Thursday, October 18, 2012

Roots & Shoots

...the families of the Facts of Life.

Mrs. Garrett's Tribe

Beverly Ann Stickle
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"Every time something good happens to you I come along and ruin it for you!" laments Beverly Ann upon mowing down the minister with her Winnebago on her sister, Edna's wedding day.  "What about your last wedding?  Your anniversary?  The senior prom?  And that UGLY incident in kindergarten?"

When Charlotte Rae left the show her longtime friend Cloris Leachman was hired to play her sister, Beverly Ann, a very different type of role model.  Notoriously a bad driver with a hopeless sense of direction, she arrived in Peekskill after a bitter divorce taking over the day to day running of the store and household when Mrs. Garrett moved to Africa.  She settles in and eventually adopts Andy Moffet when his foster parents divorce.

Previously, Cloris Leachman had been in films like the classic BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID and the 1979 movie SCAVENGER HUNT, (which also had FOL alum, Julie Ann Haddock), and also playing cameos in THE MUPPET MOVIE and as WONDER WOMAN's mother in the 70's TV show.  She was best known as a regular cast member of MARY TYLER MOORE, who was spun off onto her own show, PHYLLIS, making both her and Charlotte Rae to play supporting roles on a successful sitcom and spun off into their own shows.  Cloris goes on to have a busy career after Facts as well, recently seen on DANCING WITH THE STARS and the series RAISING HOPE.

Andy Moffet
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"Come on Andy, you don't have to prove anything to us," states Jo.
"I don't mean to contradict you miss, but when you're my size you have to prove everything to everybody."
Although Andy was only hired to help Mrs. Garrett for an event her shop was catering, he proved most useful and was hired on permanently.  For the next few years he grew close to the girls seeing this as more his family since he lived in foster homes.  Eventually he was adopted by Mrs. Garrett's sister, Beverly Ann.  His portrayer, Mackenzie Astin, went on to films like IRON WILL, and EVENING STAR with FOL alum, Juliette Lewis.  His mother is Patty Duke, and his brother is Sean Astin of THE LORD OF THE RINGS fame.  His father, John Astin, played Mrs. Garrett's date at the beginning of the 6th season.

Raymond Garrett
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Edna's son, an accountant.  He was the one who managed to get her the gourmet food shop, Edna's Edibles.  He has a younger brother and an ex-wife.

Alex Garrett
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Edna's youngest son was definately a "free spirit" who created a more fascinating life to impress his mother.  When she found out he was a carpenter instead of a musician, she was still proud of him.

Robert Garrett
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Distinguished Robert Alda came on for one episode to play Mrs. Garrett's ex-husband.  She was mistrusting of his gambling ways until she learns he has taught poker to Tootie and the girls and kicks him out for good.  Robert Alda had a successful European film career and also appeared on Days of Our Lives.  He is the father of Alan Alda of MASH fame.


The Warner Clan

Geri Tyler
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Blair's cousin Geri.  She is a comedian who happens to have Cerebral Palsy.  The actress to play her, Geri Jewel, recently published a book, I'M WALKING AS STRAIGHT AS I CAN.  A play on words as her palsy makes her appear drunk, and she has "come out" as a lesbian.

Monica Warner
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Now divorced from Blair's father, and remarried a few times, she uses the name Warner for the power and prestige it offers.  She is of high class and close with her daughter.

David Warner
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"But Daddy, I don't WANT to be a corporation!" when Blair's father turns her into one for tax benefits.  Mr. Warner is a successful, and wealthy, businessman that was mostly absent from Blair's life usually asking questions like, "And what did I buy you this time, Princess?"

Sister Meg
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When Blair's step sister, Meg, shows up to relinquish her worldly possessions Blair realizes she's about to become a nun.  Meg's portrayer, Eve Plum, is best known for her work as Jan Brady on the BRADY BUNCH.  However, she is also in the movie NOWHERE which also includes a cameo by Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett).

Bailey Warner
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After Blair had already grown to adult, her mother had a child late in life.  Bailey was born on Christmas.  Her portrayer played Samantha Brady for several years as a toddler on Days of Our Lives.


The Ramseys

Diane Ramsey
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Chip Fields, real life mother of Kim Fields, played Tootie's mother, Diane.  She is a lawyer, wife, and mother of two from Washington D.C.

Mr. Ramsey
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He too is a lawyer and resides with his wife Diane in Washington D.C.

Marshall Ramsey
Tootie's older brother.


The Green Family

Mr. Green
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A doctor from New York who adopted Natalie when she was a baby.  He dies while she is still in high school.


The Bronx Polniaczeks

Charlie Polniaczek
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"You know I didn't steal those typewriters, I only left the door open."
Jo's father who is released from prison while she attends Eastland, grows to have a close relationship with his daughter.

Rose Polniaczek
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Jo's mother who worked three jobs to get her girl through private school so that Jo could be the first in their family to go to college.

Terry Largo
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Jo's cousin, played by Megan Follows of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES fame.  Megan also appears in an episode of THE DIVISION with Nancy McKeon.

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