Best known for her role as Natalie Greene on The Facts of Life (1979-1988), the actress rose to fame as a teenager. After facing serious health problems that forced her to retreat from the spotlight, she has made an inspiring comeback at age 58.
In a 2013 reflection for HuffPost, she reflected on her youth and admitted, “Have I ever mentioned a passion for acting or performing? Not at all.” She explained, “If someone had asked me what I wanted to be, I would probably have said a doctor because I loved helping people and I had a real talent for it.”
At first, acting was just a way for her to skip school and get free donuts, she said. But to her surprise, she soon found herself back in the principal’s office, which launched an unexpected career in Hollywood.
Ahead of her 58th birthday, she spoke of her pride in aging naturally, noting that she now feels more attractive than ever before.
Fully embracing her role as a character actress, she embraces her age. When she contemplates cosmetic procedures, she humorously sings “Let It Go” from the film Frozen, a playful tradition she shares with her best friend.
How do you like this actress? Has she changed much over the years?
