Oh, how time flies! It was 15 years ago that WB soap 7th Heaven entered our homes and changed our lives forever, launching the careers of stars like Jessica Biel and sounding the death knoll for others (sorry, Barry Watson).

But we aren’t the only ones looking back on the show with fondness: In an exclusive interview with Snakkle, star Catherine Hicks reminisced about Jessica Biel early in her career, including the semi-nude shoot with Gear magazine that Jessica did intentionally to sabotage her run on 7th Heaven.

“Jessica was a fun tomboy, and very nice—a saint with the young girls who followed her and worshipped her,” Hicks told Snakkle. The two stars had a close relationship, and Catherine advised Jessica not to do the shoot. “I remember being maternal at the time, going, ‘Jessie, that’s a no-no.’ But I think she really wanted to break free.”

And, of course, the gamble paid off, since it helped to turn Jess into the superstar sex symbol she is today. “If you want to be a movie star, you do certain things along the way to make it,” Catherine said. “I think she gave a shocker to get herself on the map. And it worked!”

It’s great to hear from Catherine Hicks again! Gotta love Mama Camden ! 

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