This veteran actress didn’t plan on an acting career, but one unexpected role on a popular TV show changed her life. Now, in her late fifties, she’s overcome major challenges and is living happily today. Here’s a look at her inspiring journey and how she’s doing now.
Known for playing Natalie Green on *The Facts of Life* (1979–1988), she was discovered as a teenager. Years later, health issues forced her to leave Hollywood, but now, at 58, she’s thriving once again.
In a 2013 article, the actress shared about her younger years, saying, “Have I ever mentioned performing or wanting to act? No, sir.”
She explained, “If someone had asked what I wanted to be, I’d have probably said a doctor, since I wanted to help people and had a talent for it.”
Her acting journey happened by chance. In the summer of 1979, just before ninth grade, she and some classmates were pulled from class to meet TV producers creating a new sitcom set in a girls’ school.
The producers, including actress Charlotte Rae, were casting for The Facts of Life and thought she’d be perfect for a role. Rae found her “charming and funny,” suggesting a part be created for her.
Her role on The Facts of Life made her a household name. She continued acting after the show and voiced Velma in What’s New, Scooby-Doo? for over a decade.
But in 2012, her life took a turn. One morning, she felt unusually tired during a walk. She called her friend Helen Hunt for help. After a doctor’s visit, tests revealed troubling news: she had breast cancer.
For the next five years, she endured a “siege,” facing surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Known for her optimism, she admitted feeling worn down by the recurring cancer.
“I kept waiting for things to get better, but they didn’t,” she said. “I couldn’t control or fix any of it.”
Seeking peace, she left Hollywood for a quiet life in the country. She moved to a farm owned by friends Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, where she found a sense of family.
The farm kept her busy, from stacking shelves to feeding chickens and even caring for goats. Her friends often saw her helping around the property, finding comfort in the farm work.
In 2017, she was declared cancer-free and expressed gratitude for her parents and close friends who supported her through it all.
With her health restored, she returned to Hollywood, reconnecting with her fans and eager for new roles. She felt ready to work again, saying, “I think I’m a good actress, and I have a lot to give.”
At 58, she remains single and child-free, having dedicated herself to her career. Though she enjoys seeing her friends’ families, she cherishes the close relationships in her life.
She’s open to finding love, but with a strong network of loved ones, she feels fulfilled, knowing she can lean on others and support them in return.
Now in her late fifties, she has embraced aging naturally. Feeling more beautiful than in her youth, she avoids cosmetic fixes, humorously singing Let It Go from Frozen when tempted.
As she nears sixty, she is living life fully, surrounded by friends, pursuing her passions, and looking forward to what’s next. Her journey shows that love, humor, and resilience can guide us through even the hardest times, making every chapter meaningful.
My Neighbor Ruined the Peach Orchard I Received from My Grandparents, I Ensured She Regretted Her Actions
Lisa inherited her grandparents’ cherished peach orchard after they passed away. It had been a part of her family for over fifty years, filled with memories of joyful harvest parties with friends and neighbors, especially her beloved neighbor Sam, who had taught her woodworking and shared many stories.
Determined to honor her grandparents, Lisa planned to host the harvest party that year. However, her plans were soon disrupted by a new neighbor, Karen, who seemed intent on ruining everything. On the first day Karen moved in, she complained about the peach trees, demanding that Lisa remove them because their leaves were blowing onto her property.
Taken aback by Karen’s harsh attitude, Lisa explained how the trees were important to her and the community. But Karen was unsympathetic and made it clear that she wouldn’t stop until the trees were gone.
Soon after, Lisa began hearing disturbing news from her neighbors about Karen’s actions, including a cruel incident where she had a dog put down by falsely claiming it attacked her child. At their annual peach harvest party, Karen called the police, claiming the noise was too loud, forcing Lisa to end the gathering prematurely. Things escalated further when Lisa discovered that her truck tires had been slashed and her cat was injured, all signs pointing to Karen’s involvement.
One evening, Lisa caught Karen smirking from her porch, further infuriating her. Lisa felt compelled to defend her family’s legacy but needed proof of Karen’s wrongdoing. When she and her father discovered copper nails driven into the peach trees, they set up cameras to catch the culprit.
It didn’t take long to capture Karen on tape, and when they confronted her, she pretended to be remorseful. But Lisa knew she couldn’t let her get away with it. She gathered evidence of the damage and filed a lawsuit against Karen, even launching a website detailing Karen’s misdeeds. The site gained traction, and Lisa reached out to a friend in the news.
With media coverage and community support, protests against Karen’s actions emerged, forcing the authorities to take action. Karen was held accountable for the damage she caused, and she was ultimately forced to sell her house and leave the neighborhood.
With Karen gone, Lisa set about restoring the orchard, excited to host the harvest party once again. The community celebrated together, and Lisa felt proud to continue her grandparents’ legacy. She learned the importance of standing up for what is right and the power of community support in overcoming challenges.
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