Link to podcast summary (https://www.datalounge.com/thread/17524754-emmy-winner-pamela-adlon-harrowing-experience-on-the-facts-of-life)

The Data Lounge page has a summary, and then it links to the actual podcast (go to 36 min in). Very interesting - she talks about the episode/backdoor pilot "Jo's Cousin", and while she doesn't make it clear, it sounds like she was in the running for the role that went to Megan Follows. Then they brought her in as Kelly, and she makes it sound like Nancy McKeon was threatened. Takes a swipe at Lisa, too. She has good things to say about Charlotte Rae, Mindy, and Kim.

I thought the reason they cut Kelly was because she didn't click well with fans? I remember on here years and years ago when the show was in syndication on N@N, fans would be talking about how annoying Kelly was. She was exactly like Jo and it was pointless since the show already had a Jo. I think Pamela got the can because fans didn't like her character and she's trying to create drama that wasn't there. You can tell she doesn't remember the show that well. Jami Gertz wasn't a regular on the show. She was never in the opening credits. She was a guest star and it was the same season Pamela was on. I've never seen anywhere that Jami was fired from The Facts of Life or had any issues on the show.

I thought the reason they cut Kelly was because she didn't click well with fans? I remember on here years and years ago when the show was in syndication on N@N, fans would be talking about how annoying Kelly was. She was exactly like Jo and it was pointless since the show already had a Jo. I think Pamela got the can because fans didn't like her character
Yup, she never clicked well with me. I never cared for her character to begin with, but then the minute she threatened our Blair at the register I wrote her off completely. Never liked "Kelly".

I liked her character. I was wondering why she was gone. Of course, I was a child back then as an adult, I understand now but I would like to still see more of her.

I'm glad that Pamela was willing to talk openly about her bad experience on the show. Let's face it: that show went through actors like toilet paper, with only a few cast members being valued, and a dozen others shown the door.

Both Molly and Pamela have opened up about some of the bad experiences they had, and also the good things they experienced. I'm glad they've spoken frankly about their respective times on the show, even if it doesn't paint everyone in the best light.

I liked Kelly, she was an interesting character. Pamela really loved Kim Fields, said she was a sweetheart.

I liked Kelly, she was an interesting character. Pamela really loved Kim Fields, said she was a sweetheart.

Gemini, what did you find interesting about Kelly? I don't believe we received much information about her. Where did she live? Where were her parents? Why wasn't she in school? Why did she have no friends?

Gemini, what did you find interesting about Kelly? I don't believe we received much information about her. Where did she live? Where were her parents? Why wasn't she in school? Why did she have no friends?

I think it was interesting how she was doing all sorts of stunts just to get Jo's attention. I liked her admiration of Jo and she was only really mean to Blair (who i can't stand anyway). It would have been cool to see Jo mentor her in later episodes because she needed it. She was funny to me.