Award-winning actress, designer and entrepreneur Jaclyn Smith has been named host of Bravo's newest reality competition series Shear Genius, previously announced under the working title Top Hair. Famed celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger will join the former Charlie's Angel as a lead judge on the series, which puts the spotlight on the client-driven, high-end competitive world of hairstyling. Production will commence in Los Angeles in early 2007 on eight episodes of Shear Genius, which is scheduled to premiere in spring 2007. The announcement was made today by Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President, Programming & Production, Bravo.

"Our critically acclaimed reality competition series are branded by ultra-talented contestants as well as highly credible hosts and judges," said Berwick. "We are excited to name the iconic Smith as host and celebrated Hershberger as lead judge as they lend tremendous credibility to the series and to the contestants during their competitive journey."

To win this competition, each hairstylist must prove their Shear Genius as they literally go head-to-head in creative challenges that require more than just talent with a comb and scissors. Whether it's the bob, bouffant, perm, or chignon, hair becomes an art form as the contestants with a flair for hair compete in two challenges each day that could put them one step closer to being crowned a Shear Genius. From the guy next door to the A-list celebrity, everyone is a potential client and provides a true test of skill. The crop of budding stylists will come from all walks of life and hail from all over the nation. Some will get "cut" early and others will "blow away" the competition.

JACLYN SMITH BIO

For more than three decades, Smith has held the public's interest as an award-winning actress and designer. A native of Houston, Texas, Smith's career began as a top model and soon came into American homes as the Breck Girl, which led to relationships with Wella Balsam and Max Factor. Hollywood beckoned, and soon she was appearing in popular series such as McCloud, The Rookies and Switch. In 1976, Smith starred as Kelly Garrett on Charlie's Angels and was the only actor to continue with the series for its five-year network run. Following Charlie's Angels, she earned a Golden Globe nomination for her critically-acclaimed portrayal of the legendary first lady in Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, one of the most highly-rated television movies of all time. In 1989, Smith was honored with a star on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Recently, she co-starred in the CBS drama, The District portraying DA, Vanessa Cavanaugh.

In 1985, Smith entered the business world with the introduction of her collection of women's apparel for Kmart stores. She pioneered the concept of celebrities developing their own brands rather than merely endorsing others. Since that time, more than 100-million women have purchased clothing or accessories bearing her name. She then entered the home furnishings market in 2002. Her latest collection, Jaclyn Smith Home, features furniture, bedding, textiles, wall coverings, rugs and home accents. For more information, please visit www.jaclynsmith.com.

SALLY HERSHBERGER BIO

Hershberger is one of the most influential and sought-after hairstylists in Hollywood and New York. An Emmy Award and Hollywood Style Award-winner, she is a personal favorite of directors and celebrities alike for her consistently new vision and the skill that marks her individuality. Equally in demand in the world of fashion, she has been the top choice for a number of the world's most renowned photographers, celebrities and models, shooting multi-million dollar campaigns along with covers for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W, Allure, Vanity Fair, and many more.

Hershberger continues to consult on film sets, designing and coordinating looks for award-winning directors and actors. She is also constantly working as a personal stylist for numerous celebrities and models, as well as prominent social and business leaders. Hershberger can be found in her own New York at Sally Hershberger Downtown.