Was Jennifer from the Different Strokes back door pilot "Girls School" originally planned as being the Natalie type girl on FOL?

I don't think so. From what I remember from the GS script, it was Jennifer who originally had the frog (not Laura)… but this is quite unlike the character of Natalie. Also, we've been told that Charlotte began creating the character of Natalie, based on her childhood friend, after meeting Mindy.

There likely wouldn't have been time for the producers and Charlotte to visit Westlake during the regular taping season, which makes me believe that the Westlake meeting happened after that block of taping was over (but before summer break would have begun).

Nothing about Jennifer says "Natalie" to me: she doesn't have her sense of humor, she's bummed about Nancy leaving school (when Natalie would have been upset about Tootie having to leave Eastland/Eastlake), and there's just not much to her personality. Natalie is the exact opposite of Jennifer. She's the anti-Jennifer.

Natalie is the exact opposite of Jennifer.

I dunno, Jennifer's at least pleasant. I think Natalie's the exact opposite of Brenda. :lol:

I dunno, Jennifer's at least pleasant. I think Natalie's the exact opposite of Brenda. :lol:

:lol:

...Since when is Natalie inadequate?

Our Natalie?

:lol:

...Since when is Natalie inadequate?

:lol: