The 'Facts Of Life' Cast: Then and Now

Cloris Leachman - Then

Cloris is one of the most hilarious actors in television, despite being a veteran, Cloris hasn’t lost a single inch of her wit. Leachman holds the honor of winning more Primetime Emmy Awards than any other actor – 8, as well as one Daytime Emmy Award and an Academy Award!

Cloris Leachman - Now

After The Facts of Life, Cloris went on to play the role of Daisy May Moses in The Beverly Hillbillies, Grandma Ida on Malcolm in the Middle, danced her way on Dancing with the Stars, and most recently played Maw Maw on the Fox show, Raising Hope.

Lisa Whelchel – Then

Lisa has always been a devout Christian, and her career took her by way of her religion. She produced a Christian music album, All Because of You, in 1984, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. 

Lisa Whelchel – Now

Whelchel has also been on CBS’s reality show, Survivor: Philippines, where she came in at second place. Whelchel has been in TV movies, such as, For Better or For Worse, Hearts of Spring, and A Snow Capped Christmas. Lisa was married from 1988-2012 and has three children.

Kim Fields – Then

Kim comes from an acting family, her mother and sister are also actresses. 

Kim Fields – Now

After The Facts of Life, Fields went on to be in another television show for quite a while, Living Single, from 1993 through 1998. Kim took part in both Facts of Life reunion movies and interviews.

Fields started directing after getting her university degree, directing several Nickelodeon show. Fields has also been on two reality shows, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and Dancing with the Stars.

Mindy Cohn – Then

Mindy Cohn – Now

Mindy’s other famous roles were the voice of Velma Dinkley, from 2002 to 2015, in the Scooby Doo franchise. Mindy has many other television show appearances, such as her role in Charles In Charge, 21 Jump Street, and The Help.

Cohn starred in the 2010 film, Violet Tendencies, as well as appeared on the TLC show, What Not to Wear. She also made a funny appearance, because her comedic timing was always impeccable, on sitcoms like Hot in Cleveland, Secret Life of the American Teenager, and The Middle.

Molly Ringwald – Then

After Molly got cut, her career really took off (so it’s essentially a good thing the producers didn’t want her on The Facts of Life anymore!). Molly went on to star in 80s teen hits, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink – without Molly, those movies would have been a totally different game.

Molly Ringwald – Now

Ringwald is still a very busy actress, both on television and film. Most recently she has been in the film Bad Night and King Cobra and appeared on shows like Raising Expectations, and Riverdale.

George Clooney – Then

These days, George Clooney is, well, George Clooney. He has been named the sexiest man alive and has an uber-successful film and television career. 

George Clooney – Now

After The Facts of Life, Clooney landed his mega-hit role as Dr. Doug Ross on ER. He continued his acting winning streak with films like Oceans Eleven (and the rest), Syriana (for which he won an Academy Award for), Michael Clayton, Burn After Reading, Gravity, and most recently, Money Monster. George is only getting warmed up though, he is also directing and producing the films he is in.

John Lawlor – Then

John Lawlor – Now

Since his short-lived stint on The Facts of Life, actor John Lawlor has been on television shows such as, L.A. Law, Knots Landing, Mr. Belvedere, Barney Miller, The Rockford Files, Ellery Queen, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and Alice.

His most memorable TV appearances in the last ten years on television include shows like Breaking Bad and very recently Godless. In terms of films, John has been on National Lampoon Goes to the Movies, Billy Jack Goes to Washington, and Wyatt Earp.

Felice Schachter – Then

Felice Schachter – Now

What we mean by fine in the television and film industry is that after The Facts of Life, Felice went on to star in the film Zapped! alongside Scott Baio, as well as working in productions as a production assistant, and assistant director for commercials and industry films.  

Her production work was part of these productions – JAG, The Citizen, High Tide, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and 30 Years to Life.

McKenzie Astin – Then

McKenzie Astin – Now

Little Andy is no longer little, McKenzie Astin is now in his 40s and has been on various television shows. He made appearances in show like, Psych, Lost, NCIS, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, and House. Astin has also been in major motion pictures, in films such as, Wyatt Earp, The Evening Star (alongside Shirley MacLaine) and The Last Days of Disco.  

Most recently, Astin worked with his father, who is the Director of the program in Theatre Arts at Johns Hopkins University. In 2016 he played in shows like Rosewood and The Magicians, as well as the movie, Windsor.

Julie Anne Haddock – Then

Julie Anne Haddock – Now

After The Facts of Life, her last episode was on 1986 and the last acting role she ever did, Haddock shifted her focus to her personal life and away from the lights of Hollywood. Julie lives in California with her family and enjoys singing in church.

She was interviewed for The Facts of Life DVD and said that she also fills her time with charity work.

Sherrie Austin – Then

Sherrie Austin – Now

After Sherrie’s time on The Facts of Life, she began her music career, something she was very passionate about. She was part of the band Colorhaus in the 1990s, after which she moved from her native Australia to the United States.

In 2003 she topped the Billboard charts with her song, Streets of Heaven. She has been making album after album, with her fifth and latest one released in 2011.

Geri Jewell – Then

Geri Jewell – Now

Since her comedic days on The Comedy Store and The Facts of Life, Geri has been on shows such as HBO’s Deadwood, Glee, Alcatraz, Strong Medicine, The Young and the Restless, and 21 Jump Street. Her film credits include, The Night of the White Pants and Two of a Kind.

Geri’s comedy career continued through her comedic roles in these shows, and despite her disability, she never let anything slow her down, and we commend her so much for that!

Alex Rocco – Then

Alex Rocco – Now

Alex Rocco was seriously bit by the Hollywood acting bug. His latest works were on the television shows, Maron, and Episodes. He had also appeared in films, like The Wedding Planner (alongside Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Lopez), The Job, Find Me Guilty, and Scammerhead.

Sadly, Alex Rocco passed away on July 18, 2015 at the age of 79, after a very long and fruitful acting career. He is survived by his four children.

Roger Perry – Then

Roger Perry – Now

After The Facts of Life, Roger did not return much to his acting roots. He and his wife though were given a Golden Palm Star on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs, California.

His wife, Joyce Bulifant, is also an actress on both television and Broadway. She was previously married four times before she finally married Roger.

Jami Gertz – Then

Jami Gertz – Now

Jami is considered one of the richest women in the world these days, as her and husband, Antony Ressler are part of the investment group that was bought out by MLB franchise Milwaukee Brewers. She continues to act and has been in films like Jersey Girl, Twister, and Dealin’ with Idiots.

She has been on television shows like Ally McBeal, ER, Still Standing, Entourage, and This Is Us. Jami’s name and face are recognizable among most of Hollywood and seems to be getting stronger and brighter.

Marj Dusay – Then

Marj Dusay – Now

Marj’s career has taken her more along the lines of a mega-hit soap star. Dusay is most known for her role as Alexandra Spaulding on the television soap, Guiding Light. She was on the show off and on from 1993 to 2009!  

She was also on the soap, All My Children, as the evil Vanessa Bennett, from 1999 through 2002. Dramatic as she is on screen, is how low key Dusay is off screen. She is a devoted mother of two who is no longer acting and enjoying the fruit of her labors.

Jenny O’Hara – Then

Jenny O’Hara – Now

Today, Jenny is very well-known in Hollywood, playing in both television shows and in films. She has been in hits like, Transparent, The Mindy Project, The King of Queens, Big Love, Costello, and Dangerous Minds.  

Over her long career in acting, O’Hara has been able to transform into many types of characters, as any good actress should, and has done it all while balancing her personal life of a wife and mother of two.

Ryan Cassidy – Then

Ryan Cassidy – Now

Ryan had one more acting role in the 80s before switching to the more complex behind the camera jobs. He has been in the art department of many successful show, like JAG, The Secret World of Alex Mack, Muppets Tonight, The King of Queens, and Good Luck Charlie.  

In recent years he has been moving back into the acting game, looking into more dramatic roles.

Juliette Lewis – Then

Juliette Lewis – Now

Today, Juliette is an award winning actress with a long list of television and film credits to her name. Her truly breakout role was in Martin Scorsese’s 1991 film, Cape Fear; she was nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for her role.  

She has also been in acclaimed films such as, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Nerve, The Other Sister, and August: Osage County. Her television credits include, The Firm, My Name is Earl, and Wayward Pines.

Scott Bryce – Then

Scott Bryce – Now

Since his time as Rick, Scott has been busy with his impressively long list of Hollywood credits, from acting to directing. Bryce was on television shows like, The Golden Girls, Who’s the Boss?, Murphy Brown, and L.A. Law; and has been in films like, Lethal Weapon 3, and Up Close and Personal. In recent years he has been more focused on television again, acting in shows like, Deception, Blue Bloods, and The Good Fight.

Dawn Gregg – Then

Dawn Gregg- Now

After her short time on the show, Dawn expanded her film role from acting to producing, writing and directing as well. Her particular style is that of short films, which she has been working on in recent years.  

She took time off acting altogether between The Facts of Life and her return in 2012 to act in her first short film. In addition to her many talents, Dawn is also a wife and mother of five children.

Eve Plumb – Then

Eve Plumb – Now

Eve never stopped acting, although the rest of her roles were not as high profile as The Brady Bunch. She has been on television shows like, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Law and Order, Days of Our Lives, and Army Wives. Eve is also an avid painter in her free time, with several pieces in art galleries across the country.  

Little known fact: when she was just 11 she bought her home for $55,000, she sold it recently for $3.9 million! Now that’s playing the real estate market.

David Ackroyd – Then

David Ackroyd – Now

After The Facts of Life, David stayed in the acting genre and landed roles in television shows like, Xena Warrior Princess, Walker Texas Ranger, A Peaceable Kingdom, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest, and a little more into the documentary circuit, The Best Bar in America. He had a tendency to play roles like lawyers, doctors, or government officials, which was probably due to his serious demeanor.  David is married and has two daughters.

Jennifer Barlow – Then

Jennifer Barlow – Now

Since the 80s, Barlow has been in television shows such as, Dallas, Nine to Five, The Jeffersons, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Golden Palace, Beverly Hills 90210, and Key West.  

Barlow has also entered into the world of television and film editing, as well as producing, directing, stunts and many other genres in the production process.

Mayim Bialik – Then

Mayim Bialik – Now

These days, Mayim is known for her role in The Big Bang Theory. She plays the role of Neuroscientist, Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler.  

She has been on the show since 2010 and is only becoming more and more beloved, as the show is becoming a classic among a growing number of legions of fans. Funny enough, Mayim herself has a PhD in Neuroscience; so it really is a case of art imitating life! Other huge parts for Mayim during her career was her famous role in Blossom.

Seth Green – Then

Seth Green – Now

As we said, Seth started acting and never stopped. He has an astoundingly long list of credits to his name, the ones he is most famous for is his role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (and the sequels), That 70’s Show, Entourage, and lending his voice to animated shows like, American Dad!, and  Family Guy (Chris Griffin).

Seth has endless projects in front of him, with credits as an actor, director, writer and producer, to name a few.

Loren Lester – Then

Loren Lester – Now

Flash forward, pun intended, to today, and Loren is a director and actor, both in person and in voice. His most iconic role was as the voice of Robin in the animated series, Batman.  

In addition to his voice roles, Loren has appeared in shows like, Desperate Housewives, Criminal Minds, Tow and a Half Men, Parenthood, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Loren is also a stage actor and director, who has also written the play, It’s Magic – The Life and Music of Doris Day.

Julie Piekarski – Then

Julie Piekarski – Now

Since the show, Julie has been in several television shows, such as, Three’s Company, The Best of Times, Quincy M.E., and ABC After-school Specials. She was also an entertainment reporter for KPLR-TV in her home town of St. Louis, Missouri.  

Julie is married to John Probst, a dentist, and has three children. The Facts of Life is still one of the best times for Julie, who loved being a part of the show.

Nancy McKeon – Then

Nancy McKeon – Now

After The Facts of Life, Nancy went on to act in many other television productions. She played Inspector Jinny Exstead on the show, The Division, as well as on Sonny with a Chance, on the Disney Channel.  

McKeon has been in a long list of TV movies, including, A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story, The Wrong Woman, and Comfort and Joy. McKeon married in 2003 and has since had two children with her husband, one of which’s pregnancy was written into the show she was on at the time, The Division.

Charlotte Rae – Now

These days, Charlotte is an astounding 90 years old and still sharing her bubbly personality with the world. Rae received an Emmy Award nomination in 1983 for her role as Edna Garrett. Through the years she appeared in several TV shows and movie.

Most recently, Rae appeared in the film, Ricky and the Flash, alongside Meryl Streep, Rick Springfield, and Kevin Kline. Rae has enjoyed both film and television continuity and has also been working in voice roles, such as The Brothers Flub, and Itsy Bitsy Spider. At the age of 90, Rae has slowed down her acting over the last years, and we think she is more than deserving!