Cheryl Ladd is opening up about one of the hardest seasons of her life, sharing how faith, steadfast love and the support of close friends helped sustain her through an aggressive breast cancer battle.

The former “Charlie’s Angels” star reflected on her experience during the PaleyFest 50th anniversary celebration of the beloved series, describing the physical and emotional toll of treatment. “Mine was an aggressive form,” Ladd said. “I had wonderful doctors. But I was bald for quite a while. It was a humbling experience.”

For the 74-year-old actress, one of the greatest sources of strength came from her husband, Brian Russell, who stood by her throughout the ordeal. “I have a wonderful husband. All through it, he was there for me at every turn, and that makes a difference,” she said. Though the road was difficult, Ladd recalled finding hope in small signs of recovery. “Eventually, I started to get little sprouts of hair. It was like, ‘Oh, I’m getting hair!’ It was a long, long, hard road. But you just get through. You just get on with it.”

Ladd also found comfort in the bond she shares with former co-star Jaclyn Smith, who faced her own breast cancer diagnosis in 2002. Smith said walking through a similar trial created a deeper connection between them. “It just connects you because you know what they’re going through,” Smith said. “And that’s when I talk about the power of girlfriends.” She added that one of her first acts of support was to send Ladd her wigs, praising her friend’s courage during treatment.

Their friendship has endured far beyond their television fame. In recent years, Smith said the two remain in close contact, often seeing each other in Los Angeles, sharing meals and talking frequently by phone. What began as a professional relationship has become a lifelong friendship marked by compassion and loyalty.

Yet through all the ups and downs of life in Hollywood, Ladd has said her deepest anchor has been her faith in God. Looking back on her life, she recalled seeking the Lord even as a child. “I knew who I was as a young girl. I would climb up the top of the tree and talk to God all the time,” she said. Reflecting on life’s trials, Ladd added, “He was with me the whole time.”

Her words offer a moving reminder that even in suffering, God’s presence can remain steady. Through illness, uncertainty and recovery, Ladd’s story is one of perseverance — and of a woman upheld by prayer, friendship and the faithful love of those around her.