‘The Facts of Life’ – 35 Things You Didn’t Know

Ah The Facts of Life, for many it brings back memories of walking home from school, waiting until it was time for it to start on TV (with dials) and laughing out loud at the hilarity that ensued in each episode. It was one of the most successful spin-off programs – and one of the most watched TV series of all time. The cast was littered with great talents, many of whom went on to have significant careers on the small and big screens. The Facts of Life followed Mrs. Garrett and a group of prep school girls whose daily tribulations and coming of age crises – provided endless plot twists, humor and warmth on set.

Nancy McKeon as Jo Polniaczek

Jo was the beloved tomboy in a house full of women on The Facts of Life. If everyone was busy doing their nails then Jo was off perfecting her batting average or kicking a ball around. Jo’s character was a great counterfoil to Blair, the ultimate young lady whose hair was always done. Some say Jo was a kind of early on screen feminist.

Nancy McKeon Now

McKeon didn’t get her fill of acting on The Facts of Life, but went on to star and play supporting roles in numerous made-for-tv films and productions. Nancy was married to her long-time beau in 2003 and went on to have 2 children. Now she juggles acting and family life.

Eve Plumb as Meg

A former Brady Bunch cast member, Eve Plumb had a short-lived guest spot on The Facts of Life part way through the series. Hungry for more, she also appeared on such television classics as The Love Boat, Murder She Wrote and That 70’s Show.

Eve Plumb Now

Plumb continued acting well into the millennium. Over the years she appeared on shows like Law and Order, Army Wives, and Days of Our Lives. Eve also found time to become a respected painter; her artwork can be found in galleries across the US!

John Lawlor as Steven Bradley

Although brief, John Lawlor’s portrayal of Steven Bradley (the girls’ school headmaster) was memorable. After just the first year, the show’s producers decided that Mrs Garret was enough of an authority figure for the whole program. As a result Steven Bradley’s character was cut.

John Lawlor Now

Today John can be found still doing what he loves – acting! Leaving The Facts of Life worked out well for him – as he went on to play significant roles in L.A. Law, The Rockford Files, Knots Landing – and most recently as Adam in the hit series Breaking Bad.

George Clooney as George Burnett

He was cute and funny, but when George Clooney walked onto set, not many people knew who he was. His character, George Burnett, was a handyman who appeared in almost 20 episodes. Naturally there was some romance between George and the lovely Blair…

George Clooney Today

Today, George Clooney really needs no introduction; he is simply one of the most loved and respected actors around! His really big break came with ER and the rest, as they say – is history. Now an Academy-Award winning actor, he has been in a multitude of films – including Batman and Ocean’s Eleven.

Dawn Gregg as Jenny

In the early 80’s Dawn Gregg appeared as Jenny on The Facts of Life several times. Though short-lived, her appearances and her character helped spice up the group’s dynamic in the final start seasons. Furthermore the show was also a great start for Dawn’s career.

Dawn Gregg Now

Dawn Gregg now has a busy professional life on and off screen. A mother of 5, Dawn has worked hard to become a success. Always less interested in fashion merchandising and things like that, Gregg sought something profound in her work. She became a name in the short film and documentary genre as a writer, producer – and director. Dawn is an impressive lady indeed.

Scott Bryce as Rick Bonner

Although his character – Rick Bonner, only appeared in 4 episodes, Scott Bryce had an important plot twist to accomplish. As all the women were growing up fast, Jo made the leap and married her beau Rick – a big moment for The Facts of Life.

Scott Bryce Now

Scott Bryce is a busy man these days on screen and behind the scenes. Far from over, his acting career only grew after he left The Facts of Life. He has appeared on a multitude of shows including Who’s the Boss, Murphy Brown, and L.A. Law. His film credits are also impressive; he appeared in Lethal Weapon 3 and Up Close and Personal – among many others.

Juliette Lewis as Terry Rankin

In the final season of The Facts of Life, Juliette Lewis played the funny and complex character of Terry Rankin. Despite it not lasting long, she was given much praise for her portrayal and went on to have a ludicrously successful career in Hollywood.

Juliette Lewis Now

Today Juliette needs little introduction. An Academy Award-nominated actress, her filmography is long and impressive. Having played in films as diverse as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Scorcese’s Cape Fear and August: Osage Country – what will she do next. Lewis also maintains a solid presence on TV, making appearances in many made-for-TV films and shows.

Ryan Cassidy as Kevin Metcalfe

Although Ryan Cassidy only had a 5-show run on The Facts of Life in the mid-80’s, he made quite the impression on the show’s fanbase! You don’t need an online university degree to know talent when you see it. Ryan leapt off the screen and was considered a teen icon for years – due to his work on the hit show.

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Ryan Cassidy Now

After his stint on The Facts of Life, he realized his true calling was somewhere behind the camera. Cassidy started working as a set designer! He has created sets for many well known shows like The Secret World of Alex Mack, The Muppets Tonight and King of Queens.

Jenny O’Hara as Emily Mahoney

Jenny O’Hara, the highly successful television and big screen actress started her career on stage. One of her first ‘breaks’ was as the funny, quirky sidekick of Mrs. Garett on The Facts of Life. Emily Mahoney’s character only lasted a season – but is a well-loved interlude by fans to this day.

Jenny O’Hara Now

Happily married with two children – O’Hara’s personal and professional life have taken off in the past few decades. She has appeared in numerous television series including King of Queens and Costello. Her films include Mystic River and Devil, to name a couple.

Marj Dusay as Monica Warner

Marj Dusay appeared a number of times on The Facts of Life, as Blair’s mother. Monica added some much needed depth and a note of gravity to the otherwise bubbly Blair. Left to her own devices Blair would simply talk about boys and fashion merchandising – but her mom Mrs Warner, forced Blair to deal with some difficult mother/daughter issues on set. Dusay went on to become a soap opera star after leaving the show.

Marj Dusay Now

After appearing on the show Dusay’s career just kept on going. She became queen of the soaps and played leading roles in many well known series, including Days of Our Lives, All My Children and Guiding Light.

Jami Gertz as Boots St. Clair

Boots St. Clair, Blair’s slightly up-tight best friend, may have had a supporting role on The Facts of Life – but she went on to be a star! Jami Gertz (as Boots) was always there for Blair, and added some brilliant comedic back and forth. Gertz went on to have guest spots on hits shows of the time, like Different Strokes and Family Ties.

Jami Gertz Now

Today Jami doesn’t need a financial consultant, as she is one of the richest women in Hollywood. With her sharp wit and screen presence Gertz went on to star in films like The Lost Boys and Jersey Girl. Her TV career hasn’t been too shabby either, with shows like ER and Still Standing on her resume.

Roger Perry as Charles Parker

Although Roger Perry’s role as headmaster on The Facts of Life didn’t last long, it did make a lasting impact. Hardcore fans still remember some of the lines Mr. Parker delivered.

Roger Perry Now

Happily married with two children, Roger has a full professional and private life. Apart from appearing on numerous films on the small screen, he has made appearances in major motion pictures like Operation Warzone and Wreckage.

Alex Rocco as Charlie Polniaczek

Alex Rocco played Charlie Polniaczek, Jo’s sweet-hearted dad on The Facts of Life. Always a hit with viewers, he also found work on host of other programs of the time: Murder She Wrote, The A-Team and The Golden Girls – to name just a few.

Alex Rocco Now

Best known for his portrayal of Moe Greene in The Godfather, Alex Rocco sadly passed away in 2015. Known for his distinctive voice, he also did extensive voice over work for shows like Family Guy and The Simpsons – and the movie A Bug’s Life.

Geri Jewell as Geri Tyler

After being spotted doing some stand-up comedy, Geri Jewell was snapped up by one of the show’s producers to star in The Facts of Life. For years Geri made people giggle and laugh, despite having a debilitating disease. Jewell made history by being the first person with cerebral palsy to be a star on TV!

Geri Jewell Now

It doesn’t take an online university degree to know that Jewell is funny. Today Geri is still busy making people laugh. Over the years she has acted in a multitude of films and television series, including classics like The Young and the Restless, 21 Jump Street and Glee.

Charlotte Rae as Mrs. Garrett

Charlotte Rae won a well deserved Emmy Award for her portrayal of Mrs. Garrett. She was there for the entire run of the series – giving advice, comfort and sometimes direction to the young girls in her charge. Furthermore through her role on The Facts of Life, Charlotte became an icon.

Charlotte Rae Now

Still going strong at the age of 90, Rae has been in a host of films like Love Sick Love and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan. Never one to sit still, she has also done a lot of voice over work. You can hear her in series like Itsy Bitsy Spider and 101 Dalmatians: The Series.

Lisa Welchel as Blair Warner

Despite being self-obsessed and a bit spoiled, Blair was one of the most beloved characters on The Facts of Life. There from the beginning to the end, Lisa Welchel helped propel the show forward, episode after episode.

Lisa Welchel Now

A multi-talented woman, after the show ended – she decided to pursue her other love: singing and songwriting. A committed mother and devout Christian, Lisa released several albums, including a song in the 80’s which would get her a Grammy nomination – ‘All Because of You’.

Kim Fields as Tootie

Adorable, sweet, Kim Fields was an amazing Tootie. At only 10 years old, apparently the roller blades she used to use were in part a way to increase her height. Sometimes Fields helped diffuse a note of racial tension, but mostly she just made people laugh.

Kim Fields Now

In the 90’s Fields starred for many years in Living Single, which was a great success. Subsequently however she decided it was time for a change of direction. Wanting more than an online university course, Fields attended Pepperdine University in California. After attaining her degree in the late 90’s, she started working and is now the director of Nickelodeon. Kim can also be spotted on some reality TV shows like The Real Housewives of Atlanta.