Would You Say Lisa Whelchel Had A Failed Hollywood Career??? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 12-28-2010, 08:31 PM

On this Diff'rent Strokes spin off Whelchel played Blair Warner, the vain daddy's girl who fancied herself head of the pack. While some of her costars would continue to work on television after the show's cancellation Whelchel's career effectively ended with The Facts of Life. She would make several appearances on The Love Boat but after that any and all acting work would be connected to The Facts of Life reunion shows and related events. A devout Christian, Whelchel released an inspirational music album in 1984 which earned her Grammy nomination, though she never did a follow up album.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...pg3.html?cat=2

70s show watcher · 12-28-2010, 08:37 PM

i would say no because in the end she opted for the type of life that she herself wanted and so she has had a far better life for herself than anything that hollywood could ever give her

Marvo301 · 12-28-2010, 08:43 PM

Leaving Hollywood behind to become a wife and mother was a personal choice for Lisa Welchel. So no her career was not a failure. In fact that choice led to a whole new career as an author and lecturer on parenting issues.

Mr. Television · 12-28-2010, 08:47 PM

I have great respect for Lisa. Leaving Hollywood does not mean she's a failure. It was her choice and she appears happy.

cocytus · 12-28-2010, 09:46 PM

She had a starring role in a successful television show, so I'd say "No." However, if she wanted more than that, then yes, her career wasn't as successful as it could have been.

catlover79 · 12-29-2010, 05:17 AM

She has said on more than one occasion that leaving show biz behind to be a full-time wife/mom was one of the best decisions she's ever made - that the Lord was leading her to do so.

Lisa has kept busy on the lecture circuit, as a writer, runs "MomTime Ministries" among other things now that her kids are off in college. She's said that FOL and Blair gave her a platform to reach young women that she wouldn't have had otherwise.

So, no - I don't think she had a failed Hollywood career at all. She took her experiences from her show biz career and helped use them as a platform for her ministry - and I've also heard her say she doesn't rule out a return to acting now that her kids are grown.

lucyandethel · 03-16-2011, 02:46 AM

She starred in a hit, classic sitcom that ran for nine years. I would hardly call that a failure. After all, there are tons of actors who star in long-running shows and disappear at the end of them. Two reasons: 1) being typecast and 2) a little thing called residuals that if invested properly can help you live quite comfortably for years and years. I have no clue what the girls on the show made, but you can't tell me they didn't walk away from a show that ran for nine years pretty well set, unless they blew it all which I doubt.

ThomasE · 05-01-2011, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucyandethel

She starred in a hit, classic sitcom that ran for nine years. I would hardly call that a failure. After all, there are tons of actors who star in long-running shows and disappear at the end of them. Two reasons: 1) being typecast and 2) a little thing called residuals that if invested properly can help you live quite comfortably for years and years. I have no clue what the girls on the show made, but you can't tell me they didn't walk away from a show that ran for nine years pretty well set, unless they blew it all which I doubt.

To me, she did not fail. Like other posters stated, it was by her own choice. She has been very blessed by the Lord and I am happy for her. I think she and Steve are coming up on their 23rd anniversary. I wish them well.

catlover79 · 05-01-2011, 12:20 AM

Yup - Lisa and Steve were married on July 9, 1988, so they're coming up on their 23rd anniversary very soon!!

RadiantEmma11 · 05-16-2011, 12:36 PM

Hasnt Lisa openly stated after the show ended she had no desire to continue acting? She gave birth to all of her children quickly after the show ended with little time frames between the births? i think Lisa was always happy with her decision she made

catlover79 · 05-16-2011, 12:47 PM

Lisa married Steve Cauble in July of 1988, shortly after the show had ceased production. Nancy, Mindy and Kim were all bridesmaids!! The three children were born three years in a row!! Wow!!

Actually, in her book, she wanted to juggle acting and motherhood. She auditioned for Aaron Spelling and a few other producers but didn't get the jobs. Lisa then wrote she felt it was obvious God was closing that door and telling her she was meant to be a full-time wife/mother. She has also said she does not regret it. Now that her kids are grown, who knows? I've heard her say in interviews that she wouldn't rule out a return to acting, but she is also very busy with her writing and on the lecture circuit. If you haven't read Lisa's memoir from 2001, I think it's definitely worth checking out - and I hope she'll consider updating it!!

ShamelessFanGirl · 07-21-2011, 03:55 PM

Some people it is hard for them to juggle their private life and their acting career too. Because if they are married and have children they obviously want to be there for them as well as being able to maintain that balance while trying to have a career too an obviously at that time in her life it wasn't meant to happen though it is nice to hear that she hasn't shut the door completely on that part of her life and could possibly return back in front of the cameras again.

ABlairican Pie · 11-02-2011, 05:31 PM

I don't think her career was a failure after a run of nine seasons and a few movies. She did try something for Aaron Spelling, but when that audition didn't pan out, she took it as God's sign to quit the business.

I'm currently reading her book "Friendship For Grownups". It's an excellent read about how she had trouble finding deep relationships as an adult.

catlover79 · 11-02-2011, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABlairican Pie

I'm currently reading her book "Friendship For Grownups". It's an excellent read about how she had trouble finding deep relationships as an adult.

I've read that book, too. It really is a great read.

OldBiddy · 11-02-2011, 10:33 PM

I read "Friendship for Grownups" as well. I like her writing style. It's kind of like she's sitting there chatting with you. And she has a quirky sense of humor that I enjoy. But sometimes its painful to read. My sense of privacy is about 1000 times stronger than hers. Sometimes I wanted to say "TMI. La-la-la-la" with my hands over my ears.

12-28-2010, 08:31 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Would You Say Lisa Whelchel Had A Failed Hollywood Career??? On this Diff'rent Strokes spin off Whelchel played Blair Warner, the vain daddy's girl who fancied herself head of the pack. While some of her costars would continue to work on television after the show's cancellation Whelchel's career effectively ended with The Facts of Life. She would make several appearances on The Love Boat but after that any and all acting work would be connected to The Facts of Life reunion shows and related events. A devout Christian, Whelchel released an inspirational music album in 1984 which earned her Grammy nomination, though she never did a follow up album. http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...pg3.html?cat=2
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

12-28-2010, 08:43 PM	#3
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	Leaving Hollywood behind to become a wife and mother was a personal choice for Lisa Welchel. So no her career was not a failure. In fact that choice led to a whole new career as an author and lecturer on parenting issues.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

12-28-2010, 08:47 PM	#4
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,133	I have great respect for Lisa. Leaving Hollywood does not mean she's a failure. It was her choice and she appears happy.
	__________________ Sonny

12-29-2010, 05:17 AM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	She has said on more than one occasion that leaving show biz behind to be a full-time wife/mom was one of the best decisions she's ever made - that the Lord was leading her to do so. Lisa has kept busy on the lecture circuit, as a writer, runs "MomTime Ministries" among other things now that her kids are off in college. She's said that FOL and Blair gave her a platform to reach young women that she wouldn't have had otherwise. So, no - I don't think she had a failed Hollywood career at all. She took her experiences from her show biz career and helped use them as a platform for her ministry - and I've also heard her say she doesn't rule out a return to acting now that her kids are grown.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

05-16-2011, 12:47 PM	#11
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Lisa married Steve Cauble in July of 1988, shortly after the show had ceased production. Nancy, Mindy and Kim were all bridesmaids!! The three children were born three years in a row!! Wow!! Actually, in her book, she wanted to juggle acting and motherhood. She auditioned for Aaron Spelling and a few other producers but didn't get the jobs. Lisa then wrote she felt it was obvious God was closing that door and telling her she was meant to be a full-time wife/mother. She has also said she does not regret it. Now that her kids are grown, who knows? I've heard her say in interviews that she wouldn't rule out a return to acting, but she is also very busy with her writing and on the lecture circuit. If you haven't read Lisa's memoir from 2001, I think it's definitely worth checking out - and I hope she'll consider updating it!! Attached Images

12-28-2010, 08:37 PM	#2
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,549	i would say no because in the end she opted for the type of life that she herself wanted and so she has had a far better life for herself than anything that hollywood could ever give her

12-28-2010, 09:46 PM	#5
cocytus Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 15, 2010 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 781	She had a starring role in a successful television show, so I'd say "No." However, if she wanted more than that, then yes, her career wasn't as successful as it could have been.

03-16-2011, 02:46 AM	#7
lucyandethel Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 18, 2009 Location: Los Angeles CA Posts: 435	She starred in a hit, classic sitcom that ran for nine years. I would hardly call that a failure. After all, there are tons of actors who star in long-running shows and disappear at the end of them. Two reasons: 1) being typecast and 2) a little thing called residuals that if invested properly can help you live quite comfortably for years and years. I have no clue what the girls on the show made, but you can't tell me they didn't walk away from a show that ran for nine years pretty well set, unless they blew it all which I doubt.

05-01-2011, 12:20 AM	#9
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Yup - Lisa and Steve were married on July 9, 1988, so they're coming up on their 23rd anniversary very soon!!

05-16-2011, 12:36 PM	#10
RadiantEmma11 Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Apr 25, 2011 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 85	Hasnt Lisa openly stated after the show ended she had no desire to continue acting? She gave birth to all of her children quickly after the show ended with little time frames between the births? i think Lisa was always happy with her decision she made

07-21-2011, 03:55 PM	#12
ShamelessFanGirl Great Power and Resposbility Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 16, 2011 Location: Kentucky, USA Posts: 581	Some people it is hard for them to juggle their private life and their acting career too. Because if they are married and have children they obviously want to be there for them as well as being able to maintain that balance while trying to have a career too an obviously at that time in her life it wasn't meant to happen though it is nice to hear that she hasn't shut the door completely on that part of her life and could possibly return back in front of the cameras again.

11-02-2011, 05:31 PM	#13
ABlairican Pie Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Dec 12, 2001 Location: Living where cats reign more Supreme than a pizza. Posts: 31,620	I don't think her career was a failure after a run of nine seasons and a few movies. She did try something for Aaron Spelling, but when that audition didn't pan out, she took it as God's sign to quit the business. I'm currently reading her book "Friendship For Grownups". It's an excellent read about how she had trouble finding deep relationships as an adult.
	__________________ Release the kitties. --Nathan Explosion

11-02-2011, 10:33 PM	#15
OldBiddy Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Jun 10, 2011 Location: California Posts: 82	I read "Friendship for Grownups" as well. I like her writing style. It's kind of like she's sitting there chatting with you. And she has a quirky sense of humor that I enjoy. But sometimes its painful to read. My sense of privacy is about 1000 times stronger than hers. Sometimes I wanted to say "TMI. La-la-la-la" with my hands over my ears.