30 Facts About Geri Jewell

Geraldine Ann "Geri" Jewell was born on September 13,1956 and is an American actress, stand-up comedian, diversity consultant, and motivational speaker, noted for roles on the 1980s sitcom The Facts of Life and the mid-2000s western Deadwood.

From Buffalo, New York, Jewell was born to Olga and Jack Jewell.

Geri Jewell has two brothers, David and Fred; her sister Gloria died in 2016.

Geri Jewell was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at eighteen months old.

Geri Jewell attended a private school for children with cerebral palsy and remained there through first grade.

Geri Jewell described her school life as lonely and sheltered; she said she never had a best friend growing up, and was never able to practice her social skills.

Geri Jewell was inspired by Carol Burnett and wrote Burnett a letter when she was thirteen, asking her for advice since she too wanted to be a comedic actress.

Later on in life, Geri Jewell went with a friend to see Carol Burnett perform.

Geri Jewell went to two different junior colleges: Cypress College and then Fullerton College.

Geri Jewell wanted to transfer once more and enroll in UCLA-Fullerton to earn a degree in psychology and theater arts, but she ended up dropping out to perform at The Comedy Store, since she struggled with some of her college classes and wanted to pursue acting more seriously.

Geri Jewell said that maturing emotionally was one of her hardest accomplishments, since she had been somewhat sheltered as a child.

In 1980, Geri Jewell was offered a role on The Facts of Life.

Geri Jewell was the first disabled actor to have a recurring role on a TV series;.

Geri Jewell was on The Facts of Life for twelve episodes and her contract ended in 1984.

Not only was Geri Jewell fired from The Facts of Life, but her then-manager was arrested for embezzlement and securities fraud.

Geri Jewell felt that after everything that I'd done for Facts, it was a slap in the face that they would only offer me one show.

Geri Jewell figured that they would come back with something better.

Geri Jewell told me not to worry about it, that I was going to find other work because I was very talented, and I was the first person with a disability to break ground in a series.

The years immediately following the show were dark for Geri Jewell, and included an addiction to sleeping pills.

Geri Jewell never believed it illustrated her life as well as her autobiography.

Geri Jewell was asked to speak at the White House about her disability in 1985.

Geri Jewell told the audience at the White House to face their fears and uncertainties first in order to love others.

In 1986, Geri Jewell said her new role as an advocate for the disabled allowed her to pick up the pieces of her life, and to find purpose.

Geri Jewell found success as a consultant to Fortune 500 companies on creating better accommodations and more inclusive culture for the disabled workforce.

In 2011, Geri Jewell published her autobiography, I'm Walking As Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond, which later won a 2013 Golden Halo Award, and the 2013 UCP Life Without Limits Award.

Geri Jewell discussed the frustration of constantly being cast solely for her disability.

Geri Jewell wrote about her 2002 divorce from husband Richard Pimentel and came out publicly as a lesbian.

Geri Jewell appeared as the recurring character Jewel on the HBO original series Deadwood from 2004 to 2006 and in its 2019 film continuation.

Geri Jewell said she appreciated his respect for her talents as a writer and actor.

Geri Jewell has been the recipient of many awards, including the 1992 Founders Award, the 2005 Independent Living Legacy Award, and a National Rehabilitation Hospital Victory Award.