It's no secret that me and my sister grew up during a fascinating time in Pop Culture History. From the crazy hairstyles to the neon-colored clothing to the music and finally, to TV shows, the 80s and 90s were a great time to grow up! I thought I knew more than the average person about the TV shows I mentioned on this week's episode (Diff'rent Strokes, Gimmie a Break, 227 and Amen) but I came to find out, I was wrong. So, here are 5 things I learned while doing my research!
#5: Nell Carter had MANY struggles outside of the show, "Gimmie a Break." First, Carter had an incredibly difficult childhood filled with trauma and abuse. When she reached adulthood and stardom, trouble was still there including diabetes, substance abuse and weight issues. She had to deal with all of this in the spotlight, yet she somehow kept it together to start in the beloved sitcom.
#4: While we are on the subject of "Gimmie a Break," did you know it was the first show to feature a POLISH family at the center?!
#3: Gary Coleman got his start in commercials, in the Chicagoland area no less! Here is one of his early commercials from Harris Bank: check it out here
#2: When Sherman Hemsley played the lead role of Ernest Frye in the TV series "Amen" he was only 10 years older than on his-screen daughter (Thelma Frye played by Anna Maria Horsford) in real life!
#1: Marla Gibbs who played the lead role of Mary Jenkins in "227" provided her singing talents for the theme song!
You can check out the latest episode of my podcast, HERE.
