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Kathie Gifford Recalls Cruel Charlie's Angels Audition Snub
1 Jul
Summary
- Kathie Gifford auditioned for Charlie's Angels in 1979.
- A casting agent deemed her not pretty enough for the role.
- Gifford's work ethic fueled her successful decades-long career.

Television personality Kathie Lee Gifford is recounting a past rejection from the popular series Charlie's Angels. In 1979, Gifford auditioned for a role on the show, hoping to replace Kate Jackson who had departed after the third season.
Upon arriving for the audition, a casting agent delivered a harsh assessment, telling Gifford she wasn't the right fit because she wasn't pretty enough. The agent reportedly compared her unfavorably to stars Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith, emphasizing the show's preference for conventionally beautiful actresses.
Gifford recalled the agent's comments as unnecessarily cruel, a stark contrast to the values she was taught. While the rejection was initially gut-wrenching, she found humor in the situation and quipped about being considered for a cartoon role.
Despite this and other negative casting experiences, including being called "the worst actress I have ever seen," Gifford leveraged her exceptional work ethic. This dedication, rather than conventional looks or talent, became the cornerstone of her enduring and successful career in television.