“The Facts of Life” started as a four-episode spinoff from “Diff’rent Strokes.”
The spinoff was far from an instant hit.
So how did “The Facts of Life” change after Season 1?
“They needed my help, because the writers at the time were all men.
They were also all older.
I was closer to Tootie’s age than I was to the writers.”
Incidentally, actor Kim Fields was very young when she first donned Tootie’s trademark roller skates.
“I was nine years old and I was playing 12,” she toldPage Six.
“So that’s what it took me to have the job.
I was on skates till I grew.”
Fortunately, they got rid of that."
Actor John Lawlor, who portrayed headmaster Mr. Bradley, was less sanguine about the casting changes.
You’re gone.'"
I was a little bit of a different generation."
I remember thinking, ‘God, I hate to lose her, because she really has talent!'"
“It added new life to the series.”
They also had to live together above the cafeteria, where Mrs. Garrett could keep an eye on them.
The show also found its audience.
Season 2 reached #26 in the Nielsen ratings, while Season 3 climbed to #24.
Lisa Whelchel toldTodayin 2020 that the show endures because of its timeless themes.
And you’re going to want that same kind of relationships."
So could the show return someday?
“Nothing is set yet, but it’s been really fun to talk about it.”
