Jaclyn Smith: OCD's Grip on My Life

Actress Jaclyn Smith, 80, has revealed her longtime battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in her new memoir, "I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie." Her OCD began at age 12, stemming from a desire to protect loved ones after her uncle's passing. Smith's unique form of the disorder involved intense prayer and sacrifice, which she used to manage her anxiety about her family's well-being.

During her college psychology studies, Smith encountered information about OCD that resonated deeply, providing a sense of validation and connection. She writes about the relief of having a name for her experiences, emphasizing she was not alone. Despite her struggles, Smith found immense joy in motherhood, a chapter she once feared might be impossible due to early health concerns that suggested potential infertility.

Smith's journey includes overcoming these early fears, eventually welcoming her son Gaston and later her daughter Spencer-Margaret. She describes her children as the most important part of her life, acknowledging that their happiness profoundly affects her. Although her marriage to cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond ended, she looks back on that period fondly, particularly for the gift of her children.