They taught us the Facts of Life growing up, and now return for a Hallmark movie titled For Better or for Worse. Lisa Welchel ( as Wendy ) and Kim Fields ( as Roseanne ) have reunited onscreen, this time as wedding planners with a new divorce attorney located next door. Business rivals clash and comedy ensues.
Lisa Welchel began sweet as a Mouseketeer, then became snooty as Blair Warner on "Facts." She returned to the spotlight with Survivor: Philippines, where she became runner-up that season.
Whelchel talked about hair, Blair and a flair for Hallmark.
Windy City Times: Hi, Lisa. I'm so excited to talk you because I grew up with Facts of Life.
Lisa Welchel: Wonderful.
WCT: In the opening credits of the Hallmark movie your hair is perfect. What hair products do you use?
Lisa Welchel: [Laughs] You are so funny. It is probably not as much the hair products as the professional hairstylist that blow-dries my hair before every day on the set. I have great hair and make-up people.
WCT: You have a fitness video so you must stay in shape that way.
Lisa Welchel: I'm up and down. Actually, that's why I made the video since I really don't like exercising. There are a lot of people out there who don't like exercising, so maybe we could not all like not exercising together!
WCT: Were you attached to this Hallmark project first, or Kim Fields?
Lisa Welchel: I believe I was attached to it first. They were casting and I would say they had a brilliant idea.
WCT: How was it reuniting over this movie?
Lisa Welchel: We have kept in touch over the years so it is always wonderful. It has been a while since we worked together and I enjoyed it even more than ever.
I've been taking acting classes. I never took acting classes on Facts of Life but as soon as I got to California last year to restart my career I started taking acting classes. I appreciate how talented she is even more.
WCT: It seemed very natural with the two of you together.
Lisa Welchel: Yeah, and she's so funny.
WCT: You are the star of this movie. How was it working for Hallmark?
Lisa Welchel: I loved it. Other than the TV movie I did about 12 years ago this is the first time I have worked in 25 years, other than the Tyler Perry movie last year, as far as a full on, working almost every single scene for the whole shoot. Maybe because I'm older I appreciate it all the more. I enjoyed every moment of it. I was able to stand back and realize how fortunate I am to have a project I feel good about.
WCT: Coming back was sparked by Survivor?
Lisa Welchel: You know what? It really wasn't. I didn't do Survivor as a way to get into acting. As a matter of fact I think I would have avoided it because I would have thought that I want to be a legitimate actress and not a reality star. I just did Survivor because I loved the show. I had always wanted to be on it. The timing worked out to be when it did. It was kind a coincidence that it aired right before I moved to California. My kids were all grown, I had just recently gotten divorced, and was deciding on what I wanted to be when I grow up. I was on my own with my kids all grown. The timing wasn't planned.
WCT: Was it hard to get on Survivor being an actress?
Lisa Welchel: No, I think because they could tell I was just a legitimate fan. I knew about the show. I had watched every season. It was a novelty to them to have an actress on there. Most actresses are not able to take eight weeks off, go to a deserted island, and leave the world for a while. Since I really hadn't gotten back into it, I was free to do that.
WCT: People from our generation couldn't believe you weren't recognized by other cast members.
Lisa Welchel: They were all so young. All of the older people did, but the young ones didn't.
WCT: How was the Facts of Life reunion and Pop Culture Award at TV Land?
Lisa Welchel: It is always wonderful when we get to see each other. I have seen all of the cast through the years but it rare when we all get together so that was special for us all to be in the same place.
WCT: Cloris Leachman told me how great it was.
Lisa Welchel: Yes, it was. Being on that set was really fun.
WCT: Geri Jewell wrote a book about the experience. Was it a big deal to you when she came out of the closet?
Lisa Welchel: No, it wasn't a big deal. All I want for her is to be happy. She seems really happy now, and that is the main thing.
WCT: Are you planning on more movies like A Madea Christmas?
Lisa Welchel: We are talking about some more things but nothing to talk about publicly yet.
WCT: You were nominated for a Grammy for Best Inspirational Performance in the past. Will you ever sing again?
Lisa Welchel: I can definitely say there will be no more singing!
WCT: When are you coming to Chicago?
Lisa Welchel: I want to come. I just heard recently and posted on my Instagram that I am currently mesmerized by the artist Rene Magritte. Someone commented that there is a Magritte exhibit in Chicago at the Art Institute. Man, that makes me want to get there! I don't have any plans but I sure would like to come.
WCT: Well, I work across the street so I will take you there when you visit.
Lisa Welchel: I love that idea.
WCT: It was great seeing you shine in this movie, Lisa.
Lisa Welchel: That's so sweet. I really appreciate it. Thank you very much!
Look For Better Or For Worse on Hallmark July 19, with details at www.hallmarkchannel.com .
