Nancy McKeon (Teen Magazine, August 1983) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TJ · 03-26-2002, 02:22 AM

Full content for this article includes illustration and portrait.

Source: Teen Magazine, August 1983 v27: 8 p77(2).

Title: Get the facts on Nancy McKeon.

Full Text COPYRIGHT Petersen Publishing Company 1983

GET THE FACTS ON

Nancy McKeon

At age 12, some girls haven't even begun to think about pursuing a career. But Nancy McKeon began working when she was still a diaper-clad toddler. And by the time she was 12, she was seriously thinking about giving up the lucrative acting and modeling career she'd pursued since early childhood.

Nancy was an adorable, outgoing 2-year-old when she got her first job modeling baby clothes for a Sears catalog. At the same time, her 4-year-old brother Phillip was making his career debut in a TV commercial for breakfast cereal. Both were rewarded with additional acting and modeling assignments and it wasn't long before the McKeon kids became frequent commuters between their Long Island home and the photo and film studios of Manhattan. Their father, Don, worked as a travel agent but their mother, Barbara, did most of the traveling as she constantly chauffeured her two kids to and from home, school and job locations. Both Nancy and her brother worked steadily throughout their grade school years--appearing in a combined total of over 60 commercials.

Although her parents were initially responsible for putting her in front of the cameras, Nancy admits that she quickly grew to love her work as an actress and model. "Obviously,' she says, "I didn't make the decision to be an actress at the beginning. When you're 2, you don't say, "Hey, Mom, I'm packing up and going to Hollywood.' But I have decided since then that this is what I want to do. I really love it.' But at one point, when she was in her preteens, Nancy was having serious doubts about the choice she's made.

Nancy was 10 when her 12-year-old brother landed his first regular role in a TV series. Phillip joined the cast of "Alice' eight years ago in the role of Tommy, the son of series star Linda Lavin. But unfortunately, his success as a TV actor indirectly caused a major setback in his sister's acting career. Since the show was done at a Hollywood studio, the McKeons decided to pack up and move the entire family from their long-time New York residence to a new home base in Los Angeles.

Although Nancy was an established, sought-after performer in New York, she was just another unknown actress when she moved to Los Angeles. So while Phillip worked daily on the "Alice' set, she attended endless auditions and casting calls and worked only occasionally at acting jobs that were few and far between. When her brother's TV role prompted the family's cross-country move, Nancy recalls, "I was happy for Phillip, but/had to start all over again. I was getting up at a quarter to 5, practicing singing and dancing before school and again when I came home, but nothing was happening.' She spent several years trying to get reestablished, but as her 13th birthday approached, she
admits, "I thought of quitting.'

Luckily, she didn't give in to defeat. Instead, she reaped the rewards of her perseverance several months later when she became a series regular on the now-popular TV sitcom, "The Facts Of Life.' As one of the stars of the youth-oriented comedy about a group of teen girls who attend an all-girls, private boarding school, Nancy's gained fame as tough-talking Jo, the feisty, no-nonsense member of the group.

The 17-year-old TV star made her debut as the show's teenage tomboy at age 13 and has continued to star in the role for over four years since. From the start, she's worked hard to make her character both interesting and realistic. Even when she was still a newly hired 13-year-old, she had definite ideas about how Jo should be portrayed and she wasn't shy about voicing her opinion. Explains Nancy, "Jo originally was a lot like the Fonz. Then they wanted to take away some of her dominance, which I didn't want to do. So we talked about it and came up with the way she is now. She's not the Fonz. She's not a wimp; she stands out alone.'

In some ways, however, Nancy and Jo are very much alike. For example, both are extremely independent and self-reliant young women. Seldom influenced by popular opinion, they believe in making their own choices and refuse to worry about "what other people think.' "That's why I like Jo,' Nancy enthuses. "She doesn't bow to peer pressure and she thinks anyone who does is a nerd.'

Despite the many differences between the real-life actress and the onscreen role she plays, Nancy claims that she never had any difficulty playing Jo. "She came very easy to me,' Nancy says. "I understand what motivates her. I've seen people like Jo in the world and I can relate, to some degree, to what they are about. Often times, she acts tough to cover up a soft interior.'

NANCY McKEON: Fact Sheet

Birthdate: April 5, 1966

Birthplace: Westbury, Long Island, N.Y.

Height: 5"5

Weight: 107 lbs.

Hair: Brown

Eyes: Hazel

Parents: Barbara and Don McKeon

Brother: Phillip McKeon

Family data: Nancy's mother Barbara currently works as a registered nurse. Don McKeon is an ex-travel agent who now manages the acting careers of both Nancy and her brother Phillip. Phillip, who is two years older than his actress-sister, is best known for his role as Tommy in the long-running TV series, "Alice.'

Pet: Nancy has a 4-year-old German shepard named Georgette.

Present residence: She currently lives with her parents, her brother and Georgette in a spacious home in the Hollywood Hills.

Social Life: A demanding work schedule leaves minimal time for social activities. Since Nancy has to get up at 6 a.m. to be at the studio by 8 a.m., she seldom goes out on weeknights. There are no reports of a serious romance in her life, but she does go out on dates on the weekends. One of her favorite "dates,' however, is an evening at the movies with her brother Phil.

Career ambition: To do feature films and to work on a film or television project with her brother.

Favorite form of relaxation: Jogging with her dog.

Health & beauty secret: Plenty of exercise and good nutrition.

Photo: Nancy and her brother Phillip.

AllIWantIsYourClutch · 03-26-2002, 08:39 PM

Mmmmkay.....?

Warm & Fuzzy · 03-26-2002, 10:37 PM

Heya, thanks for the info....I never knew that nancy had a dog....hmm

Love The Facts Of Life · 03-27-2002, 02:43 PM

Thanx for posting that TJ I have that somewhere in my FOL notebook but it's nice to read it agian.

Jinny Girl · 03-27-2002, 05:26 PM

thank u. I was trying to figure out her doggies name. I saw a pic of it a while bak. its cute

Warm & Fuzzy · 03-27-2002, 11:14 PM

This dog.......?

Polniaczek033 · 03-28-2002, 07:48 PM

We'll never know!
Thanx 4 the info. I'll print this out!

*Marilyn Monroe* · 03-28-2002, 11:31 PM

Oh! Her dog is cute!! I wonder what his name was?? Oh well...I bet she'd remember!! lol

Warm & Fuzzy · 03-30-2002, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NancyMcKeon1987
Oh! Her dog is cute!! I wonder what his name was?? Oh well...I bet she'd remember!! lol

Nancy has a 4-year-old German shepard named Georgette.

Lynn · 04-01-2002, 02:22 AM

Cool, thanks for posting this TJ.

jayman75 · 09-03-2003, 01:33 PM

Someone posted about some vital stats for Nancy. I thought this would help.

Jim

james_baby87 · 09-03-2003, 05:29 PM

Thanks for postin that TJ!

Rebel Queen 1980 · 09-03-2003, 08:08 PM

That was very interesting,I enjoyed reading it!

*Marilyn Monroe* · 09-10-2003, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Transit Whiz
Nancy has a 4-year-old German shepard named Georgette.

Wow...this is from a REALLY long time ago. And, I'm still dumb lol

Gemini_89 · 03-14-2016, 11:01 PM

I wonder if Nancy ever got to enjoy going to a real school with real kids. Kim worked at a really young age as well but i believe she still got to enjoy being a kid.

03-26-2002, 02:22 AM	#1
TJ Site Owner Administrator Forum Star Join Date: Feb 03, 2000 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 10,694	Nancy McKeon (Teen Magazine, August 1983) Full content for this article includes illustration and portrait. Source: Teen Magazine, August 1983 v27: 8 p77(2). Title: Get the facts on Nancy McKeon. Full Text COPYRIGHT Petersen Publishing Company 1983 GET THE FACTS ON Nancy McKeon At age 12, some girls haven't even begun to think about pursuing a career. But Nancy McKeon began working when she was still a diaper-clad toddler. And by the time she was 12, she was seriously thinking about giving up the lucrative acting and modeling career she'd pursued since early childhood. Nancy was an adorable, outgoing 2-year-old when she got her first job modeling baby clothes for a Sears catalog. At the same time, her 4-year-old brother Phillip was making his career debut in a TV commercial for breakfast cereal. Both were rewarded with additional acting and modeling assignments and it wasn't long before the McKeon kids became frequent commuters between their Long Island home and the photo and film studios of Manhattan. Their father, Don, worked as a travel agent but their mother, Barbara, did most of the traveling as she constantly chauffeured her two kids to and from home, school and job locations. Both Nancy and her brother worked steadily throughout their grade school years--appearing in a combined total of over 60 commercials. Although her parents were initially responsible for putting her in front of the cameras, Nancy admits that she quickly grew to love her work as an actress and model. "Obviously,' she says, "I didn't make the decision to be an actress at the beginning. When you're 2, you don't say, "Hey, Mom, I'm packing up and going to Hollywood.' But I have decided since then that this is what I want to do. I really love it.' But at one point, when she was in her preteens, Nancy was having serious doubts about the choice she's made. Nancy was 10 when her 12-year-old brother landed his first regular role in a TV series. Phillip joined the cast of "Alice' eight years ago in the role of Tommy, the son of series star Linda Lavin. But unfortunately, his success as a TV actor indirectly caused a major setback in his sister's acting career. Since the show was done at a Hollywood studio, the McKeons decided to pack up and move the entire family from their long-time New York residence to a new home base in Los Angeles. Although Nancy was an established, sought-after performer in New York, she was just another unknown actress when she moved to Los Angeles. So while Phillip worked daily on the "Alice' set, she attended endless auditions and casting calls and worked only occasionally at acting jobs that were few and far between. When her brother's TV role prompted the family's cross-country move, Nancy recalls, "I was happy for Phillip, but/had to start all over again. I was getting up at a quarter to 5, practicing singing and dancing before school and again when I came home, but nothing was happening.' She spent several years trying to get reestablished, but as her 13th birthday approached, she admits, "I thought of quitting.' Luckily, she didn't give in to defeat. Instead, she reaped the rewards of her perseverance several months later when she became a series regular on the now-popular TV sitcom, "The Facts Of Life.' As one of the stars of the youth-oriented comedy about a group of teen girls who attend an all-girls, private boarding school, Nancy's gained fame as tough-talking Jo, the feisty, no-nonsense member of the group. The 17-year-old TV star made her debut as the show's teenage tomboy at age 13 and has continued to star in the role for over four years since. From the start, she's worked hard to make her character both interesting and realistic. Even when she was still a newly hired 13-year-old, she had definite ideas about how Jo should be portrayed and she wasn't shy about voicing her opinion. Explains Nancy, "Jo originally was a lot like the Fonz. Then they wanted to take away some of her dominance, which I didn't want to do. So we talked about it and came up with the way she is now. She's not the Fonz. She's not a wimp; she stands out alone.' In some ways, however, Nancy and Jo are very much alike. For example, both are extremely independent and self-reliant young women. Seldom influenced by popular opinion, they believe in making their own choices and refuse to worry about "what other people think.' "That's why I like Jo,' Nancy enthuses. "She doesn't bow to peer pressure and she thinks anyone who does is a nerd.' Despite the many differences between the real-life actress and the onscreen role she plays, Nancy claims that she never had any difficulty playing Jo. "She came very easy to me,' Nancy says. "I understand what motivates her. I've seen people like Jo in the world and I can relate, to some degree, to what they are about. Often times, she acts tough to cover up a soft interior.' NANCY McKEON: Fact Sheet Birthdate: April 5, 1966 Birthplace: Westbury, Long Island, N.Y. Height: 5"5 Weight: 107 lbs. Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel Parents: Barbara and Don McKeon Brother: Phillip McKeon Family data: Nancy's mother Barbara currently works as a registered nurse. Don McKeon is an ex-travel agent who now manages the acting careers of both Nancy and her brother Phillip. Phillip, who is two years older than his actress-sister, is best known for his role as Tommy in the long-running TV series, "Alice.' Pet: Nancy has a 4-year-old German shepard named Georgette. Present residence: She currently lives with her parents, her brother and Georgette in a spacious home in the Hollywood Hills. Social Life: A demanding work schedule leaves minimal time for social activities. Since Nancy has to get up at 6 a.m. to be at the studio by 8 a.m., she seldom goes out on weeknights. There are no reports of a serious romance in her life, but she does go out on dates on the weekends. One of her favorite "dates,' however, is an evening at the movies with her brother Phil. Career ambition: To do feature films and to work on a film or television project with her brother. Favorite form of relaxation: Jogging with her dog. Health & beauty secret: Plenty of exercise and good nutrition. Photo: Nancy and her brother Phillip.

03-26-2002, 10:37 PM	#3
Warm & Fuzzy Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 02, 2001 Posts: 10,254	Heya, thanks for the info....I never knew that nancy had a dog....hmm
	__________________ "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." ~Unknown

03-27-2002, 02:43 PM	#4
Love The Facts Of Life FlUtTeRfLy Senior Member Join Date: Jan 18, 2001 Location: Tennessee Posts: 1,515	Thanx for posting that TJ I have that somewhere in my FOL notebook but it's nice to read it agian.
	__________________ [img]attachment.php?s=9b3d9b9cbd76cb6f916614d531de0c0f&postid=292478[/img] ^Thanks Roxie Rickman^ [color=royal blue]"I picked up some shells for the kids and stuffed them into the pockets of my shorts, and some where along the way, as I had almost every day since I'd been stopped drinking six years earlier, I said this prayer:[/color] God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change Courage to change the things I can And the wisdom to know the differance" ~Michael J. Fox

03-27-2002, 05:26 PM	#5
Jinny Girl Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 04, 2001 Location: ...I'm not sure (looks around) WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE!!?!??!? Posts: 2,726	thank u. I was trying to figure out her doggies name. I saw a pic of it a while bak. its cute
	__________________ Good Charlotte Me: JOEL!!! Can i have a picture with you? Joel: Sure, just let me sign everything first. while hes talking he finished signing some other girls stuff and I gove him my ticket Ya don't wanna miss anybody... Me: Ok he signs a star and gives it back Thank you. My mom: while Joel was there OMG DANA HE SPOKE TO YOU!!! I Love Benjamin Madden and Joel Madden Joel Benji Billy Paul Behold the power of Good Charlotte

03-28-2002, 07:48 PM	#7
Polniaczek033 believe. Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 26, 2002 Location: edinboro. Posts: 4,634	We'll never know! Thanx 4 the info. I'll print this out!
	__________________ mindfulness.

03-26-2002, 08:39 PM	#2
AllIWantIsYourClutch peaceout. Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 02, 2001 Location: Illinois. Posts: 53,424	Mmmmkay.....?

03-27-2002, 11:14 PM	#6
Warm & Fuzzy Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 02, 2001 Posts: 10,254	This dog.......?

03-28-2002, 11:31 PM	#8
Marilyn Monroe Diamonds... Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 24, 2001 Location: Where gentlemen actually prefer brunettes Posts: 4,811	Oh! Her dog is cute!! I wonder what his name was?? Oh well...I bet she'd remember!! lol
	__________________ That certain night, the night we met. There was magic abroad in the air. There were angels dining at the Ritz. And a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square.

04-01-2002, 02:22 AM	#10
Lynn Member Forum Regular Join Date: Apr 07, 2001 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 744	Cool, thanks for posting this TJ.

09-03-2003, 01:33 PM	#11
jayman75 I Love the 80s! Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 27, 2000 Location: THE GREAT UNITED STATES Posts: 3,809	Someone posted about some vital stats for Nancy. I thought this would help. Jim
	__________________ A fan of quality, classic television comedies and holiday specials... The Wonder Years,The Golden Girls,Burns and Allen, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Are You Being Served?, Family Guy, South Park, Designing Women, Dallas, The Facts of Life, Roseanne, Will and Grace, The Twilight Zone, Original Scooby-Doo, Murphy Brown, The Big Bang Theory... Talk to me about one of these shows, and I'm all yours...

09-03-2003, 05:29 PM	#12
james_baby87 ~PussNBoots~ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 21, 2002 Location: JBoro Chica! Posts: 1,108	Thanks for postin that TJ!
	__________________ -Me ~Meghan~ a.k.a ~Trouble~ Email: i_love_my__boyfriend@hotmail.com MSN Messenger: i_love_my__boyfriend Yahoo!: angelgirl200060 Any of Ya'll can add me I dont care I'm a nut whatcha gunna do about it? want you favorite TV show on DVD go to www.tvshowsondvd.com and vote Regrestration is FREE

09-03-2003, 08:08 PM	#13
Rebel Queen 1980 Member Senior Member Join Date: Nov 05, 2002 Location: Watching Classic Sitcoms 24/7.... Posts: 1,509	That was very interesting,I enjoyed reading it!

03-14-2016, 11:01 PM	#15
Gemini_89 Member Senior Member Join Date: Jul 09, 2009 Location: Unknown Posts: 1,294	I wonder if Nancy ever got to enjoy going to a real school with real kids. Kim worked at a really young age as well but i believe she still got to enjoy being a kid.