This veteran actress didn’t plan on an acting career, but one unexpected role on a popular TV show changed her life. Now, in her late fifties, she’s overcome major challenges and is living happily today. Here’s a look at her inspiring journey and how she’s doing now.
Known for playing Natalie Green on *The Facts of Life* (1979–1988), she was discovered as a teenager. Years later, health issues forced her to leave Hollywood, but now, at 58, she’s thriving once again.
In a 2013 article, the actress shared about her younger years, saying, “Have I ever mentioned performing or wanting to act? No, sir.”
She explained, “If someone had asked what I wanted to be, I’d have probably said a doctor, since I wanted to help people and had a talent for it.”
Her acting journey happened by chance. In the summer of 1979, just before ninth grade, she and some classmates were pulled from class to meet TV producers creating a new sitcom set in a girls’ school.
The producers, including actress Charlotte Rae, were casting for The Facts of Life and thought she’d be perfect for a role. Rae found her “charming and funny,” suggesting a part be created for her.
Her role on The Facts of Life made her a household name. She continued acting after the show and voiced Velma in What’s New, Scooby-Doo? for over a decade.
But in 2012, her life took a turn. One morning, she felt unusually tired during a walk. She called her friend Helen Hunt for help. After a doctor’s visit, tests revealed troubling news: she had breast cancer.
For the next five years, she endured a “siege,” facing surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Known for her optimism, she admitted feeling worn down by the recurring cancer.
“I kept waiting for things to get better, but they didn’t,” she said. “I couldn’t control or fix any of it.”
Seeking peace, she left Hollywood for a quiet life in the country. She moved to a farm owned by friends Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge, where she found a sense of family.
The farm kept her busy, from stacking shelves to feeding chickens and even caring for goats. Her friends often saw her helping around the property, finding comfort in the farm work.
In 2017, she was declared cancer-free and expressed gratitude for her parents and close friends who supported her through it all.
With her health restored, she returned to Hollywood, reconnecting with her fans and eager for new roles. She felt ready to work again, saying, “I think I’m a good actress, and I have a lot to give.”
At 58, she remains single and child-free, having dedicated herself to her career. Though she enjoys seeing her friends’ families, she cherishes the close relationships in her life.
She’s open to finding love, but with a strong network of loved ones, she feels fulfilled, knowing she can lean on others and support them in return.
Now in her late fifties, she has embraced aging naturally. Feeling more beautiful than in her youth, she avoids cosmetic fixes, humorously singing Let It Go from Frozen when tempted.
As she nears sixty, she is living life fully, surrounded by friends, pursuing her passions, and looking forward to what’s next. Her journey shows that love, humor, and resilience can guide us through even the hardest times, making every chapter meaningful.
“How Is That Even Possible?” Grandma, 63, and Her Husband, 26, Spark Heated Controversy as They Expect Their First Baby
A couple often scrutinized online for their substantial age gap has happily announced that they are expecting their first child. Cheryl McCain, 63, has gained widespread attention for her marriage to 26-year-old Quran McCain. Their unconventional relationship began when they both worked at a Dairy Queen. Over time, their relationship evolved into a highly publicized marriage, attracting both support and criticism.
Their love blossomed years after their initial meeting.
Their first encounter, which was purely platonic, eventually led to a romantic relationship when they unexpectedly crossed paths again at a gas station years later. Quran was 23 at the time. After several weeks of spending time together, he expressed his feelings for Cheryl, and they started dating in April 2021. They got married that September and soon after, they created joint social media accounts to share their journey with a broader audience.
Despite the couple’s happiness, Cheryl’s children strongly disapproved of the marriage. Cheryl lamented, “I have seven kids, but I only see one of them, as the others do not support our relationship. It hurts me, it hurts me a lot.”
“They were my whole life, and suddenly I wanted to marry someone I had fallen in love with, and they didn’t support that. I have 18 grandchildren and I only see three of them,” she shared.
Nevertheless, despite the challenging journey, they are prepared to expand their family.
In a recent development, Cheryl and Quran have revealed that they have found a surrogate and are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby. Cheryl announced the news through a TikTok video, which included sonogram images. She addressed her critics with a defiant caption that read, “You’re too old to be starting a family,” accompanied by a resolute message, “I got my mind up.”
The announcement elicited both congratulations and criticisms.
The couple shared their profound happiness upon learning they were expecting a child. Cheryl expressed, “It was an amazing feeling to find out we were going to have a baby. We get to start our own family. I am the happiest now than I have ever been before. It will make our family so much happier as we will love the baby unconditionally.”
Quran echoed her sentiments, stating, “I cried with tears of joy when I found out. This will be my very first child. I have never felt love like this apart from the time I got married to Cheryl. Baby girl or baby boy, it doesn’t matter. I am having a baby, and we are starting our life together. Even though Cheryl won’t be the biological mother, blood doesn’t make you family, and she will be the best mom.”
The announcement has stirred a blend of congratulations and criticism, primarily stemming from the notable 37-year age gap between Cheryl and Quran. Some individuals are skeptical about the feasibility of the situation. One commenter questioned, “How is that even possible?” Only time will reveal whether the arrival of their child will pave the way for reconciliation within their family.
Another heartening love story emerges from a couple who remain united even after one of them experiences a severe accident, dramatically altering their life.
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