Geri Jewell has cleared the path for individuals with disabilities who aspired to pursue careers in the realm of Hollywood, as she secured the role of Geri Tyler in The Facts of Life. Portraying a recurring character with cerebral palsy mirrored Jewell’s own real-life experience. Her journey began when, during her mother’s pregnancy, an unfortunate car accident occurred, leading to Jewell being born prematurely by three months. Shortly thereafter, she received the diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Yet, undeterred by these challenges, she remained resolute in her pursuit of her dreams.
Even in her early years as a child, she received constant encouragement to become self-reliant. Her parents employed innovative methods such as attaching a spoon to her hand to teach her how to feed herself, and they utilized sandbags to stabilize her arm and reduce tremors. Despite the diagnosis and the hurdles she faced, this remarkable woman refused to let anything obstruct her path towards realizing her aspirations.
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It was quite sad, her mother Olga revealed in the lone interview she gave during her daughter’s acting career. I had a good understanding of cerebral palsy, so I was prepared. However, she never gave up looking for methods to make her daughter’s life as easy as possible.
In 1984, Jewell stated about her parents, “They thought that if I didn’t learn to fight when I was young, I wouldn’t when I was older.”
Jewell, who had established herself as a stand-up comedian, found her entry into The Facts of Life when showrunner Norman Lear approached her even before the series premiered. “I received a standing ovation, and coincidentally, I bumped into Norman in the elevator. He remarked, ‘You’ll be hearing from me really soon, kid.’ Three months later, he contacted me regarding the ‘Cousin Geri’ episode in the show’s second season,” Jewell revealed.
After showcasing her talent in twelve episodes spanning four years, she unexpectedly faced dismissal in 1984.
“I found myself in dire financial straits. My manager was arrested for embezzlement and securities fraud. My life was in ruins, and I was compelled to appear on numerous prominent talk shows, promoting a book that barely reflected the reality of my existence. It perpetuated the fallacy that I had triumphed over cerebral palsy and all the clichés. It deviated from the truth of my actual lived experiences,” she disclosed to Ability Magazine.
She was cast in 21 Jump Street and The Young and the Restless after the show, among other parts. She performed the part of a woman with cerebral palsy in the television series Deadwood.
As a motivational speaker and supporter of those with disabilities, Jewell is active today.
Today is different because I’m calmer and less emotionally erratic, which enables me to unwind more. However, in the 1980s, when I was having problems with my sexuality, had a dishonest manager who took all of my money, a programme that didn’t extend my contract, and a book that was published that I detested, I couldn’t take it. I can’t believe I made it through those years at all. I’m fortunate to still be alive, she says.