Cheryl Ladd Reveals How Husband Brian Russell Was ‘Unbelievable’ For Her After She Did Breast Cancer (Exclusive)

Cheryl Ladd Talks About Husband’s Helping Hand In Cancer Fight

Cheryl Ladd, the Charlie’s Angels actress, has revealed how her husband, Brian Russell, was her rock throughout her breast cancer treatment. At 74, the actress shared that it was her 82-year-old spouse who insisted she immediately consult a doctor when she found a lump in her breast.

“He said, ‘You need to call the doctor. We have to take care of this right now, ‘” Ladd reminisced, adding that he was insistent on getting her assistance at once.

After a biopsy, the medical staff informed her of a highly malignant breast cancer and suggested that she start oral chemotherapy the following day. Besides radiation, she also underwent chemotherapy which led to hair and eyelash loss.

Looking back at her struggle, Ladd told about one of the moments her husband’s backing was so obvious that it emotionally struck her. “I looked so strange to the point of being a character from outer space, ” she said, remembering how Russell comforted her: “Yet, dear, a gorgeous alien.”

Cheryl Ladd Holds Husband Responsible for Care on Cancer Recovery

Cheryl Ladd revealed that her husband Brian Russell was her constant support throughout her fight with breast cancer, calling his care as “unbelievable.” The actress, who has been married to Russell since 1981, claimed that he not only supported her during treatment but also did so in an extraordinary way.

“He was so thoughtful, ” Ladd remembered how he gently persuaded her to eat even when she had no appetite. From giving her simple meals such as tomato soup to ensuring she kept on eating, she said he “babied” her throughout the hardest times and strengthened her.

“He just made me food, motivated me and hugged me, ” she ended. “I’m telling you, I sure married the right guy.”

Ladd also depended on the care of her daughter, Jordan Ladd, and Russell’s daughter, Lindsay Walker, who regularly came to see the actress and cheered her up. “Both of them were so wonderful, caring, sweet and praying for me like crazy, ” she said.

Cheryl Ladd Talks Support from Her ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Costars during Cancer Journey

Besides the constant care from husband Brian Russell, Ladd adds that Jaclyn Smith and Kate Jackson became a big source of strength for her.

“When you mention sisterhood, this is really it!” Ladd explained, recalling how all three Angel actresses have battled breast cancer at various times of their lives. “It’s funny how all three of us have been touched by cancer, but we’re all great.”

They celebrated the show’s 50th anniversary by attending a panel at PaleyFest in Los Angeles, where Ladd shared her cancer story with the public for the first time. Throughout her treatment, Smith, who is a breast cancer survivor herself, was very thoughtful by sending Ladd some wigs from her personal collection.

“I had a ton of wigs, ” said Ladd when she remembered how Smith was her guide through the hair loss issue. “Often she would say, ‘I just got a new one. I’m going to send it to you. Do you want a short one first? Then a longer one as your hair grows out?’ She was simply wonderful.”

Cheryl Thinks She Is “Like Herself Again” Since Cancer Battle

Cheryl Ladd gave an encouraging update on her breast cancer fight, sharing she is completely free of cancer and feels like herself again. The star shared she started to get back to her real self around six months ago.

“Being myself feels like the biggest gift, ” Ladd said of her husband Brian Russell and her faith as two major sources of support in her cancer fight. “The three of us together with my husband and the Lord, we survived it. It was indeed a real miracle.”

Ladd, who is concentrating on staying well, gets her mammograms biannually and advises everyone to be watchful. She pointed out how crucial it is to discover cancer at an early stage and not to dismiss any signs that are small.

“The earlier you detect it, and the sooner you get the treatment, the higher your chances are of living and preserving your breast, ” she explained. “If you experience anything, no matter how small it is, consult the doctor immediately.”