- Jan Smithers played "Bailey" in 'WKRP in Cincinnati'
- THIS is what she's up to now
- She's 74 today
Once a household name, Jan Smithers (74), the dazzling starlet who graced our screens as the lovable "Bailey Quarters" on 'WKRP in Cincinnati,' has taken a turn from the limelight to a life of tranquility and spiritual discovery. But what has the retired actress been up to since she bid adieu to the glitz and glam of Tinseltown?
From cover girl to screen siren
Flashback to the swinging '60s, when a young Jan Smithers caught the eye of America on a 'Newsweek' cover, leading to a whirlwind of modeling gigs. But Hollywood came calling, and in 1973, Jan made her acting debut, setting the stage for a career that would see her become one of TV's beloved faces.
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After just four seasons
It was the role that catapulted her to stardom – "Bailey Quarters," the shy but ambitious journalist on 'WKRP in Cincinnati.' Handpicked for her natural charm, Jan's portrayal won hearts and left fans yearning for more. But as the final credits rolled in 1982, what was next for our small-screen sweetheart?
Life after the applause: A quiet retreat
Post-'WKRP,' Jan continued to dazzle audiences with guest spots on hit shows like 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'The Love Boat.' Yet, in 1987, she chose family over fame, retreating to a life focused on raising her daughter, Molly Elizabeth, and nurturing her marriage to actor James Brolin.
Fast forward to 2017, and Jan has found solace in the serene surroundings of Ojai, California. Here, away from the paparazzi's prying lenses, she immerses herself in spirituality, embracing a life far removed from her star-studded past.
A legacy worth millions
Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Jan's legacy lives on, with a net worth that's nothing short of impressive – over $6 million! And while she occasionally revisits her 'WKRP' roots at reunions, Jan's focus remains on her inner journey.
