Actress Lisa Whelchel, who is best known for playing Blair Warner on the 1980s sitcom “The Facts Of Life,” has long been known as one of the most devout Christians in Hollywood. In a new interview, Whelchel opens up about how her Christian faith helped her navigate Hollywood.

Whelchel Talks Christian Faith

“I came to Hollywood when I was 12 to be on the ‘Mickey Mouse Club,'” Whelchel, 58, told Fox News. “But, by then, I was already a Christian. I had a very personal relationship with God from the time I was 10.”

“So when I moved to California, God was practically kind of a parent to me,” she added. “He was my heavenly father. I trusted in the things that He said were good for me and I knew to look out for the things that I knew weren’t it for me. I do believe my faith and the community of my church really set the foundation. It protected me from going down some paths that would have probably been very tempting to go down had I not trusted in God.”

While there are many child stars who end up regretting the shows that made them famous, Whelchel is still a fan of “The Facts Of Life.”

Related: Mark Wahlberg Considering Retirement – Wants To Focus On Faith-Based Movies

‘Wonderful Trip Down Memory Lane’

“It’s a wonderful trip down memory lane … We’ve been talking about a reimagining of ‘Facts of Life’ and bringing it back again,” she said. “Nothing is set yet, but it’s been really fun to talk about it. What I have brought to the table for those conversations is I would love to see a little bit more acceptance of what reality looks like for a midlife woman.”

“As I mentioned, I’m about 15 pounds heavier than I was on ‘Facts of Life,'” Whelchel added. “If we were to do a re-imagining of the show, I would really like my character to address the realities that we face when we get to a certain age.”

In fact, Whelchel believes that this extra weight is actually her “secret” to looking younger. 

“I’m going to be 59 next month. I’m about 15 pounds more than I was when I did ‘Facts of Life,'” she said. “But the good news about that extra weight is that it kind of fluffs out the wrinkles. You can either be really skinny, but have wrinkles, or a little fluffy and be a little smoother. I’m choosing the fluffy, smooth look because that also includes ice cream and cookies.”

Related: Candace Cameron Bure Praises God After Daughter Natasha Gets Baptized

Whelchel Is Loving Life Today

Ultimately, Whelchel seems to be a happy woman who is loving life right now.

“I think it’s like anybody’s life really,” she said of her life today. “But there are some really sweet and wonderful things happening in my life. On the top of the pyramid are my two little grandbabies. It’s truly been a wonderful journey.”

It looks like being a good Christian really has served Whelchel well in the crazy world of Hollywood! If only there were more faith-focused stars out there like her. 

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