Celebrity News June 21, 2019
Geri Jewell's Star Is Still Rising!
Getty Images
On Saturday, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will announce the honorees to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020 — and many are hoping trailblazing actress and stand-up comic Geri Jewell will be among the lucky ones!
Jewell made TV history as the first actor with cerebral palsy to be cast in a recurring role on episodic television, a feat that in and of itself makes her worthy of the star — and more.
Discovered by Norman Lear and cast as Geri Tyler, the cousin of rich snob Blair Warner (Lisa Whelchel), Jewell appeared on a dozen episodes of the classic series "The Facts of Life" from 1980-1984, attracting a large fanbase and setting herself up for her future role as a motivational speaker.
She published an inspirational memoir in 1984 entitled "Geri," and a follow-up in 2011 called "I'm Walking as Straight as I Can," a play on both her cerebral palsy and her decision to come out as a lesbian.
Jewell, now 62, went on to roles on "The Young and the Restless" (2004) and "Child of the '70s" (2013) and a memorable, 23-episode appearance as Jewel on the hit "Deadwood," a part written specifically for her by David Milch. She recently brought Jewel back to life in "Deadwood: The Movie," which aired in May.
