Heavenly send-off for Aaron Spelling

There they were, the second most famous celestial trinity in history: the original “Charlie’s Angels.” Their collective silhouette unnervingly close to what it was 30 years ago (has it really been that long?), they joined an Emmy audience Sunday in paying homage to their master and creator, Aaron Spelling. Spelling, who died June 23 after parlaying a forgettable television writing and acting career into one of the most unforgettable television producing careers ever, was eulogized as a pioneer.

“I’m sure he’s looking down and smiling, knowing he brought us together as only he could,” said Jaclyn Smith, shoulder to shoulder with her former costars Kate Jackson and Farrah Fawcett, who ruled prime-time television in the late 1970s.

Fawcett choked up as she noted that Spelling had changed her life. “And,” she added, with signature Angel prayer-hand head bow, “I’ll be forever grateful.”

Other Spelling Productions alums -- Joan Collins from “Dynasty,” Heather Locklear from “T.J. Hooker,” “Melrose Place” and “Dynasty,” and Stephen Collins from “7th Heaven” -- also remembered Spelling as a kind, generous and creative man with a knack for tapping into popular tastes.

“No one did guilty pleasure like Aaron,” said Stephen Collins.

“He knew the value of a script and a skirt,” added Joan Collins. “He understood they both mattered.”

The reported feud between Spelling’s widow, Candy, and his actress-daughter Tori did not veer into any kind of observable melodrama -- at least any that would have been suited for a Spelling production.

Although the two sat apart, it seemed obvious that both women were touched by the tribute, and there were several shots of Candy Spelling wiping away tears during the performers’ eulogies.