My opinion of Nancy McKeon's actions

[A.D.A. Casey Novak]

First of all, a good friend and I were talking about this recently, and at the time I sort of agreed with her, but I've thought about it and now I hold a different opinion. Nancy has separated herself as much as possible from anything and everything regarding Jo (and please don't use her sporadic and brief interviews as evidence that she embraces FOL). I realize that she is a human being and that her decisions should be hers. The fact that the actors are not paid for interviews, etc. should not be an issue. First of all, it is the AUDIENCE, the PEOPLE who made FOL stay on the air. It was our commitment to the show. Without us, she would not have enjoyed nine seasons as Jo. It was our commitment that lead to her salary. So why shouldn't she extend the same courtesy back? The audience hgve NM a job for nearly ten years. Do you think she should extend the same courtesy back to those same audience members who still respect and admire her? (Again, please don't give me little examples here or there; I am talking about NM as opposed to the other three actresses). Does it not bother you in the least that she avoids (USUALLY) anything to do with FOL?

[canuckkidd]

Originally Posted by A.D.A. Casey Novak

First of all, a good friend and I were talking about this recently, and at the time I sort of agreed with her, but I've thought about it and now I hold a different opinion. Nancy has separated herself as much as possible from anything and everything regarding Jo (and please don't use her sporadic and brief interviews as evidence that she embraces FOL). I realize that she is a human being and that her decisions should be hers. The fact that the actors are not paid for interviews, etc. should not be an issue. First of all, it is the AUDIENCE, the PEOPLE who made FOL stay on the air. It was our commitment to the show. Without us, she would not have enjoyed nine seasons as Jo. It was our commitment that lead to her salary. So why shouldn't she extend the same courtesy back? The audience hgve NM a job for nearly ten years. Do you think she should extend the same courtesy back to those same audience members who still respect and admire her? (Again, please don't give me little examples here or there; I am talking about NM as opposed to the other three actresses). Does it not bother you in the least that she avoids (USUALLY) anything to do with FOL?

You make very good points, I agree the decision should be hers whether or not she wants to still be associated with the FOL. It does not bother me that she sometimes avoids anything FOL related, I think it was a time in her life that she enjoyed and cherished but she realized she needed to move on from that role in order to move on to bigger things acting wise. IMHO she does not need to extend the courtesy back to the fans, her ability to play the role of Jo was what made the FOL a great show and that alone is enough for me. I think she is grateful for that time in her life during the FOL years but it's human nature to sometimes forget about the past and move on to the future. If that's what she chooses to do, I cannot get upset at her, I just know she did an amazing job playing Jo. You mentioned "without us fans she would not have enjoyed nine seasons playing Jo." I like to look at it as without Nancy McKeon and her Jo character we as fans would not have enjoyed nine seasons of the FOL.

On a side note, I sometimes think the reason she may resent her Jo character from the FOL is because it harmed her acting career in the sense that she was not able to land any roles in "big" movies because of her character on FOL. Similar to other actors from big shows that are simply just known for being that character on the show. When was the last time you saw Screech, Arnold, Greg Brady, Horshack etc. in a big name movie?

[cavalier]

I think Nancy has worked very hard to move from the FOL image. You have to remember when FOL was on she did lots of interview and all the teen magazines giving interviews. I think it is great that she has other projects that she is proud of such as T. Thurman and Division and she doesn't just hold on to FOL. I just don't understand why she did the DVD interviews in May but she did not appear in the DVD disc interviews. I wonder now that she lives in TX (pt) and has 2 children and is married, she might not look at her career the same. I really hope she gets back into series tv or does something wonderful soon.

[Nighthawk76]

I agree with you, Anne.

I have a lot of respect for Nancy McKeon as an actress. I think that she is probably the greatest actress of her generation. I think that Nancy was great as Jo. I also thought she was really good in The Division.

I do not feel that Nancy is greatful for what The Facts of Life gave her and the many fans the show still has. I think that she wants as little to do with Facts as she possibly can. Where as Lisa, for example, seems to embrace the fame the show brought her as well as the fans. Part of the reason that Nancy might distance herself from "Facts" is that the Jo character will probably be the role that she is going to be remembered for. Even though she has had some post-"Facts" succses, none of these roles have been as popular as Jo onThe Facts of Life.

[Jo_Luvs_Ketchup]

I understand why she acts the way she does about the Facts of Life, especially lately with me.

See, she is a brilliant actress. She has worked in many movies: Tracey Thurman, Strange Voices, Comfort and Joy, Baby Snatcher, etc. Then she has done other TV shows: The Division, Can't Hurry Love, and Style and Substance. But no matter what she does, all she hears about is Jo. She has worked so brilliantly in other projects, she doesn't get a lot of respect. No matter what she does, she's always known as Jo.

I understand what she means. In my situation, it's figure skating. I started figure skating in 1998. I stopped when I had seizures. I can continue if I want to, but I don't. I feel that part of my life is over. But there isn't one family event that I go to where it isn't mentioned. Relatives I haven't seen in a while don't think of me as Kelly. I'm Kelly the figure skater. I was good, but that part of my life is done. I want to get past it and go on to other things. I would be happy if I never heard those words again. It was fun, but it's over.

Just like Nancy McKeon, yes she had fun playing Jo, but she's not Jo anymore. Yes it may have boosted her career, but it's been off the air since 1988. That's all she's trying to show. She wants to be respected for her other work, not just one show she has done.

I hope I don't get bashed at for this post LOL I'm just trying to explain as best I can, because I do understand how she feels. Maybe this explaination can help everyone understand? Maybe not lol. She will always be Jo to us, but maybe we need to appreciate all of her work.

[raya]

Honestly, I think you need to cut the woman a break. I've still never seen any actions from her that even suggest that she resents Facts. She's asked about it all the time in interviews that have nothing to do with FOL. She never seems to shut people down or tell people not to talk about it or refuse to talk about it. She answers whatever questions people have graciously and politely.

The difference between someone like Lisa and Nancy is that for Lisa it makes no difference if she is stereotyped and pigeonholed as Blair because she is no longer an actress. She's not still trying to work and get jobs and make a living in the acting profession.

The difference between Lisa and Nancy is just that Lisa seems to be a person who is much more comfortable putting her life and everything out there for all to see.

If you've ever noticed Kim sort of does the same thing. Yes, I know she did the Reunion movie or whatever, but if you ever see Kim asked about FOL in an interview not related to Facts she kind of clams up when people bring up Tootie. She doesn't always like talking about it and has even expressed some regret about choosing to do the reunion movie.

And while we're at it, Charlotte Rae was just on some "Whatever happened to..." Canadian program and she specifically came out and said she didn't do the DVD interview tour because they weren't being paid and they were making no money off the DVD's.

So therefore I don't see why someone who supposedly resents the show and all that it brought her would bother taking two days or so out of her life to make the interview rounds where she would do nothing but talk about the show 24/7. Kim and Charlotte didn't do it and I don't see anybody making a big deal about that.

Yes, I get she didn't do the reunion movie and sometimes doesn't do interviews. Anybody think maybe she's just a bit on the shy side and not as comfortable putting herself out there?

I don't know. Everybody is entitled to their opinions, but I think some people need to cut all these women a break. I'd understand if one of them had come forward and said something or done something negative against the show, but that hasn't happened.

They're just human.

[A.D.A. Casey Novak]

You have all made really good points. And, believe it or not, I do agree with several of your comments. I am thinking about something else. I have never heard any unkind words about NM's personality or behavior. She does seem to be a pleasent and kind woman. Kelly makes a great point, but I was thinking about it in slightly different terms. Perhaps Nancy did not really enjoy her years on FOL. I am Kim's age, so I remember all the episodes first hand and I distinctly remember thinking that NM looked unhappy in many of her scenes, even the ones meant to be funny. To be fair to her, perhaps she was not happy at the time (either due to the show or to something more personal). Maybe she doesn't like to be reminded of it. I know her demeanor on the show was partly due to the type of character she played, but in so many scenes, she just looked unhappy, even when the character should have been happy. (Or maybe I just read too much into everything! Who knows?)

[Nighthawk76]

Originally Posted by A.D.A. Casey Novak

You have all made really good points. And, believe it or not, I do agree with several of your comments. I am thinking about something else. I have never heard any unkind words about NM's personality or behavior. She does seem to be a pleasent and kind woman. Kelly makes a great point, but I was thinking about it in slightly different terms. Perhaps Nancy did not really enjoy her years on FOL. I am Kim's age, so I remember all the episodes first hand and I distinctly remember thinking that NM looked unhappy in many of her scenes, even the ones meant to be funny. To be fair to her, perhaps she was not happy at the time (either due to the show or to something more personal). Maybe she doesn't like to be reminded of it. I know her demeanor on the show was partly due to the type of character she played, but in so many scenes, she just looked unhappy, even when the character should have been happy. (Or maybe I just read too much into everything! Who knows?)

That is an interesting observation, Anne. I'm not sure I agree with it though. Still, I respect your opinion. I don't think that Nancy came across as being unhappy on screen. The reason I really don't agree with it is because Nancy played Jo for eight seasons. If she had really been unhappy with the show and the character of Jo I don't think that she would have continued with it for so long. Of course, there is the possibility that Nancy was unhappy with something else besides the series. It isn't uncommon for teenagers to be unhappy and Nancy was a teenager during most of her time on the show. Still, she never seems unhappy onscreen to me, except for when she is supposed to, of course.

[raya]

Anything onscreen is acting. If Nancy looked unhappy on screen, it's Jo that was unhappy. If Nancy were unhappy/bored etc. and that came through onscreen then she would not be a very good actress, would she?

[canuckkidd]

It may have come accross that way on screen maybe because the character of Jo was not written to be a peachy happy go lucky character. She written as a tough girl from the Bronx who had to work hard to achieve success.

Just out of curiosity can you list some scenes from episodes where you think she was unhappy when her character should of been happy.

[I Love Lamp]

I think if she was actually unhappy about being on the show, then she showed a lot of dedication to her fans and the show by staying on.

I think we would all like her to be more like Lisa- willing to discuss the show at any moment- but I think it's great that she's past that. I think it shows maturity. And it's not like she's completely abandoned her fans. I think sometimes it's just a little frustrating when she's not seemingly appreciative or fails to acknowledge the show. So I don't know. Mixed feelings I guess.

[Justwondering]

Originally Posted by A.D.A. Casey Novak

Perhaps Nancy did not really enjoy her years on FOL. I am Kim's age, so I remember all the episodes first hand and I distinctly remember thinking that NM looked unhappy in many of her scenes, even the ones meant to be funny. To be fair to her, perhaps she was not happy at the time (either due to the show or to something more personal). Maybe she doesn't like to be reminded of it. I know her demeanor on the show was partly due to the type of character she played, but in so many scenes, she just looked unhappy, even when the character should have been happy. (Or maybe I just read too much into everything! Who knows?)

To suggest that Nancy McKeon somewhow allowed her own personal moods to be reflected in the character of Jo is not only to completely misinterpret the character, but certainly is an insult to Nancy McKeon.

Nancy was then, and still is today, heralded as an exceptional actor. If the "unhappiness" you sensed on-screen were anything other than the emotion that Nancy actually wanted to convey, the show's producers would have replaced her. Were what you are suggesting true, that is --allowing one's own personal mood to influence the portrayal of a character --it would reveal a serious acting deficit on the part of Nancy.

The character of Jo, more than any of the other girls, was usually even keel in her temperament. Her Bronx upbring made her a realist, one who looked at the world with a dose of skepticism. It is true that Jo didn't often laugh or smile unless it was in delivering an insult to Blair, but that was in keeping with her character.

[A.D.A. Casey Novak]

OK, that's it. I stand by my original post. In my second post, I was trying to see things from Nancy's perspective. It was just an idea, that's it. Truth be told, I think she is ungrateful and unappreciative, but I DO think she is talented and I do think that overall she is a good person. OK??? This is just absurd. To those of you who I'm close to (you know who you are), please email me if you want. But I come here to share my opinions in a non-confrontational way. I was only trying very hard to think up some excuse as to why NM appears so ungrateful. Tear me down, that's your perogative. Truth be told, you're right. She IS a good actress, a very good actress. In all honesty, NO, I don't think she'd let her personal feelings get in the way of her acting. OK??? It was just a passing thought. I don't care why NM acts the way she does, but I still maintain that she is one of the most unappreciative persons I have ever seen (compare her, if you will, to MJF and "Family Ties"). And, before you start, I don't want to hear about isolated incidents here and there where MJF was unappreciative. I really like the character of Jo, I really like NM as an actress, but I do not like her actions and from the little I've seen, I don't like her either (perhaps I would if I actually knew her, who knows?). Look, post whatever you guys want. This is supposed to be fun, and it is not fun anymore. Mike, you know where to find me.

[A.D.A. Casey Novak]

OK, I GET IT!!!! I AGREE SHE IS A GOOD ACTOR, I AGREE THAT SHE IS A PROFESSIONAL ACTOR (AND PROBABLY WOULDN'T LET HER PERSONAL FEELINGS INTERFERE WITH HER ACTING). IT WAS JUST A THOUGHT. CRUCIFY ME IF YOU WANT, BUT I DO NOT THINK THAT NANCY MCKEON IS APPRECIATIVE OR GRATEFUL IN ANY WAY. I DO NOT AGREE WITH HER BEHAVIOR. I LIKE HER AS AN ACTRESS, I DO. BUT ALL THIS TIME YOU SPEND DEFENDING HER???? SHE DOESN'T CARE. SHE COULD NOT CARE LESS IF SHE TRIED. HER ACTIONS OVER THE PAST TWENTY YEARS SPEAKS VOLUMES. DO YOU HONESTLY AND ACTUALLY THINK SHE'D EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT? DO YOU THINK THAT EVEN ONE IOTA OF HER CARES ABOUT WHAT ANY FOL FAN HAS TO SAY? DO YOU HONESTLY THINK SHE CARES????

Originally Posted by Justwondering

To suggest that Nancy McKeon somewhow allowed her own personal moods to be reflected in the character of Jo is not only to completely misinterpret the character, but certainly is an insult to Nancy McKeon.

Nancy was then, and still is today, heralded as an exceptional actor. If the "unhappiness" you sensed on-screen were anything other than the emotion that Nancy actually wanted to convey, the show's producers would have replaced her. Were what you are suggesting true, that is --allowing one's own personal mood to influence the portrayal of a character --it would reveal a serious acting deficit on the part of Nancy.

The character of Jo, more than any of the other girls, was usually even keel in her temperament. Her Bronx upbring made her a realist, one who looked at the world with a dose of skepticism. It is true that Jo didn't often laugh or smile unless it was in delivering an insult to Blair, but that was in keeping with her character.

[Mr. Television]

Originally Posted by A.D.A. Casey Novak

OK, that's it. I stand by my original post. In my second post, I was trying to see things from Nancy's perspective. It was just an idea, that's it. Truth be told, I think she is ungrateful and unappreciative, but I DO think she is talented and I do think that overall she is a good person. OK??? This is just absurd. To those of you who I'm close to (you know who you are), please email me if you want. But I come here to share my opinions in a non-confrontational way. I was only trying very hard to think up some excuse as to why NM appears so ungrateful. Tear me down, that's your perogative. Truth be told, you're right. She IS a good actress, a very good actress. In all honesty, NO, I don't think she'd let her personal feelings get in the way of her acting. OK??? It was just a passing thought. I don't care why NM acts the way she does, but I still maintain that she is one of the most unappreciative persons I have ever seen (compare her, if you will, to MJF and "Family Ties"). And, before you start, I don't want to hear about isolated incidents here and there where MJF was unappreciative. I really like the character of Jo, I really like NM as an actress, but I do not like her actions and from the little I've seen, I don't like her either (perhaps I would if I actually knew her, who knows?). Look, post whatever you guys want. This is supposed to be fun, and it is not fun anymore. Mike, you know where to find me.

The fact is I do think she's ungrateful a lot of the time. Many people have been typecast before a lot worst than Nancy. Nancy has continued to work pretty much since the FOL left the air. Their have been others that have had a hard time getting any work.

Don't let anybody drive you from the boards or ruin your enjoyment or discussing the FOL. Some times things get heated. Just ignore the ones that are being rude to you.