Cohn is best known for her portrayal of Natalie, the strong-willed student from the television series “Facts of Life,” which ran from 1979 to 1988. Her role was essential to the show’s success, bringing humor and levity to any scene she was in. But the role ended up typecasting her, making it difficult for Cohn to branch out.
Her acting did continue, however. In addition, she picked up a degree in cultural anthropology and has helped found the weSPARK cancer support center. She’s also provided the voice of Velma in the “Scooby-Doo” animated series, for which she won an Emmy.
Tatum’s Rocky Road
Tatum has never had an easy life, despite her success. She's the youngest person to ever win an academy award, and the substance abuse came next, beginning around the time of her famous role in "Paper Moon."
Tatum would get sober but relapsed and developed an addiction to heroin after her divorce from Tennis superstar John McEnroe. She sadly lost custody of her children due to her substance abuse issues. However, she has maintained her sobriety following an arrest in 2008.
Tatum’s Relationship With Her Father
Tatum's father, the late Ryan O'Neal, is an accomplished actor in his own right, but his physical and emotional abuse of Tatum is likely what triggered her substance abuse. Tatum has discussed her rough relationship with her father in two of her published books, going into detail in her autobiography called "A Paper Life," which came out in 2005.
She would discuss the relationship again in her 2011 book called "Found: A Daughter's Journey Home." Ryan struggled with his own substance abuse, meaning they had plenty to unpack.
Mindy Cohn Becomes an LGBTQ Icon
While Mindy Cohn has, for the most part, stayed out of the spotlight. She has never gotten married and chose to not have children. On the other hand, she regularly shows support for LGBTQ causes and acts as a positive figure within the community.
During an interview with "The Advocate," Cohn said there were very few gay people on the set of the "Facts of Life," yet she maintains a progressive family and has numerous gay family members and friends, which prompted her to announce her support of the community.
Michael Jackson's Tough Relationship With His Father
Joe Jackson was famous for his tough relationship with his family, and none more so than with Michael. He conceded to beating his children in an interview with Oprah and constantly made his children rehearse, especially in the early days of the Jackson 5. The boys of the Jackson 5 lost their childhood.
It's been thought this led to Michael Jackson's Peter Pan fascination, naming his home “Neverland” and embracing the idea of “Never Growing Up.” Others also assume that Michael's weird actions later in life resulted from the poor treatment he received from his father.