Gabrielle Union To Star As ’70s Sitcom Sweetheart Tootie In “Facts Of Life” Live Reenactment

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Classic ’70s sitcom The Facts of Life will be resurrected with a facelift.

ABC announced that the Eastland girls are returning to television for an episode of Live in Front of a Studio Audience. Gabrielle Union and Friends actress Jennifer Aniston have signed on to fill the roles of Tootie Ramsey and Blair Warner.

Kim Fields

Kim Fields and Lisa Whelchel played the characters in the original series, which ran on NBC from 1979 to 1988.

Gabrielle and Jennifer will star alongside Kathryn Hahn, who will play Jo Polniaczek, and Allison Tolman who will play Natalie Green.

Fellow Norman Lear production Diff’rent Strokes will also be reenacted on the same night.

You can expect to see Kevin Hart as Arnold Jackson, and Damon Wayans as Willis, originally portrayed by Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle, whose last project was Black Lady Sketch Show, took to Instagram to share her excitement with fans. The Instagram story read:

“‘Tootie’ was EVERYTHING to Black girls in my generation @kimfieldsofficial is an ICON living. I am honored to honor her and just one of the many legendary characters she has brought to life.”

Lisa Whelchel posted on Instagram about Jennifer Aniston filling her shoes. The caption read:

“Can’t wait! This is gonna be so fun! @jenniferaniston as ‘Blair’!?! I’m humbled, honored and happy. Set your reminders to tune in to this television event! @abcnetwork @hulu.”

Kim Fields appears to be busy promoting her new holiday film Adventures in Christmasing and hasn’t commented on her former show.

Kim snagged the role of Tootie Ramsey when she was just ten years old and portrayed the character throughout the show’s run.

The Facts of Life was a spin-off of Diff’rent Strokes and stayed on-air for nine seasons. After facing a near-cancellation in its first season, the sitcom went on to ignite Nielsen’s ratings. It will forever be remembered for tackling controversial topics like intellectual disabilities, religion, and virginity.

Are you excited to see The Facts of Life again?! Leave us a comment and let us know!