'The Facts of Life' Cast Then and Now: Learn What Happened to Them!

It has been more than 30 years since the final episode of The Facts of Life aired on television — a show that is still a hit after all this time. However, ever wondered what happen to the actors that played the main character? Well, find out!

The NBC sitcom aired its first episode on August 24, 1979, and for nine seasons brought laughs and tears to every household in America. A spin-off of Diff’rent Strokes, The Facts of Life focused on Edna Garrett (played by Charlotte Rae) becoming a housemother at the fictional Eastland School, an all-female boarding school in Peekskill, New York.

While the show has been off the air for quite some time now, the cast did remain close over the years. “We have lifelong friendships,” Nancy McKeon ( who played Jo Polniaczek) once exclusively told Closer Weekly. “The privilege of having these people as my friends and peers has been life changing and wonderful.” Even Charlotte, who passed away in 2018, had nothing but kind words to say about her pals.

“I’m so proud of them,” the actress Closer. “None of them got into drugs or any trouble. They went through school and got married and had kids.” Kim Fields (Tootie Ramsey) added, “I got to grow up with an amazing group of people, my castmates. And in hindsight, I found out I impacted generations across the globe.” So incredible!

Scroll on down to see where the cast is today!

For more on TK/your favorite stars, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more updates!

Mindy Cohn

Though Natalie Green was the resident writer, Mindy, 53, has been too occupied for words. Along with getting a degree in cultural anthropology, she’s appeared on TV from Dream On to Bones and has been the voice of Velma in several Scooby-Doo revivals. More importantly, she’s also a breast cancer survivor.

Lisa Whelchel

While fashionable Blair Warner had one brilliant idea after another, Lisa, 56, discovered many interests suited her style. She has written 10 books, became an inspirational speaker, was a runner-up on Survivor: Philippines and, last year, celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary. She’s currently the host of MeTV’s Collector’s Call.

Nancy McKeon

Following her part as tough girl Jo Polniaczek, Nancy, 53, found it easy to move into more adult roles — starring in a slew of TV movies, the shortlived sitcoms Can’t Hurry Love and Style & Substance and the drama The Division. The mom of two also took a turn on Dancing With the Stars. She also celebrated her 15th wedding anniversary in 2018.

Kim Fields

Gossipy Tootie Ramsey often found herself in trou-ble! But Kim, 50, had no problems finding things to do. After attending Pepperdine University, she starred on TV’s Living Single, directed episodes of Kenan & Kel and was on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, as well as Dancing With the Stars. Plus, she also became a mother-of-two.