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.
Elon Musk Quietly Welcomed Baby No. 12, His Third with Neuralink Corp.’s Shivon Zilis, Earlier This Year
“Our relatives and friends are all aware. Regarding the arrival of his newest child, Musk stated, “‘Secret’ does not mean failure to issue a press release, which would be bizarre.”
Elon Musk just had a new child.
Earlier this year, the 52-year-old founder of Tesla secretly welcomed Shivon Zilis, the director of special projects at Neuralink Corp., into his family.
To Page Six, Musk affirmed the information. Regarding “secretly fathered,” it is likewise untrue,” he provided a statement to the publication. “Our family and friends are all aware.”
“It is not a secret if a press release is not issued, which would be strange,” the X Corp. owner continued.
As of right now, Musk’s youngest child’s gender and name are unknown.
Musk and his associates make an effort to keep their kids’ lives private.
Grimes, the mother of three of Musk’s children, posted a long message on X (previously Twitter) in September 2023 asking for privacy for her and the three children.
She also spoke about the current press that has focused on her co-parenting arrangement with the CEO of Tesla and the information that they secretly welcomed a third child, a son named Techno, not long after Musk welcomed his children with Zilis.
“Hey, I want to de-escalate the narrative at the moment, but I would prefer not to breathe any more life into this current press cycle,” the artist said.
Grimes went on, “I spoke with Shivon at length finally, which was long overdue,” in response to Zilis’ remarks.
She pleaded with supporters, saying that Zilis wasn’t to blame for their situation and urged them not to be upset with her. We are eager to become friends and raise the children together because we greatly appreciate one another.
In 2002, Musk and his first wife, Justine Wilson, welcomed their first child, a son named Nevada Alexander. At ten weeks old, the infant passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Wilson then used IVF to create twins Vivian Jenna and Griffin in 2004, and in 2006, triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian were born.
In May 2020, X Æ A-Xii, Musk and Grimes’ first child together, was born.
Then, in November 2021, he discreetly welcomed the twins, Azure and Strider, with Zilis. A year later, Grimes told Vanity Fair that she and Musk received a daughter, Exa Dark Siderael, via surrogate in December 2021.
The tech titan’s third child with Grimes, a son named Techno Mechanicus, also known as “Tau,” was born, as reported in journalist Walter Isaacson’s 2023 biography of Musk. This was the first announcement of the birth of Musk’s youngest child.
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