Lisa Whelchel says it wasn't always easy growing up on TV's The Facts of Life. She began playing spoiled rich girl Blair Warner at age 16 and was one of only two cast members to remain a main character on the show through all nine seasons. (The other was Mindy Cohn, who played Natalie.) As a teenager, “you're trying to find out who you are. Your body is changing, your face is changing your hair is changing," says Lisa, 58. “When all that's captured on TV- and there's still rerun - there is a little bit of a groan element." After Facts stopped filming new episodes in 1988, Lisa focused primarily on her personal life, becoming a wife and mother in a short time. But now that her three children are grown, she’s dipped her toes back into showbiz more frequently. The new season of Collector's Call, the series Lisa hosts on MeTV, debuts on March 27.
When did you decide to be an actress?
I knew since I was 8 years old. I was really, really shy as a kid, so my mom put me in an acting class. From that moment, I just fell in love with acting. I didn't want to wait until I grew up. I wanted to be a child actress.
You joined The New Mickey Mouse Club at 12. That must have been fun!
Yes, we filmed at Disneyland. We went to work before the park opened, so it was really cool to see behind the scenes. We also got to be in the parade - riding on giant mouse ears down Main Street or dancing on a float. It's kind of hard to beat that for great childhood memories.
Did you enjoy being on The Facts of Life?
We had so much fun. We had an incredible cast and crew, and there wasn't a lot of pressure. They took into account that we were kids, and so they let us have fun. But we were also professional. We knew when to settle down and do the job that we were paid to do.
Bu hikaye Closer US dergisinin April 04, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Closer US dergisinin April 04, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
RELEASES FIRST NEW SONG AFTER STROKE
After suffering a debilitating stroke in 2013, country superstar Randy Travis thought he'd never be able to make music again.
Secrets, Lies & PASSIONS
THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS LED A COMPLICATED LIFE THAT INVITED RUMORS
What I've Learned From MY PARENTS
THE DAUGHTER OF BRUCE WILLIS AND DEMI MOORE SHARES WHAT MAKES HER GRATEFUL
How Struggles MADE HER STRONGER
A NEW BOOK ABOUT THE TELEVISION JOURNALIST'S LIFE REVEALS THE CHALLENGES THAT FUELED HER AMBITION
ALFONSO RIBEIRO I've Never Been HAPPIER
The DWTS host and Fresh Prince alum opens up about his life in and out of the spotlight with Closer
5 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT THESE LIFESTYLE CHANGES
Delta Burke HOW LOVE Saved Me
THE DESIGNING WOMEN ALUM FOUND HER SOULMATE JUST WHEN SHE NEEDED HIM MOST
MY LIFE IN 10 Pictures
BOLD AND brash, Mary Kathleen Turner burst onto the scene in the ’80s to become one of the sexiest and most acclaimed actresses of her generation.
HOW TO SURVIVE ALLERGY SEASON
A FEW SIMPLE TRICKS FOR RELIEF ARE NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT
THE MAN Who Tried to Save Her
A YOUNG MUSICIAN SOUGHT TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF THE PERFORMER'S LIFE SIX MONTHS BEFORE HER DEATH