'The Facts of Life,' 'Diff'rent Strokes' brought back to life by 'Live in Front of a Studio Audience'
ABC aired its third "Live in Front of a Studio Audience" on Tuesday, this time featuring episodes of "The Facts of Life" and "Diff'rent Strokes," hosted once again by Jimmy Kimmel and Norman Lear.
However, this time, the producers decided to have a little fun by casting older actors in roles that younger actors would have played.
This included Jennifer Aniston, 52, Gabrielle Union, 49, Kathryn Hahn, 48, and Allison Tolman, 40 playing Blair, Tootie, Jo and Natalie from the original "The Facts of Life." Those roles were respectively played by Lisa Welchel, Kim Fields, Nancy McKeon and Mindy Cohn in the original series.
Despite the age differences, all four actresses did an admirable job of copying their characters' looks and mannerisms. There was also a guest appearance from Jon Stewart, along with surprise cameos from Will Arnett and Jason Bateman.
Welchel sang the show's iconic theme song before she was joined by former castmates Fields and Cohn for a mini-reunion.
Ann Dowd, who played Mrs. Garret in both segments, looked and sounded amazingly like her counterpart, the late Charlotte Rae.
Keeping with the age gaps between actors and roles, the "Diff'rent Strokes" segment featured 42-year-old Kevin Hart, 42, and 61-year-old Damon Wayans to play Arnold and Willis. Those roles were originally portrayed by the late Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges.
John Lithgow played Mr. Drummond, brought to life by the late Conrad Baines in the original show, while Boyz II Men's Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman delivered a version of the "Diff'rent Strokes" theme song. Bridges made a surprise appearance.
