The beloved television series, The Facts of Life (1979-88), was once poised for a potential revival, but it now finds its future in limbo. Mindy Cohn, who played Natalie Green throughout the show’s nine-season run, recently shed light on the behind-the-scenes drama that led to the project’s demise.
The Facts of Life revival that almost was
Appearing on SiriusXM’s Jeff Lewis Live, Mindy Cohn revealed a revival of The Facts of Life was in the works, inspired by the positive reception received by the 2021 ABC special, Live in Front of a Studio Audience. It included recreations from both The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes (1978-86), with cameos by Kim Fields (Tootie Ramsey) and Lisa Whelchel (Blair Warner).
“Norman Lear, who is no longer with us, when he was still alive, he called all of us and said, ‘I knew you guys were still popular, but holy hell. The response from the live,'” Cohn shared while reflecting on the late creator’s enthusiasm for the revival.
A serious betrayal among the cast
Despite initial excitement and the involvement of the original cast in early discussions, the project ultimately fell apart. On Jeff Lewis Live, Mindy Cohn disclosed that internal conflict and betrayal among the actors were significant contributing factors.
“We got into talks and we hired a writer and the four of us got together on Zooms. This was during COVID, and we had meetings with Norman about it,” she explained.
Cohn refrained from naming the co-star responsible, but hinted at their actions, saying, “One of the girls […] went behind our backs and tried to make a separate deal for a spinoff just for herself and devastated the rest of us.”
A significant rift formed between cast members
This betrayal led to a significant rift within the cast, who’d enjoyed a 40-year friendship and sisterhood. Jeff Lewis Live co-host Michael Hitchcock didn’t hold back his feelings, labeling the unnamed co-star a “greedy [expletive].” Mindy Cohn agreed, saying, “You know what, Michael Hitchcock. Greedy [expletive]. I’ll say it.”
Jeff Lewis then asked Cohn if she and the others still talk, to which she responded, “We didn’t for a while and now we do-ish, but there’s definitely, it was an ouch.”
Mindy Cohn says a The Facts of Life revival is ‘dead’
Following the fallout, Mindy Cohn expressed doubt about the possibility of ever working together again. “It’s dead. It’s very dead,” she stated. “A couple of people can’t move past it, don’t want to move past it. We are not as united. Let me put it that way.”
Despite being pressed, Cohn remained tight-lipped about the identity of the co-star. “I am so not gonna tell you,” she said, “but I think you could guess. No. I mean, I won’t nod or say anything, but I’m just saying, ‘Okay. It’s not me,’ and then if you go on my Instagram and see who I’m…”
She continued, “I will not deny or confirm.”
Fans speculate the unnamed co-star is Lisa Whelchel
However, social media speculation has pointed fingers at Lisa Whelchel, after fans noticed she was conspicuously absent from a photo on Mindy Cohn’s Instagram, which featured Cohn, Kim Fields and Nancy McKeon (Jo Polniaczek).
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In a moment of reflection, Cohn added, “It always just kind of freaks me out that people will do that. Throw friendships, deep true friendships, under the bus for a dollar.”