80s TV Legends: Stefanie Powers on Acting, Activism, and the Hart to Hart Legacy
Update: 2026-04-15
Description
"It was very dangerous to be a friend of the Harts because... yes, they were always getting killed." -- Stefanie Powers
Get ready for a masterclass in sophisticated glamour!
In this episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson sit down with the incomparable Stefanie Powers. Known to millions as the elegant and erudite Jennifer Hart from the smash-hit series Hart to Hart, Stefanie redefined what a TV marriage could look like alongside co-star Robert Wagner—showing us a partnership that was sexy, equal, and genuinely fun.
But Stefanie’s legacy goes far beyond the "chauffeur and limousines" of the 80s. We dive into her history as a true television pioneer, including her groundbreaking role as the first woman to lead an hour-long series in the 1966 spinoff The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Harts or a lover of television history, this conversation is a sparkling look back at one of the most iconic eras of TV.
THE CONVERSATION
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Get ready for a masterclass in sophisticated glamour!
In this episode of 80s TV Ladies, hosts Susan Lambert Hatem and Sharon Johnson sit down with the incomparable Stefanie Powers. Known to millions as the elegant and erudite Jennifer Hart from the smash-hit series Hart to Hart, Stefanie redefined what a TV marriage could look like alongside co-star Robert Wagner—showing us a partnership that was sexy, equal, and genuinely fun.
But Stefanie’s legacy goes far beyond the "chauffeur and limousines" of the 80s. We dive into her history as a true television pioneer, including her groundbreaking role as the first woman to lead an hour-long series in the 1966 spinoff The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Harts or a lover of television history, this conversation is a sparkling look back at one of the most iconic eras of TV.
THE CONVERSATION
- THE FIRST LADY OF ACTION: Exploring Stefanie’s groundbreaking role in The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. as the first woman to headline her own hour-long action series.
- THE LOVE OF HER LIFE: Led her to her 45-year lifetime legacy of conservation. Creating the William Holden Wildlife Foundation to honor and expand the work of William Holden.
- THE GREATEST STRIKE EVER: Getting the call from Aaron Spelling, writer Tom Mankiewicz, and Robert Wagner – and the lucky newspaper strike that led to her starring in Hart to Hart, instead of going to Broadway with Stacy Keach.
- HART TO HART: Diving into the "tennis match" rapport with Robert Wagner and the creation of a TV marriage built on equality, sexy banter, and high-stakes mystery.
- SOFTBALL COACH TO SHOWRUNNER: Stories of Sidney Sheldon, Leonard Goldberg, and how Aaron Spelling was Stefanie’s softball coach before he became the legendary showrunner and creator of so many hit shows, they often called ABC, Aaron’s Broadcasting Company.
- THE LA SCALA “THREE ROOMS: A look at the old Hollywood social hierarchy when Hollywood was a very small town.
- KIDDIES BALLET CLASS: The surprising shared history between Stefanie, Natalie Wood, and Jill St. John.
- STUDIO SYSTEM SURVIVOR: Stefanie reflects on her early days at MGM, being one of the last contract players, and working under the rigorous eye of brilliant - and monstrous - Jerome Robbins in West Side Story.
- WORKING WITH “FREEWAY”: Behind-the-scenes secrets of their canine co-star, including the hilarious truth about how they made such a friendly dog look like a fierce protector.
- A GLOBAL LEGACY: Stefanie discusses her 45-year journey as Founder and President of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation and her hands-on work in conservation and education in Kenya.
- SUCCESS VS. FAILURE: A candid look at why the industry prepares artists for failure, but rarely gives them the tools to navigate massive, life-changing success.
- WILLIAM HOLDEN WILDLIFE FOUNDATION: Why Stefanie believes that if you have a passion for a cause, you can’t wait for others—you have to be the one to step up. “Participation is not just asked for, it is required.”
- Watch episodes of Hart to Hart on Tubi or Roku.
- Catch The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. on DVD at Ebay. Or find it at Internet Archive.
- Learn more about the work of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation at WHWF.org
- Go directly to the WHWF DONATE page.
- Check out her official website: StefaniePowersOnline.com
- Follow Ms. Powers on Facebook and Instagram.
- Watch Stefanie guest star in The Rockford Files episode, The Real Easy Red Dog at Apple TV.
- Check out Democracy Docket here.
- Learn more about the ACLU here.
- Make sure you're registered to VOTE at Vote.org
- Get 21% OFF on awesome sheets and pajamas at COZY EARTH.
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Listen to 80s TV Ladies at YouTube. Subscribe and help us grow.
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Help us make more episodes and get ad-free episodes, video interviews, and exclusive content on PATREON.
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