capable, intelligent women at the center of exciting stories.

Kris Munroe became one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, ensuring Cheryl’s place in television history.

Her warmth, professionalism, and enduring popularity have kept her connected with generations of viewers long after the series concluded.

Remembering a Hollywood Milestone

The wedding of Cheryl Ladd and David Ladd on July 28, 1973, marked the beginning of a chapter that would coincide with extraordinary professional success. Although their marriage ultimately ended, it remains an important part of both their personal histories and a memorable moment in classic Hollywood.

Looking back, it is remarkable how much would change in just a few years. Cheryl Ladd would go from a promising young actress to an international television icon, becoming a household name through Charlie’s Angels and enjoying a career that has lasted more than five decades. David Ladd would continue to build a respected career in both acting and film production, carrying forward his family’s distinguished Hollywood legacy.

More than 50 years after they exchanged vows, their story remains a reminder of a unique era in entertainment—when television stars became global celebrities, classic Hollywood families continued to shape the industry, and audiences fell in love with performers whose talent, charisma, and professionalism have stood the test of time.