Producer Norman Lear hand-selected Geri to star on the show following a stand-up performance at the Media Access Awards in 1980. Jewell was the first actor with a disability (specifically, cerebral palsy) who was a fixture to a primetime series.
Jewell looks back on her time on the series and notes that “it did help children get comfortable dealing with a person who has a disability and taught them the value of a good sense of humor.”
Sherrie Austin – Then
On The Facts of Life between 1987 and 1988, appeared the Australian born songbird and actress Sherrie Austin. With a start in music opening for legendary Johnny Cash in Australia at the age of 14, Austin has deemed a talent and moved to the U.S. to pursue acting.
Her character was an Australian exchange student who appeared in 15 episodes, most often joined at the hip with Andy on his monetary schemes. She was even adopted by Cloris Leachman’s character Beverly Ann and became a sister to Andy!
Sherrie Austin – Now
Austin really dove into her music career and even had a song that was featured on Baywatch in 1992! She released two albums for Arista, and occasionally produced covers, such as a cover of Dolly Parton’s hit “Jolene.”
Her song “Streets of Heaven” in 2003 was a Billboard chart-topper, her biggest country hit to date. However, she didn’t stop there; she pursued Broadway before returning to Nashville and releasing her fifth album in 2011, titled Circus Girl.
Geri Jewell – Now
Today, she is best known these days for her roles on HBO’s Deadwood, Glee, Alcatraz, Strong Medicine, and 21 Jump Street! As far as the silver screen goes, you might have seen Geri on The Night of the White Pants and Two of a Kind.
But at heart, Geri was destined to bring joy and laughter, continuing with her comedic roles, despite her disability. The fact that Geri could laugh at herself, and create infectious laughter against all odds, is a true credit to her and her nature.
Alex Rocco – Then
Taking on the role of the mischievous Jo’s father Charlie Polniaczek is Alex Rocco. It was sort of one of his side gigs because when you’re Moe Greene in The Godfather, you’re definitely going to be in demand as an actor.
In the 70s Rocco appeared in both films and television series, in films including Return to Horror High, P.K. and the Kid, Scenes from the Goldmine, and Lady in White. His other acting gigs include television roles in, St. Elsewhere, The Golden Girls, The A-Team, and Murder, She Wrote.