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 intense scrutiny when their romance became public. However, rather than causing a rift, the intense media attention only strengthened their relationship.
Having been married twice, the actress shares a daughter with her first husband, David Ladd. Currently, she enjoys a fulfilling life with her second husband, Brian Russell, along with their blended family.
Despite the challenges that come with starting anew, she and music producer Brian found solace in their relationship. Their connection ignited in the fall of 1979, soon after her separation from David, who happened to be a close acquaintance of Brian.
By January 1981, they had tied the knot. Initially, the couple struggled with intrusive paparazzi and tabloid stories, making their early days difficult. Brian once remarked:
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“We were dragged through the mud for a while, but it made us cling even closer together.”
While managing the demands of fame, their bond grew deeper both personally and professionally. With Brian’s encouragement, she displayed her talents in several acclaimed specials, sharing the stage with stars like Ben Vereen, Carol Burnett, and Rick Springfield.
Following the conclusion of “Charlie’s Angels” in 1981, the actress and Brian immersed themselves in new opportunities aimed at redefining her public persona and helping audiences perceive her differently.
Their collaborative efforts led to significant projects such as “The Grace Kelly Story” and “Kentucky Woman,” with more ventures on the horizon for 1983, including the film “Now and Forever” and a Showtime performance of “The Hasty Heart” featuring Gregory Harrison.
Brian was instrumental behind the scenes, acting as executive producer for “The Grace Kelly Story” and her final two television specials while also writing songs for her third album, “Fascinated.” The singer praised him, stating:
“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, in return, recognized her personal and professional growth. He commented, “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.”
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Despite their frequent collaborations, she never worried about spending excessive time together. “I’ve done movies with him and without him,” she noted, adding, “and it’s so much nicer to spend these hours with the person you love.”
Outside the public eye, the couple fell into a serene routine, finding harmony in their lives. Since early 1981, they had resided in a cozy two-bedroom home situated above West Hollywood, boasting stunning views extending to the ocean.
For over two years, their blended family settled into a consistent rhythm. They shared joint custody of their daughters — her eight-year-old, Jordan, and his six-year-old, Lindsey, from his prior marriage to singer Brenda Russell.
The girls took turns spending weeks with them, forming a close bond in the process. The devoted mother described them as “very good sisters” who genuinely enjoyed each other’s company.
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Although they aspired to add to their family in the future, by 1983, they both agreed that it wasn’t the appropriate moment. With the success of “Grace” and several ongoing creative projects, they felt fulfilled.
Reflecting on their journey, the actress expressed a deep sense of satisfaction: “We worked hard, we played hard, and we feel very blessed.” She acknowledged that while life sometimes posed challenges, it was crucial to move forward, especially with a supportive partner.
One of the most rewarding aspects of their life together was a more relaxed pace compared to the grueling 14-hour workdays she endured during her time on “Charlie’s Angels,” which had strained her first marriage.
Now, she found ample time to embrace her roles as a mother and wife. “I find a lot more time to be a mother and a wife. Now we take time for ourselves, time for our lives. The balance is better than it has ever been,” she shared.
However, blending their households came with its own set of challenges. Cheryl Ladd, an actress and author known for portraying Kris Munroe on “Charlie’s Angels,” acknowledged that no blended family is without complications, describing it as a nuanced process influenced by strong feelings and occasional missteps.
Yet, she maintained that every challenge carried its own rewards, noting that they resulted in something precious: three grandchildren named Nehemiah, Judah, and Kailah.
When both daughters eventually left home, the silence was profoundly felt. She confessed to feeling conflicted — one part of her was saddened by the absence, while another light-heartedly embraced the 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 elaborated.
As time passed and circumstances evolved, the connections within their family grew even stronger. In a 2018 interview, Cheryl referred to her marriage with Brian as entering 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 encountered both joyful experiences and tough challenges, yet the foundation they built helped them through each situation. By that time, she fondly described their life together as “just yummy.”
Always seeking new endeavors, Cheryl and Brian embraced various projects, whether constructing homes or authoring books. Grateful for the life they had cultivated, she expressed:
“I’m so lucky that we found each other.”
Their relationship, enriched by shared aspirations and mutual respect, continued to flourish. In a 2022 interview, Cheryl revealed that the secret to her enduring marriage with Brian was rooted in friendship and creativity. “We’re still madly in love with each other, but we’re also still friends,” she stated.
She praised his creative endeavors, highlighting his book “The Marble Sea,” which received outstanding reviews. Cheryl added, “We both do what we love, and we understand each other’s need for space and time.”
Prior to her marriage with Brian, Cheryl was wed to actor David Ladd from 1973 to 1980. Their divorce had a significant impact on their daughter, Jordan. After a year at Southern Methodist University, Jordan returned to LA in 1993, aspiring to pursue acting. “Every day I would feel totally insecure,” she shared in a 1997 interview. “Now that only happens every other day.”
Cheryl felt no apprehension when Jordan chose to follow in her footsteps. She believed her daughter possessed a much clearer understanding of the industry than she did upon her own arrival in California, stating that the gift for performance was “kind of in the DNA.”
As Jordan built her acting career, the mother-daughter connection became even stronger. Cheryl noted that formal advice was seldom necessary. They collaborated again on the Lifetime Christmas film “The Christmas Contract” in 2019, which she called a “wonderful” experience.
The past struggles that had previously strained their relationship were now behind them. Cheryl remarked that they had become “best friends who adore each other and are there for each other.”
Their bond deepened especially while working together. During the filming of “The Christmas Contract,” Cheryl noted it was the most time they had spent together since Jordan had moved out.
The family-oriented woman, who once underwent vision surgery, described their relationship as a genuine friendship, filled with “adult-women conversations” and abundant laughter. Jordan was unique and always knew how to bring a smile to her face.
Although success brought joy, Cheryl admitted it was a double-edged sword, believing that true growth comes from confronting life’s most challenging situations rather than from easy achievements.
In recent years, Cheryl has continued to bring warmth and depth to the screen through roles in “Christmas Unwrapped” (2020) as Janet Cohen, “A Cowgirl’s Song” (2022) as Erin Mays, and most recently, “A Christmas for the Ages” (2023), where she played the character Joan.
The steadfast support that Brian had always provided at home was put to the ultimate test when Cheryl received a breast cancer diagnosis. In April 2026, she publicly shared her experience for the first time during the PaleyFest 50th anniversary celebration of “Charlie’s Angels,” calling her journey “humbling.”
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Brian was the first to encourage her to seek medical attention after she discovered a lump in her left breast, insisting she contact a doctor immediately; as she recalled, “just about threw me in the car.” A biopsy confirmed a highly aggressive form of breast cancer, leading to her starting treatment that included oral chemotherapy and radiation the very next day.
Throughout this challenging time, Brian remained by her side. In an interview, Cheryl discussed how hands-on his care was, stepping in when her appetite dwindled and preparing 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 and skinnier,” she recalled. He ensured she stayed close to her normal weight while caring for her, giving her encouragement and hugs through the toughest days.
“I’m telling you, I sure married the right guy,” she added. Their daughters, Jordan and Lindsay, also rallied around her, visiting often, and as Cheryl expressed, “praying for me like crazy.”
Now cancer-free, Cheryl utilized her platform at the PaleyFest reunion, alongside fellow survivors and “Charlie’s Angels” co-stars Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson, to encourage women everywhere not to overlook warning signs.
“If you find a little something in your breasts… do not ignore it,” she urged. The sisterhood formed on that iconic set had supported all three of them through challenges that surpassed any roles they had ever played.
Beyond her acting career, Cheryl seeks inner strength during uncertain times. Her faith remains a consistent guide. As a Christian, she often prays and relies on her belief that God 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. Knowing she isn’t alone — in difficult times or moments of happiness — has been her greatest source of tranquility.
This actress’s journey exemplifies the strength of purpose, love, and remaining grounded. From her beginnings in Hollywood to her roles as a loving wife, mother, and actress, she has consistently stayed true to herself. Through every chapter, she has demonstrated that grace, gratitude, and faith can guide a person through any circumstance.
