15 Surprising Facts About “The Facts of Life

Introduction:

If you grew up in the 80s, chances are you are familiar with the iconic TV show “The Facts of Life.” This beloved sitcom follows the lives of a group of girls at a boarding school, teaching us valuable life lessons along the way. But did you know that there are some surprising facts about this classic show? In this article, we will explore 15 fascinating facts about “The Facts of Life” that you may not have known.

Fact 1: The Show Premiered in 1979

“The Facts of Life” first aired on August 24, 1979, and ran for a total of nine seasons. The show was a spin-off of “Diff’rent Strokes” and quickly became a fan favorite.

Fact 2: Mrs. Garrett Was Only Supposed to Be in the First Season

Charlotte Rae, who played the beloved character Mrs. Garrett, was only meant to be a supporting character in the first season. However, her role was expanded, and she became one of the show’s main characters.

Fact 3: George Clooney Joined the Cast in Season 7

Long before he became a Hollywood heartthrob, George Clooney played the role of George Burnett in “The Facts of Life.” He joined the cast in season seven and quickly became a fan favorite.

Fact 4: Lisa Whelchel Auditioned for the Role of Blair

Lisa Whelchel, who ultimately landed the role of Blair Warner, originally auditioned for the part of Judy. However, producers saw her potential as Blair and cast her in the iconic role.

Fact 5: The Show Tackled Serious Issues

Despite its comedic tone, “The Facts of Life” wasn’t afraid to tackle serious issues. The show addressed topics such as divorce, peer pressure, and eating disorders, earning praise for its handling of important subjects.

Fact 6: The Theme Song Was Sung by Gloria Loring

The catchy theme song of “The Facts of Life” was sung by Gloria Loring, who is also known for her role on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.”

Fact 7: The Girls’ Dormitory Was Filmed on a Real Soundstage

While the show was set at the fictional Eastland School, the girls’ dormitory scenes were actually filmed on a real soundstage. The set was meticulously designed to look like a typical boarding school dorm room.

Fact 8: Kim Fields’ Real Mother Played Her TV Mother

In a heartwarming twist, Kim Fields’ real mother, Chip Fields, played her TV mother in several episodes of “The Facts of Life.” This added an extra layer of authenticity to their on-screen relationship.

Fact 9: Nancy McKeon Auditioned for Several Roles

Before landing the role of Jo Polniaczek, Nancy McKeon auditioned for several different parts on the show. Producers were impressed with her talent and ultimately cast her as the tough but lovable Jo.

Fact 10: The Show Won Several Awards

Over the course of its run, “The Facts of Life” won several awards, including two Golden Globe nominations and an Emmy nomination. The show was praised for its writing, acting, and progressive themes.

Fact 11: Charlotte Rae Left the Show in Season 8

Charlotte Rae, who played Mrs. Garrett, left the show in season eight to pursue other projects. Her departure marked a significant shift in the dynamics of the show.

Fact 12: The Girls’ College Was Filmed at Pomona College

In later seasons, the girls of Eastland School moved on to attend college. These scenes were filmed at Pomona College in California, giving the show a new backdrop for their adventures.

Fact 13: Lisa Whelchel Released a Pop Album

During her time on “The Facts of Life,” Lisa Whelchel pursued a music career and released a pop album titled “All Because of You.” The album received moderate success and showcased her talents beyond acting.

Fact 14: Mindy Cohn’s Character Was Originally Meant to Be a Guest Role

Mindy Cohn, who played the lovable Natalie Green, was originally supposed to be a guest character. However, her chemistry with the rest of the cast was undeniable, and she quickly became a series regular.

Fact 15: The Show Ended in 1988

After nine successful seasons, “The Facts of Life” came to an end on May 7, 1988. The finale wrapped up the girls’ storylines and left fans with lasting memories of their favorite characters.

Conclusion

“The Facts of Life” may have been a sitcom, but it touched the hearts of viewers with its relatable characters and meaningful storylines. From tackling serious issues to showcasing the talents of its cast, the show has left a lasting legacy in the world of television. Whether you grew up watching it or are discovering it for the first time, there’s no denying the impact that “The Facts of Life” has had on popular culture.