LARK VOORHIES' MOTHER OPENS UP ABOUT HER MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES IN THE YEARS AFTER..

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...SAVED BY THE BELL

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Reclusive 90s star Lark Voorhies' normal life after turning her back on Hollywood

The 52-year-old actress was known to millions of fans as fashion-obsessed Lisa on beloved 90s sitcom Saved by the Bell before retreating from the spotlight.

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Lark Voorhies Says Hollywood Has ‘Fear’ About ‘Embracing’ Her After Schizoaffective Disorder Was Revealed (Exclusive)​

NEED TO KNOW​

• Lark Voorhies starred as Lisa Turtle in 1988's Good Morning, Miss Bliss, through all four seasons of Saved by the Bell from 1989 to 1993
• Voorhies, 52, has taken time from the spotlight to focus on her health over the years as she navigated a complex mental health journey
• Today, Voorhies is focused on getting back into acting while also exploring new and exciting avenues

Lark Voorhies has walked a difficult road, but she's ready for her next chapter.

The Saved by the Bell star, 52, recently caught up with PEOPLE, where she explained that she's ready to embrace new acting roles and other creative projects.

Asked about her strengths, Voorhies proudly shared, “Having the ability to completely transform into a character and know the lines by Monday morning.”

“That work ethic is a strength that has always opened doors and brought me wonderful opportunities,” she tells PEOPLE.

Voorhies's mom, Tricia Holloway, also chatted with PEOPLE, talking about how Voorhies's continued creative prowess is particularly impressive as she balances it with caring for her mental health.

In 2012, Holloway first revealed that Voorhies was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In 2015, Voorhies was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, which she publicly revealed in 2020.

Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that is marked by a mix of schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression, mania and a milder form of mania called hypomania, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“I think it's positive that she's willing to speak out, that she has spoken out about her challenge and she's come to terms with her challenge,” Holloway shares.

She feels that she can rise above some of the obstacles of her condition and still perform and deliver a character that is convincing and a character that people can like and respect and believe that character.”

Of her decision to open up about living with schizoaffective disorder, Voorhies says, “Every path is unique and should be celebrated as something special.”

“I am glad that I can support as a platform of hope for anyone who might be struggling. I am strong, and I am powerful,” she continues.

“I feel there has been too much fear in the entertainment industry when it comes to embracing who I am. I am really focused on being an author and sharing my messages and story with others.”

As for advice for others who are finding their new normal and forging through a new chapter in life, Voorhies says, “Above all else you need to have confidence in yourself and you have to be willing to take the chance yourself.”

“Other people‘s opinions do not dictate who you are fundamentally as a person. Remember who you are at all times.”