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Geri Jewell — 80s ‘Facts of Life’ sitcom star — comes out as lesbian

Geri Jewell — 80s ‘Facts of Life’ sitcom star — comes out as lesbian
Geri Jewell

Geri Jewell, who in the 1980’s starred as Blair’s cousin Geri on NBC’s “The Facts of Life,” comes out as a lesbian in her upcoming memoir, I’m Walking as Straight as I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond.

Jewell, an actress and stand-up comedian, was born with cerebral palsy, and became the first person with a disability to have a recurring role on prime-time television.

In her book, Jewell talks about her struggles growing up with a disability and how she dealt with her sexuality as a child, and her struggles as an adult with tax problems and drug addiction.

Jewell appeared on “The Facts of Life” from 1980 to 1984, and has also appeared in “21 Jump Street,” “The Young and the Restless,” and HBO’s “Deadwood.”

When Jewell is not working in television, she is an often sought after motivational speaker and trainer in the areas of disability and diversity.

Her memoir will be released on April 1.

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