Spoiled rich girl, Blair Warner, on the 1980s sitcom, “Facts of Life,” had many fans, but Lisa Whelchel was perhaps her biggest admirer.
For nine seasons, Whelchel played Blair, a student at the fictitious Eastland Boarding School in upstate New York. Blair was one of four main teenage characters. She was charming despite the tendency to tout an air of money and perfection. But, Whelchel envied something in the character that money couldn't buy. Blair's friendships. That was something the former child star says she knew little about until later in life.
Lisa Whelchel will speak at the "Women of Faith" conference at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Sept. 24-25. Speakers and musical guests will share stories meant to empower and encourage women.
A Texas native, Whelchel, 47, lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Except for roles in two television films, including “The Facts of Life Reunion” movie in 2001, she set aside acting when the TV series ended in 1988. She married and has authored 15 books on motherhood and the role of God in her life. She has three children ages 20, 18 and 17.
Her latest book, “Friendship for Grown-ups” was released last spring.
Q: What will you speak on at the conference?
A: My recent journey into understanding grown-up friendships. Typically you learn about friendships in junior high school and high school. Because I was working, I didn't have that. I think I kept myself at a distance from people.
Q: Why do you think you kept people from getting close?
A: I had a mother's group here in Dallas…they used to laugh at me because when I was out of town they would have deep conversations. [When] I was there I would keep the conversation [light]. I think there was a defense mechanism for me to not let anyone get too close or too real.
Q: And now?
A: I've spent the last few years learning about the importance of how to let people get close… and the richness that comes from being really real and vulnerable.
Q: What made the difference for you after child stardom versus others who have experience tragedy like Gary Coleman or Todd Bridges?
A: At 10, I had a very personal encounter with the Lord and learned what it meant to ask him to give me direction and just know that I was loved by him and he had a plan for my life…I wasn't looking for someone to give me direction or make me know who I was. I think that really kept me from going down a lot of the paths that the typical child star goes down looking for that answer. I feel really blessed and grateful.
Q: Are there common themes from women who attend this conference around the country?
A: Yes. I'm realizing there is longing for deep connections and knowing that no matter what we are struggling with there is somebody who is in it with us. We don't have to be perfect. They accept us where we are…and not judge us.
EVENT PREVIEW
‘Women of Faith' conference
Author and former child star Lisa Whelchel is among several speakers and musical guests at the event. 10 a.m. -- 3:30 p.m. and 7-10 p.m., Sept. 24; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 25. $89-$99. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth. 770-813-7500, www.gwinnettcenter.com .
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