"As an adult, when I went back into that as a meditation, I realized that it was having a tremendous effect on my ability to articulate and speak," the artist tells PEOPLE.
According to Facts of Lifealum Nancy McKeon, “there was a lot” of focus surrounding the main cast’s weight and body types.
“Each one of us had to deal with things in our own way,” McKeon, 58, told Page Sixin an interview published on Sunday, February 2, claiming that there were often discussions about the cast’s diet plans and how much they should weigh.
McKeon, who famously portrayed tomboy Jo Polniaczek on the nine-season sitcom, did not further detail the specific comments. Facts of Life was initially set at the Eastland School for Young Women boarding school as caretaker Mrs. Garrett (Charlotte Rae) watched over students Blair (Lisa Whelchel), Tootie (Kim Fields), Natalie (Mindy Cohn) and, by season 2, Jo (McKeon). The beloved series, a spinoff of Diff’rent Strokes, ran on NBC from 1979 to 1988.
Since many of the Facts of Life story lines centered around puberty and the Eastland students growing up, McKeon found it ironic that their weight was so heavily criticized.
“There’s so much development [during those years],” McKeon told Page Six, explaining that, at the time, she didn’t want to voice any concern. “That’s why it’s called show business, it’s a business, and they wanted what they wanted. But we’re also human beings and the fact is everybody comes in all shapes and sizes and everybody needs to be represented.”
She added, “There is no one ideal [body]. There should be an embrace of every body.”
Whelchel, 61, faced similar pressures, claiming to Yahoo! Entertainment in May 2023 that show producers encouraged her to attend a “fat farm” during the show’s hiatus on three occasions.
NBC Television/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Obviously, we’re in a different time. We’ve learned a lot. We’re a lot more body-positive right now, which I’m grateful for. I mean it’s still an issue,” Whelchel recalled to the outlet. “But certainly as a teenager [that] was a lot. Though even back then I understood it’s a business. They hired me to play a certain character that looked a certain way.”
According to Whelchel, it was “really, really hard” to battle her internal struggles while acting on The Facts of Life.
“I was going through puberty and my parents were going through a divorce and I was living in California and they were in Texas, so there was emotional eating involved,” she said. “All the things that are not atypical of teenage girls. But I think everybody was doing the best they could back then. And as Maya Angelou said, ‘When you know better, you do better.’”
Simpson, 44, teased new music with photos from a recording session following her split from Eric Johnson on Saturday, February 1. The entrepreneur posted photos showing her sitting on a couch and singing into a microphone in what appeared to be a music studio surrounded by lit candles.
The snaps weren’t captioned and were shared in an Instagram post and to Simpson’s Instagram Stories.
It’s the latest in a series of clues the singer has left for fans about a potential new album. On December 16, 2024, Simpson shared a photo of herself leaning back in a chair surrounded by recording equipment.
“I can’t wait for y’all to hear the soundtrack of my soul,” she captioned the photo.
In November 2024, the star wrote on Instagram that she was working on a “comeback.”
“Interviews in my Nashville music room where I unearthed my singular magic,” Simpson wrote on November 11, 2024. “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve.”
It’s unclear whether Simpson’s new music will reveal details about her recent split from Johnson, 45. Simpson told Us Weekly in January that she and Johnson were “living separately” after being seen without their wedding rings.
“Eric and I have been living separately navigating a painful situation in our marriage,” Simpson told Us in a statement on January 13.
“Our children come first, and we are focusing on what is best for them. We are grateful for all of the love and support that has been coming our way, and appreciate privacy right now as we work through this as a family,” she said.
“Hey guys, [I] just spoke to my very dear friend, Kate W.,” Witherspoon, 48, wrote via Instagram Story on Saturday, February 1. “We laughed about this stupidity. Please do not believe the internet.”
She added, “We are good friends and have never had any falling-out.”
Earlier this week, online sleuths theorized that Witherspoon and Winslet, 49, had stopped being pals after resurfacing footage from their joint 2007 BAFTAs appearance.
“This is completely UNTRUE,” Witherspoon added on Saturday. “So silly!”
Witherspoon previously revealed that another famous actress stopped speaking to her after she flubbed an awards ceremony speech.
“It literally haunts me,” the You’re Cordially Invited star told People in an interview published on Thursday, January 30. “So this friend of mine, who I didn’t really know that well but she was a very serious, proper actress, she asked me to give her an award. But I had never been to this award ceremony, so I thought it was, like, a roast. So I got up and I roasted her.”
She added at the time, “I was like, ‘Remember the time we got laser hair removal?’” she recalled. “I’m still embarrassed about it.”
According to Witherspoon, the event was “British, elegant and classy,” and she misinterpreted the occasion. The Hello Sunshine founder did not reveal the name of the event nor which actress was apparently upset by the joke, only stating that they were no longer in touch.
“We’re not friends anymore. I’m not even kidding — we’re not friends anymore,” Witherspoon said. “I think she doesn’t like me anymore. I thought it was so funny and it was just, I had the wrong audience. It was pretty bad. Yeah. Not even kidding, she doesn’t talk to me anymore. Oh well.”
In addition to Winslet, Witherspoon has a number of close friends who also work in Hollywood, including Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Aniston and Will Farrell, the latter who is her costar in this year’s You’re Cordially Invited. Witherspoon and Farrell, 57, initially met in 2001 when the actress hosted Saturday Night Live.
“He’s just that good,” Witherspoon recalled of Farrell during a January appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
According to Farrell, director Nick Stoller encouraged him to sign onto the Prime Video romantic comedy before Witherspoon was involved.
“We’ve known each other for a long time and have always wanted to work together,” Farrell told host Kelly Clarkson. “He said, ‘I wanna call. I have this idea.’ We get on the phone, he’s like, ‘So, it’s two weddings booked at the same destination on the same date and that’s all I have.’ So, I was like, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’”
Witherspoon subsequently agreed to sign onto the film the moment she heard of Farrell’s casting. “I said, ‘I’ll do it,’” she quipped.
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If you’re in a winter fashion rut, let’s change that. Adding some new pieces to your rotation is the best way to get inspired to dress for cold weather. Lucky for Us, Nordstrom just dropped 11,000 new winter items that I’m adding to my cart — starting at just $14!
Nordstrom’s new arrivals will have you filling your cart faster than you can find your wallet — everything is just that good. We browsed page after page to find the best products worth adding to your closet. We found plenty of denim, warm sweaters, casual tops, jackets and more.
Keep scrolling to see the 20 picks we’re buying from Nordstrom from brands like Topshop, Cotton On, Ugg and more!
20 of the Best Nordstrom New Winter Items
1. New Ugg Arrivals
Our Pick: The first new arrival that caught my eye were these Ultra Mini Classic Boots from UGG. I plan to wear them with my rich mom pilates outfits and favorite denim.
Our Pick: I need to stock up on a new cashmere sweater, and this one from Nordstrom’s in-house brand is right on time. It’s under $80 and has the softest feel thanks to its 100% cashmere composition. The sweater is designed with a classic crewneck silhouette.
Check out all new Nordstrom arrivals at Nordstrom here!
3. New & Other Stories Arrivals
Our Pick: This long-sleeve rib top from & Other Stories is minimal, yet oh so chic. I can’t stop eyeing the subtle ribbed design and the romantic rouleau buttons at the cuffs.
Check out all new & Other Stories arrivals at Nordstrom here!
4. New Madewell Arrivals
Our Pick: I’m a strong believer you can never have too many pairs of jeans. That’s why I snagged Madewell’s latest iteration of denim. I plan to pair the jeans with loafers and a classic button-down cardigan.
Check out all new Madewell arrivals at Nordstrom here!
5. New Anne Klein Arrivals
Our Pick: Winter doesn’t mean you can’t wear skirts until the weather warms up. That’s why the Anne Klein Belted Pleated Maxi Skirt is a closet staple. It has a longer length to keep legs warm and the cascading pleats add elegant character.
Check out all new Anne Klein arrivals at Nordstrom here!
Our Pick: Every winter wardrobe needs an oversized sweater, and if you don’t have one, don’t let this one from Naked Wardrobe get away. The cozy design boasts a soft ribbed knit and slouchy oversized fit.
Check out all new Naked Wardrobe arrivals at Nordstrom here!
7. New Losano Arrivals
Our Pick: Elevate your lounge pant game with Losano’s Malibu Pant, which features a relaxed fit and straight legs. The pants are made with Siro Modal, a high-quality fabric that feels comfortable on the skin. Did we mention the pants are made from buttery-soft fleece?
Check out all new Losano arrivals at Nordstrom here!
8. New Frank & Eileen Arrivals
Our Pick: While shopping Nordstrom’s new arrivals, I spotted the Patrick Popover. It’s an elevated sweatshirt that pairs well with trousers and jeans. You can also dress it down with leggings for your daily rich mom walk.
Check out all new Frank & Eileen arrivals at Nordstrom here!
9. New Open Edit Arrivals
Our Pick: Thanks to this blazer from Open Edit, workwear doesn’t have to be boring. The blazer has a commanding silhouette featuring flap pockets and notched lapels. Dress it up with trousers or keep it casual and sophisticated with jeans.
Check out all new Open Edit arrivals at Nordstrom here!
10. New Mango Arrivals
Our Pick: There’s nothing like a trendy polo sweater to keep you warm (but not too warm). Mango’s new top is a fun twist on the classic style, featuring short sleeves an adorable buttons. Wear it over a long-sleeve top, or wear it on its own — the choice is yours!
Check out all new Mango arrivals at Nordstrom here!
11. New Zella Arrivals
Our Pick: The New Take Crewneck T-Shirt comes in the prettiest colors and pairs perfectly with leggings. Wear the top on its own, throw a jacket over it or pair it with denim, the options are endless!
Check out all new Zella arrivals at Nordstrom here!
12. New Honeydew Arrivals
Our Pick: Don’t forget to stock up on new pajamas while you’re shopping Nordstrom’s new arrivals. I’m adding Honeydew’s All-American Pajamas to my cart ASAP.
Check out all new Honeydew arrivals at Nordstrom here!
13. New Skims Arrivals
Our Pick: Keep your feet warm with Skims cotton sports socks. You get three pairs in grey, white and white with hearts, just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Check out all new Skims arrivals at Nordstrom here!
14. New Cotton On Arrivals
Our Pick: Feel like an off-duty model in this cozy long-sleeve top. It gives a slightly off-the-body fit that’s perfect for layering.
Check out all new Cotton On arrivals at Nordstrom here!
15. New Favorite Daughter Arrivals
Our Pick: Make your siblings jealous with this T-shirt that’s a must-have for any wardrobe. The front reads “Favorite Sister.”
Check out all new Favorite Daughter arrivals at Nordstrom here!
16. New Hue Arrivals
Our Pick: A fresh pair of crew socks is a wardrobe staple regardless of the season. Luckily, you don’t have to shop too far because Hue just dropped this pack of three cushion socks that keep feet supported and comfortable.
Our Pick: Adore Me just dropped so many swoon-worthy intimates, like this comfortable thong panty that’s crafted from smooth fabric.
Check out all new Adore Me arrivals at Nordstrom here!
18. New Friday Feelin’ Arrivals
Our Pick: When your winter outfits need a little flair, add a trucker hat. Friday Feelin’ just added new styles at Nordstrom, including this “y’all” cap that works perfectly with leggings, a sweatshirt and a long coat.
Check out all new Friday Feelin’ arrivals at Nordstrom here!
19. New Topshop Arrivals
Our Pick: The Balloon Denim Trucker Jacket is a versatile piece to add to your jacket collection. It features a balloon sleeve, spread collar and one-button cuffs.
Check out all new Topshop arrivals at Nordstrom here!
20. New Vinyl Icons Arrivals
Our Pick: Need a preppy pullover? The Vinyl Icons Brooklyn Graphic Sweatshirt is at the top of our list. It’s crafted with weathered athletic lettering to give it a vintage look.
Check out all new Vinyl Icons arrivals at Nordstrom here!
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