“The Facts of Life” actress is currently experiencing a resurgence in her career, marking 45 years since the debut of the iconic sitcom.
In the new Apple+ TV series “Palm Royale,” she stars alongside Kristin Wiig, Laura Dern, and Ricky Martin, portraying society columnist Ann Holiday. In a recent interview, she expressed that this role is the highlight of her career.
At 57 years old, she believes that her best years are yet to come, stating, “I think I’m peaking now,” emphasizing that she did not peak in high school like some others.
Reflecting on aging, she mentioned feeling more comfortable and attractive in her 50s and 60s compared to her younger years, highlighting the ease that comes with embracing oneself.
While she embraces aging gracefully, she empathizes with friends who struggle with the concept of getting older, noting the societal pressures to maintain youth artificially.
The actress shared her admiration for older stars who mentored her during her early career, drawing inspiration from their advice on longevity in the industry.
Her character in “Palm Royale,” set in 1969, holds a significant role as the editor of a newspaper covering the affluent Palm Beach community, showcasing her evolution from a minor character to a pivotal figure in the series.
Drawing parallels to real-life gossip columnists, she delved into the complexities of her character’s position as a gatekeeper of information within the elite social circles.
Despite her success, she never envisioned an acting career, initially cast in “The Facts of Life” at 13 years old. The show’s impact on her life and the friendships she formed with her co-stars left a lasting impression on her.
Reflecting on her time on the show, she shared personal anecdotes and the support she received from her co-stars, particularly highlighting the guidance she received from Nancy McKeon.
The actress also addressed the evolving standards of body image in the entertainment industry, contrasting her experience with the body-positive movement of today.
Looking back on her diverse acting roles post-“The Facts of Life,” she expressed excitement for the potential second season of “Palm Royale” and the anticipation of future storylines.
Receiving positive feedback on her performance in the series, she remains eager for audiences to see her in a new light, embracing the evolution of her career over the past four decades.