Born Cheryl Jean Stoppelmoor on 12 July 1951, to an engineer father and waitress mother, she dreamed of becoming a movie star, so took tap lessons and sang at home with her dad.
In high school, she played in a jazz trio, Music Shop Band, which travelled from the Midwest to California, to try and make it professionally.
When the group broke up, Ladd decided to stay and chase her dream. Her first real gig was singing backup on the cartoon show, 'Josie and the Pussycats'.
After acting in commercials, she landed a role in a 1973 movie, 'Jamaica Reef', and met her first husband, David Ladd. They married in 1973, and two years later, their daughter, Jordan, was born. The marriage lasted six years. She kept his surname after their divorce as she had become famous as a Ladd.
In 1977, she was scouted by 'Charlie's Angels' producer Aaron Spelling to replace Farrah Fawcett, who had unexpectedly left the year-old sensation. Petite, but with plenty of spirit, Ladd was a hit as Kris Munroe. "She had to fill a big pair of shoes, and she did it with confidence," says co-star Jaclyn Smith.
After her 1979 split, Ladd found romance with Scottish-born Brian Russell, who had cut two 1970s pop albums before turning to movie producing in the 1980s. She became a step-mother to Lindsay Russell.
Cheryl won kudos for a role in the edgy 'Permanent Midnight' (1998), and played a mother in family drama 'A Dog of Flanders' (1999). She said that her dream gig would be, "Some wonderful Mrs. Robinson part, where I can be really attractive, sexual and powerful. There are a couple of young actors I'd sure like to work with."
Over the last decade or so, Ladd has appeared in several episodes of 'Two Guys, A Girl and A Pizza Place' between 1999 and 2000 as well as 'Charmed' (2003) and 'Hope and Faith' in 2004. Between 2003 and 2008, she starred in TV series 'Las Vegas' before making appearances in 'CSI: Miami' (2009), 'NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service' and 'Chuck' in 2011.
In terms of films, she has acted in 'Her Best Friend's Husband' (2002), 'Eve's Christmas' (2004), 'Though None Go With Me' (2006), 'Baggage' (2008) and 'Love's Resounding Courage' in 2011.
Her hobbies include golf, art, and writing children's books. Ladd is also an ambassador for the child abuse prevention and treatment charity ChildHelp. In 2005, she published an autobiographical book entitled 'Token Chick: A Woman's Guide to Golfing With The Boys' recounting her experiences of the sport.
ABOUT THE PERFECT WAVE, ARRIVING ON BLU-RAY, DVD AND ON DEMAND SEPTEMBER 16th
Anchor Bay Entertainment presents the inspiring story about surfing and second chances, THE PERFECT WAVE, starring Scott Eastwood (Trouble with the Curve, the upcoming Fury), Rachel Hendrix (October Baby), Cheryl Ladd (“Charlie’s Angels”), and Patrick Lyster (“Black Sails”). Based on true events, THE PERFECT WAVE follows avid surfer, and future ordained minister, Ian McCormack, on his travels to find the perfect wave. This visually-stunning film, shot in exotic locations – New Zealand, Bali, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the island of Mauritius – will be available on Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital Download and On Demand September 16, 2014. SRP for the Blu-ray™ is $29.99, and $24.98 for the DVD.
Scott Eastwood – son of screen legend Clint Eastwood – delivers a breakthrough performance as Ian McCormack, a rebellious young surfer who impulsively decides to leave home and travel the world’s most exotic surf spots. But living in the moment can have its thrills – including a romance with beautiful kindred soul Annabel (Rachel Hendrix of October Baby) – as well as its sacrifices. And following a horrific accident and near-death experience on the Island of Mauritius, Ian receives a glimpse into eternity that will change his life forever. Patrick Lyster (“Black Sails”) and Cheryl Ladd (“Charlie’s Angels”) co-star in this inspirational true story about the power of faith, the love of family, and one man’s search for THE PERFECT WAVE.
The film’s talented cast also features award-winning professional surfers, Matt Bromley and Rosy Hodge.
THE PERFECT WAVE Blu-ray™ and DVD special features include an interview with director Bruce Macdonald, “The Perfect Wave: It’s Not Just About Love” featurette, “Perfect Wave” music video, “Collide: Uphill Struggle Of A Downhill Skater” featurette, behind-the-scenes footage, and more!