Almost four and a half decades after The Facts of Life, which debuted on NBC in 1979, one of its beloved stars recently made headlines as she experienced a career resurgence. Nancy McKeon, who charmed the audience with her portrayal of tomboy Jo Polniaczek on the ’80s sitcom, had previously taken up an exciting new role in the stage play Pen Pals, inspired by the true story about two women, Bernie and Mag, living in two different countries, who becomes best friends as they communicate with each other via letters for fifty years.
As Pen Pal prepares to return this summer, McKeon has once again been included as part of the rotating cast members alongside a host of others. Fans of The Facts of Life are excited to see McKeon in action again.
Nancy McKeon set to reappear in ‘Pen Pals’ for its New York City summer run
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Following an overwhelmingly positive response from fans for the sold-out run at New Jersey Repertory Company, the play written by Michael Griffo and directed by Suzanne Barabas first decided to cast the 59-year-old for the role of Bernie for its New York City run, which was held at The Theatre at St. Clement’s from December 11, 2024, to December 22, 2024.
McKeon is scheduled to continue her outstanding performance on the stage production alongside several TV stars, including Maureen McCormick, Sharon Lawrence, Michelle Clunie, Megan Follows, Kate Burton, and Kathleen Chalfant, as the show stops for a second time in New York City, but this time at the DR2 Theatre.
Nancy McKeon has worked on several movie and TV projects
Despite facing several disappointments in the early stage of her career after her time on The Facts of Life, the actress remained dedicated to her craft.
Over the years, McKeon has enjoyed a seemingly thriving career with several movie and TV credits to her name, including A Cry for Help: The Tracey Thurman Story, Strange Voices, You Light Up My Christmas, Sonny with a Chance, and the Lifetime police drama, The Division.