Home / Arts and Entertainment / McKeon & Michaelson: Friends, Rivals for Iconic Role
McKeon & Michaelson: Friends, Rivals for Iconic Role
6 Apr
Summary
- Nancy McKeon and Kari Michaelson competed for Jo Polniaczek role.
- McKeon turned 60 on April 4, celebrated by actress Kari Michaelson.
- Jo's character was added to provide contrast and new life to the series.
Actress Nancy McKeon, best known for her role as Jo Polniaczek on 'The Facts of Life,' recently marked her 60th birthday on April 4. The milestone was celebrated by her friend and fellow actress, Kari Michaelson, who shared nostalgic photographs of their time together.
McKeon shared an interesting anecdote from an oral history interview, revealing that she and Michaelson were the last two actresses to be considered for the role of Jo. The character was introduced in the second season of the show to offer a contrasting personality to Blair Warner and to add depth to the core group of students.
Fred Silverman, the then-president and CEO of NBC, recalled that Jo's character was vital for adding 'attitudinal conflict' and 'new life' to the series. McKeon's performance provided the desired contrast, making a significant difference in the show's dynamic. This revelation highlights the close professional and personal ties forged during the show's production.
