KATE JACKSON Why I Left Hollywood

THE CHARLIE’S ANGELS STAR HAS FEW REGRETS ABOUT STEPPING OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT

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She doesn't court attention anymore, but Kate Jackson still gets recognized by fans sometimes. "She is always surprised by that," says a friend, who adds that Kate shouldn't be. "She's older obviously, but she still looks good. That bone structure never fades."

For three decades, Kate, 73, starred on popular TV series, including the worldwide phenomenon Charlie's Angels and Scarecrow and Mrs. King, before beating breast cancer and quietly slipping away from show business. "I'd had it with Hollywood's long hours, the politics, the backstabbing and the gossip," she said. "It was not a great town for having your feet on the ground and living a normal life."

For the three-times divorced actress, that "normal" life included adopting a son, Charles, in 1995 and moving to a 125-acre farm in Keswick, Va., close to her high school best friend. But it hasn't been all smooth sailing. In addition to two bouts with cancer, the actress endured financial hardship that forced her to take legal action in 2010. "Kate definitely hit a rough patch," says the friend. "She had a difficult time with personal issues and demons she needed to deal with."

THE SMART ONE