This '70s Hollywood Icon Married a Close Friend of Her Ex-Husband & They've Been Together for 44 Years – Their Story

The "Charlie's Angels" star and her second husband faced a storm of criticism when news of their romance became public. Yet, instead of pulling them apart, the harsh spotlight only drew them closer together.

The actress has been married twice and shares one daughter with her first husband, David Ladd. Today, she enjoys life with a blended family alongside her second husband, Brian Russell.

Despite the challenges that came with forming a new life together, she and music producer Brian found strength in their bond. Things between them first sparked in the fall of 1979, shortly after her separation from David, who had also been a close friend of Brian's.

By January 1981, the two had exchanged vows. In the early days, paparazzi and gossip columns made life difficult for the lovebirds. Brian once shared:

"We were dragged through the mud for a while, but it made us cling even closer together."

While navigating the pressures of fame, their connection deepened not only at home but in their professional lives as well. Under Brian's guidance, she showcased her song-and-dance abilities in a string of acclaimed specials alongside talents like Ben Vereen, Carol Burnett, and Rick Springfield.

After "Charlie's Angels" ended in 1981, the actress and Brian threw themselves into finding opportunities that would move her beyond the "Charlie's Angels" image and help audiences see her in a new light.

Their efforts led to notable successes, including "The Grace Kelly Story" and "Kentucky Woman," with more projects lined up for 1983 — among them the feature film "Now and Forever" and a Showtime cable performance of "The Hasty Heart" with Gregory Harrison.

Brian played a crucial role behind the scenes, serving as executive producer for "The Grace Kelly Story" and her last two television specials, while also composing songs for her third album, "Fascinated." Speaking about him, the singer said:

"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, too, noticed how much she had grown both personally and professionally. "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," he stated.

Even with their frequent collaborations, she never feared spending too much time together. "I've done movies with him and without him," she said, adding, "and it’s so much nicer to spend these hours with the person you love."

Away from the spotlight, the couple settled into a quieter rhythm that brought more harmony into their lives. Since early 1981, they had been living in a tucked-away two-bedroom home perched above West Hollywood, with sweeping views that reached as far as the ocean.

For over two years, their blended household had followed a steady rhythm. The couple shared joint custody of their daughters — her eight-year-old, Jordan, and his six-year-old, Lindsey, from his previous marriage to singer Brenda Russell.

The girls alternated weeks with them, growing close in the process. The doting mom described them as "very good sisters" who truly enjoyed having each other around.

Though they hoped to expand their family one day, they agreed that it wasn't the right time by 1983. With the success of "Grace" and several creative ventures already underway, their hands — and hearts — were full.

Looking back on the past year, the actress described it as deeply fulfilling, "We worked hard, we played hard, and we feel very blessed." She acknowledged life's occasional hardships, adding that "you have to pick up and move ahead, and it certainly helps if you have a good partner in life."

The most rewarding was the slower pace compared to the 14-hour days that once defined her time on "Charlie's Angels" — a grueling schedule that had taken a toll on her first marriage.

Now, she said, there was room to breathe, "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." With more time at home and a sense of balance finally in place, deeper family matters naturally took center stage.

However, merging households came with its share of hurdles. Actress and author Cheryl Ladd — best known for her role as Kris Munroe on "Charlie's Angels" — acknowledged that no blended family fits together perfectly, describing it as a complex process shaped by strong emotions and the occasional misstep.

Still, she believed every challenge carried its own reward, adding that the result was something precious — three grandchildren: Nehemiah, Judah, and Kailah.

Later, when both daughters eventually left the nest, the quiet shift was deeply felt. She admitted to feeling torn — one part overwhelmed by the sudden silence, missing their presence; the other light-heartedly embracing the new 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 life moved forward and the seasons changed, the bonds within their family only grew stronger. In a 2018 interview, Cheryl described her marriage to Brian as being in a golden chapter:

"We started out as friends, we still are and that is the thread that's really bonded us."

Over the years, they faced joyful moments and difficult trials, yet the foundation they built carried them through it all. By that time, she lovingly defined their life together as "just yummy."

Always eager for new adventures, Cheryl and Brian continued to take on fresh projects, whether building houses or writing books. Grateful for the life they had created, she added:

"I'm so lucky that we found each other."

Their bond, strengthened by shared dreams and mutual respect, continued to thrive. In a 2022 interview, Cheryl said the key to her lasting marriage with Brian was friendship and creativity. "We're still madly in love with each other, but we're also still friends," she said.

She praised his talents, highlighting his book "The Marble Sea," which had earned rave reviews. Cheryl added, "We both do what we love, and we understand each other's need for space and time."

Before marrying Brian, Cheryl had been married to actor David Ladd from 1973 to 1980. Their divorce deeply impacted their daughter, Jordan. After a year at Southern Methodist University, Jordan returned to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue acting. "Every day I would feel totally insecure," she said in a 1997 interview. "Now that only happens every other day."

When Jordan decided to follow her into acting, Cheryl felt no concern. She believed her daughter had a much clearer sense of the business than she herself had when she left South Dakota for California. The Hollywood veteran star also admired Jordan's natural gift for performing, saying it was "kind of in the DNA."

As Jordan built her career, the bond between mother and daughter grew even stronger. Cheryl shared that advice was never really needed. They worked together for a second time in a Lifetime Christmas film "The Christmas Contract" in 2019, and she called the experience "wonderful."

The struggles that once strained their relationship were behind them. Now, she said, they are "best friends who adore each other and are there for each other."

Their bond only deepened after working side by side. During "The Christmas Contract," Cheryl mentioned it was the most time she and Jordan had spent together since her daughter moved out.

The family woman, who once had vision surgery, described their connection as a true friendship, sharing "adult-women conversations" and plenty of laughter. Jordan was unlike anyone else and always knew how to make her laugh.

While Cheryl watched Jordan carve her own path, she often thought back to her early days in Hollywood. Being labeled a '70s sex symbol made her uneasy, but she stayed focused on being a wife and mother. Joining "Charlie's Angels" threw her into a whirlwind of long hours and heavy demands, and at just twenty-six, balancing fame, marriage, and motherhood left her feeling overwhelmed and a little lost.

Though success brought happiness, Cheryl admitted it was a double-edged sword, and she believed true growth came from facing life's hardest moments, not from easy wins.

In recent years, Cheryl has continued to bring warmth and depth to the screen with 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 portrayed Joan.

Beyond her career, Cheryl turns inward for strength during life's uncertain moments. Her faith has remained a steady guide. As a Christian, she prays often and leans 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 said in an interview. Knowing she isn't alone — whether in hard times or moments of joy — has been her greatest source of peace.

Cheryl's journey speaks to the power of purpose, love, and staying grounded. From her early days in Hollywood to her roles as a devoted wife, mother, and actress, she has stayed true to herself. Through every chapter, she's shown that grace, gratitude, and faith can carry a person through anything.