Must See: Read About the Adorable 'Facts of Life' Reunion Between Lisa Whelchel and Geri Jewell

There’s nothing we love more than a television reunion, and The Facts of Life stars Lisa Whelchel and Geri Jewell delivered just that in a post shared to Instagram over the weekend. Whelchel brought to life the character of Blair on the beloved sitcom, while Jewell played her cousin Geri. 

In the adorable pair of photos, Whelchel has Jewell in a tight grasp with her arm around her shoulder, followed by a fun snapshot of her giving her on-screen cousin bunny ears. 

She captioned the photo: “We aren’t technically family but since we played one on TV (Cousin Geri) and we’ve known each other for almost a half a century, it sure feels like it! So good to catch up with the funny and wise and deep and talented, Geri Jewell! ??”

The post was flooded with comments about Jewell's remarkable role and career, with many praising the ways in which she broke down doors in the entertainment industry.

Geri Jewell broke barriers for those with disabilities in Hollywood

While we loved Jewell for the character she brought to life, the 67-year-old actress made history with her role and broke television barriers in the decades that would follow. As Blair’s cousin, she was the first person with a disability to have a regular sitcom role, as she has cerebral palsy. 

In an interview with After Ellen, Jewell said, “The CP in itself has been the greatest blessing in my life. I don’t look at cerebral palsy as a negative or a positive. I look at cerebral palsy as a neutral. It’s part of the human condition. We all have adversity so we can grow and evolve and learn.”

As for her impact on others, the influence she has not been lost on her. Over the years, Jewell has recognized how her role helped those with disabilities, both before and after her famed role as Cousin Geri. 

“I never fully realized the impact I had with Facts of Life until the 90s when I started doing the college circuit in stand-up comedy,” she told Go Pride in 2019. 

“People came up to me and said Cousin Geri changed their life. Some people admitted to me that they were suicidal for being gay, having a disability or being bullied. When they saw me on Facts of Life, it gave them hope.” 

Jewell's reunion with Whelchel served as a reminder of just how many people the actress has touched throughout her career. Many commenters took to the post to express their gratitude for Jewell and the doors she opened for performers like her, while others pointed to the humanity she brought to the screen.

"Geri’s character on the facts of life helped me as a middle school and high school student believe that there would be a place for me as a talented speaker actress who happens to have a disability," one Instagram user wrote. "Thank you for the encouragement."

Another added, "Cousin Geri help the world understand cerebral palsy! As a woman with cerebral palsy, I absolutely love her! And thank her so much for making people aware and advocating for us!"

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