WHATEVER HAPPENED TO: Jan Smithers - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

catlover79 · 04-02-2011, 06:48 PM

http://talkingmoviezzz.blogspot.com/...-smithers.html

Thursday, September 17, 2009
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO: JAN SMITHERS

Like Gary Sandy (What Ever Happened To story here), Jan Smithers is an actress known for essentially one role, that of Bailey Quarters on WKRP IN CINCINNATI.

She was first discovered almost by accident. In 1966, a Newsweek reporter was doing a story about the “typical American teenager”. Jan was interviewed. They took photographs of her for the story.

One of those turned up on the cover of the March 21, 1966 issue of the magazine.

Casting directors then began hiring her for commercials and in TV series (LOVE STORY, STARSKY AND HUTCH) as well as films. She played the lead in the acclaimed Appalachian drama WHERE THE LILIES BLOOM.

In 1978, WKRP went on the air. As Bailey, she was the shy member of the station’s team. The show had a sort of Betty or Veronica feel, with Jan playing the Betty to Loni Anderson’s Veronica. I always liked Jan more than Loni.

After the show went off the air in 1982, she would pop up on plenty of other TV shows in guest spots. She appeared in episodes of THE FALL GUY, LEGMEN, FINDER OF LOST LOVES, a few LOVE BOATS, MIKE HAMMER, COVER UP, MURDER SHE WROTE and HOTEL.

There was a little seen independent film in 1987 called MR. NICE GUY that doesn’t seemed to have much, or any release. But, that was it.

SO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HER?

In the late 80’s, Jan Smithers married the star of HOTEL, James Brolin. The two had a daughter.

So, she left her acting career for a family life.

They were divorced in 1995, and Brolin would later marry Barbra Streisand. Jan has gone on the record to claim that Barbara had NOTHING to do with their breaking up as they married five years after the two broke up.

After living in Canada for a while, Jan has returned to Southern California. In 2007, she was involved in a car accident there. While tabloids have claimed all sorts of wild rumors about this accident, according to Jan herself, they are all untrue. Her car broke down and she was hit by a pickup while trying to get help.

There is talk of her returning to acting.

Marvo301 · 04-04-2011, 02:08 PM

I would love to see Jan back on TV! Or in the movies! or in my living room!!

catlover79 · 04-05-2011, 12:44 AM

I had a feeling you'd enjoy this article, Marv!!

Marvo301 · 04-05-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I had a feeling you'd enjoy this article, Marv!!

catlover79 · 04-05-2011, 04:44 PM

I wonder what she looks like today - I haven't been able to find a recent photo.

Marvo301 · 04-05-2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

I wonder what she looks like today - I haven't been able to find a recent photo.

I'd love to see a recent photo of her too!

Retro4Life · 04-05-2011, 07:00 PM

I think there was always an air of mystery about Jan that really added to her appeal. She was obviously beautiful, and her intelligence radiated off of her, as well. But the lack of information about her life, and the scant amount of time she was seen in other roles, kind of made her a "Greta Garbo" of sorts.

Sure hope to see her again.

Mr. Television · 04-05-2011, 07:09 PM

James Brolin had Jan Smithers and now he has Barbra Streisand . Poor guy.

catlover79 · 04-05-2011, 08:19 PM

But I'm sure a lot of single guys who love Jan were excited to hear that she was a free woman again!!

Marvo301 · 04-05-2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

But I'm sure a lot of single guys who love Jan were excited to hear that she was a free woman again!!

You got that right!!!!!!

Heidi Dawn · 04-06-2011, 03:04 PM

I have a picture of her from a magazine from 2005 and she still looked the same as she did back then (when she appeared on ET:Whatever Happened To WKRP in Cincinnati, she looked young even at 50).

If I can scan it, I'll post it here.

catlover79 · 04-06-2011, 03:35 PM

Cool - thanks!!

dlemond · 04-13-2011, 02:27 PM

I found this:

edit: this is Marcia Strassman

catlover79 · 04-13-2011, 04:55 PM

Thanks!! She still looks very pretty - and she still looks a lot like Marcia Strassman!!

Marvo301 · 04-13-2011, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

Thanks!! She still looks very pretty - and she still looks a lot like Marcia Strassman!!

She still has those stunning blue eyes! And a beautiful smile!

04-02-2011, 06:48 PM	#1
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	WHATEVER HAPPENED TO: Jan Smithers http://talkingmoviezzz.blogspot.com/...-smithers.html Thursday, September 17, 2009 WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO: JAN SMITHERS Like Gary Sandy (What Ever Happened To story here), Jan Smithers is an actress known for essentially one role, that of Bailey Quarters on WKRP IN CINCINNATI. She was first discovered almost by accident. In 1966, a Newsweek reporter was doing a story about the “typical American teenager”. Jan was interviewed. They took photographs of her for the story. One of those turned up on the cover of the March 21, 1966 issue of the magazine. Casting directors then began hiring her for commercials and in TV series (LOVE STORY, STARSKY AND HUTCH) as well as films. She played the lead in the acclaimed Appalachian drama WHERE THE LILIES BLOOM. In 1978, WKRP went on the air. As Bailey, she was the shy member of the station’s team. The show had a sort of Betty or Veronica feel, with Jan playing the Betty to Loni Anderson’s Veronica. I always liked Jan more than Loni. After the show went off the air in 1982, she would pop up on plenty of other TV shows in guest spots. She appeared in episodes of THE FALL GUY, LEGMEN, FINDER OF LOST LOVES, a few LOVE BOATS, MIKE HAMMER, COVER UP, MURDER SHE WROTE and HOTEL. There was a little seen independent film in 1987 called MR. NICE GUY that doesn’t seemed to have much, or any release. But, that was it. SO, WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO HER? In the late 80’s, Jan Smithers married the star of HOTEL, James Brolin. The two had a daughter. So, she left her acting career for a family life. They were divorced in 1995, and Brolin would later marry Barbra Streisand. Jan has gone on the record to claim that Barbara had NOTHING to do with their breaking up as they married five years after the two broke up. After living in Canada for a while, Jan has returned to Southern California. In 2007, she was involved in a car accident there. While tabloids have claimed all sorts of wild rumors about this accident, according to Jan herself, they are all untrue. Her car broke down and she was hit by a pickup while trying to get help. There is talk of her returning to acting. Attached Images
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

04-04-2011, 02:08 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	I would love to see Jan back on TV! Or in the movies! or in my living room!!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

04-05-2011, 07:00 PM	#7
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	I think there was always an air of mystery about Jan that really added to her appeal. She was obviously beautiful, and her intelligence radiated off of her, as well. But the lack of information about her life, and the scant amount of time she was seen in other roles, kind of made her a "Greta Garbo" of sorts. Sure hope to see her again.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

04-05-2011, 07:09 PM	#8
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,132	James Brolin had Jan Smithers and now he has Barbra Streisand . Poor guy.
	__________________ Sonny

04-06-2011, 03:04 PM	#11
Heidi Dawn Muppets Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 01, 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 883	I have a picture of her from a magazine from 2005 and she still looked the same as she did back then (when she appeared on ET:Whatever Happened To WKRP in Cincinnati, she looked young even at 50). If I can scan it, I'll post it here.
	__________________ Complete Series Box Sets I own: MASH, Three's Company, Gilligan's Island, The Dukes Of Hazzard, The Golden Girls, The Monkees, The Brady Bunch, Full House, I Dream Of Jeannie, Bewitched, Taxi, Gimme A Break, Dallas, Charlie's Angels, Joanie Loves Chachi, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, The Cosby Show, The Facts of Life, Family Ties, Diff'rent Strokes, Green Acres.

04-05-2011, 12:44 AM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I had a feeling you'd enjoy this article, Marv!!

04-05-2011, 04:44 PM	#5
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I wonder what she looks like today - I haven't been able to find a recent photo.

04-05-2011, 08:19 PM	#9
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	But I'm sure a lot of single guys who love Jan were excited to hear that she was a free woman again!!

04-06-2011, 03:35 PM	#12
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Cool - thanks!!

04-13-2011, 02:27 PM	#13
dlemond Hey, I know you. Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 03, 2001 Location: New Jersey Posts: 6,751	I found this: edit: this is Marcia Strassman Attached Images
	Last edited by dlemond; 08-15-2011 at 10:05 PM.

04-13-2011, 04:55 PM	#14
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Thanks!! She still looks very pretty - and she still looks a lot like Marcia Strassman!!