I stumbled upon a discussion elsewhere (https://www.reddit.com/r/television/comments/rym3oq/how_come_people_gave_the_bad_acting_in_the_facts/) online yesterday that suggested that The Facts of Life somehow got a pass for its supposedly consistent bad acting.

Charlotte Rae was singled out for "sounding like a Muppet" most of the time, Nancy McKeon's tough-girl act cited as getting old and tired pretty quickly, and Lisa Whelchel apparently could barely read her lines.

I guess the argument is that Kim and Mindy were the only main cast members who didn't seem like they were playing a broad caricature, or they acted like "real people" and not like they were obviously "acting".

As much as I love Natalie, I found ironic that the author says Mindy could truly act, she was the only one that never acted before :lol:. Charlotte Rae had a career that spanned six decades and Lisa and Nancy were actress since they were little kids. It would have been more polite if the author had said he finds the show dumb. It's truly disrepectful saying the actresses can't act.

The author singles out Charlotte Rae for ridicule, but Charlotte was Emmy nominated.

This review is a complete joke. There’s no credibility. First, it’s Reddit, secondly, this person only claims to have seen a few episodes. I honestly think they all could act (although I will say Kim overacted in some episodes and Mindy cracking herself up after delivering lines in early seasons were some exceptions). So what, Charlotte’s voice was shrill at times, that is no reflection on her acting ability. Lisa couldn’t read her lines? Gimme a break, she was great at delivering and giving inflection with her lines. And, Jo’s tough girl act got old real quick?! I would argue that Nancy had the most range of any actor on the show, she did well at being tough, vulnerable, and funny. And then the show was childish? Please, the show tackled so many adult themes, I have no idea how that thought even came into this person’s head.

This review is a complete joke. There’s no credibility. First, it’s Reddit, secondly, this person only claims to have seen a few episodes. I honestly think they all could act (although I will say Kim overacted in some episodes and Mindy cracking herself up after delivering lines in early seasons were some exceptions). So what, Charlotte’s voice was shrill at times, that is no reflection on her acting ability. Lisa couldn’t read her lines? Gimme a break, she was great at delivering and giving inflection with her lines. And, Jo’s tough girl act got old real quick?! I would argue that Nancy had the most range of any actor on the show, she did well at being tough, vulnerable, and funny. And then the show was childish? Please, the show tackled so many adult themes, I have no idea how that thought even came into this person’s head.

Yeah, Reddit comments are exactly that: one person's opinion. In this case, as you point out, the poster didn't even regularly watch the series.

Charlotte Rae was singled out for "sounding like a Muppet" most of the time

Well, that is high praise in my book! :D

(With her unique look she also bears a slight resemblance to Ma Gorg from Fraggle Rock, which, again, is a compliment in my book)

I think all of them were fantastic actresses. Mindy had the least experience at the on-set of the show, but caught on really quickly.


Charlotte Rae was great as Mrs. Garrett and knew how to play that role well. I've actually never seen her in much else, but I know she had a respected career before and after the show.

If I had to pick a weak link it would probably be one of the girls from season one, probably Julie Anne Haddock or Julie Piekerski.

of the season one girls who got dropped later on I though Felice was the best actress.