Never understood why tootie was a replacement for Arnold

[TVFactFan]

when gary coleman was out temporarily I was confused why Kim fields was a fill-in for Gary coleman? lol

Futhermore why couldn't they just do the show without him until he was able to come back?

[Mace Dolex]

Another interesting observation I've made is that Tootie at least on the few episodes of DS that she was in acts a bit intrusive, rude and a smartass, you know kind of in a way like..........Arnold?

Which kind of hints that her lines were meant for Arnold because Tootie on The Facts Of Life is nice and easy going.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Mace Dolex

Another interesting observation I've made is that Tootie at least on the few episodes of DS that she was in acts a bit intrusive, rude and a smartass, you know kind of in a way like..........Arnold?

Which kind of hints that her lines were meant for Arnold because Tootie on The Facts Of Life is nice and easy going.

And there is never any reference to Mrs. Garrett when she is on there like

"How is Mrs Garrett?


LOL

[Wawwie]

Another interesting question..... why was Kimberly hanging out with a little girl like Tootie? Kimberly was probably at least four years older maybe more.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by Wawwie

Another interesting question..... why was Kimberly hanging out with a little girl like Tootie? Kimberly was probably at least four years older maybe more.

Yeah should have been Blair lol

[Mace Dolex]

Another observation if Tootie was staying over where was she sleeping? Obviously she wasn't bunking with Willis in Arnold's bed, was she sleeping in Kimberly's room? That would have made for another "very special episode"

[Wawwie]

Originally Posted by Mace Dolex

Another observation if Tootie was staying over where was she sleeping? Obviously she wasn't bunking with Willis in Arnold's bed, was she sleeping in Kimberly's room? That would have made for another "very special episode"

What's the big freaking deal? I'm a female and when I was a kid, I had plenty of sleep overs at my girl friends houses where we would share a room. Believe me, nothing went on but sleep.

OF COURSE TOOTIE SLEPT IN KIMBERLY'S ROOM

[TVFactFan]

Yeah she probably slept on the floor

[EccentricGenius]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

when gary coleman was out temporarily I was confused why Kim fields was a fill-in for Gary coleman? lol

Futhermore why couldn't they just do the show without him until he was able to come back?

TVFactFan, I believe you are referring to the season four episodes "First Day Blues" and "The Team." Gary Coleman was indeed absent during those two episodes...he also made brief appearances in "The Ski Weekend" and "Hello Daddy." It was explained in both "First Day Blues" and "The Team" that Tootie (Kim Fields) was a houseguest of Kimberly's, and Arnold was sleeping over at Dudley's apartment.

I've actually discussed my theories regarding his absence on other threads in the past...my theory is that Coleman's parents were embroiled in yet another contract and/or salary dispute with "Strokes'" producers. Thus, because of Coleman's absence, the scripts for both "First Day Blues" and "The Team" were slightly rewritten, with Fields reciting lines and delivering one-liners originally intended for Coleman (her classic line in "First Day Blues"--"This has got to be the goofiest goldfish in New York!"--is a gem).

And here's a bit of trivia for you, TVFactFan: Future "Matlock" and "Walker: Texas Ranger" alum Clarence Gilyard, Jr. guest-starred in both "First Day Blues" and "The Team," playing two different characters! He also had a bit role in Coleman's 1983 television movie "The Kid With The 200 I.Q."! Isn't that something?

[EccentricGenius]

Originally Posted by Mace Dolex

Another interesting observation I've made is that Tootie at least on the few episodes of DS that she was in acts a bit intrusive, rude and a smartass, you know kind of in a way like..........Arnold?

Which kind of hints that her lines were meant for Arnold because Tootie on The Facts Of Life is nice and easy going.

I agree with you completely, Mace Dolex! Though she guest-starred as Tootie, Kim Fields seems out of character in both of those season four episodes ("First Day Blues" and "The Team"). She was a little more sassier and more wisecracking than her previous appearances on "Strokes" ("The Girls' School," "Slumber Party," and "The Bank Job"), as well as her continuing role on "The Facts Of Life."

I've actually discussed this topic with another member, TVFactFan, in this very same thread (as well as other threads on the "Strokes" page). Feel free to check it out sometime...you will not be disappointed.

Thank you!

[TV Guy]

Yep - they clearly had to bring someone in very quickly to do those lines, and Kim Fields was a good choice. She was already in “the familiy” and she was a talented kid who could pull off the wisecracks.

[80s Dude]

Gary Coleman was ill and in the hospital during this time. That was why they had Tootie on the show.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by 80s Dude

Gary Coleman was ill and in the hospital during this time. That was why they had Tootie on the show.

I know that I was asking why was she chosen. I already know why he was out

[80s Dude]

Originally Posted by TVFactFan

I know that I was asking why was she chosen. I already know why he was out

Probably because she was closest to Arnold's age. Most of Arnold's lines were assigned to Tootie. The other 3 girls were closer to Willis's and Kimberly's age and wouldn't have fitted in as well.

[TVFactFan]

Originally Posted by 80s Dude

Probably because she was closest to Arnold's age. Most of Arnold's lines were assigned to Tootie. The other 3 girls were closer to Willis's and Kimberly's age and wouldn't have fitted in as well.

What made it odd was Kimberly wasnt attending Eastland at all lol