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80s Soap Opera Star Turned 90s Sitcom Mom Is Unrecognizable at 75

BBG News

In Los Angeles this week, a soap opera actress from the ’80s, known for portraying the mother of a beloved 1990s sitcom character, went largely unnoticed.

1950 saw her birth, and she initially served as a stand-in for Faye Dunaway in films. However, she eventually established herself as a leading sex symbol, earning that title independently.

In the 1970s and 1980s, she was a frequent face on popular daytime soaps, including shows like Dallas and Falcon Crest.

By the 1990s, she became a frequent character in popular television comedies, with one specific role earning her a devoted following worldwide.

In her recent encounter, she opted for a more casual appearance, trading her iconic elegant look for a comfortable fit featuring a relaxed band tee and leggings.

Can you guess who she is?

She is no one but Morgan Fairchild, transitioning from a captivating star on ’80s soap operas to playing Chandler Bing’s mother on Friends during the ’90s.

As I stepped off the plane in Hollywood, fresh from my small-town Texas roots, my sleek blonde locks and slender frame immediately caught people’s attention, eventually opening doors for me. This serendipitous encounter led to a remarkable opportunity – standing in as Faye Dunaway’s double for the iconic 1967 film Bonnie & Clyde.

Her acting career in soap operas gained momentum in the 1970s. It started with a four-year stint on Search For Tomorrow, followed by an appearance on Dallas in 1978.

During the 1980s, she invested numerous years into television series like Falcon Crest and Flamingo Road. This helped her become a highly recognized and glamorous figure in the entertainment industry.

She gained significant recognition for portraying strong-willed, affluent characters, leading the Texas Monthly newspaper to label her as the ‘malevolent queen of eighties television trash.’

At the start of her professional journey, a colleague once shared with her: ‘Here’s something important to understand. It’s easy to find promising newcomers. However, finding someone who is both talented and tough-minded is quite challenging.’

Her striking platinum-blond hair, ethereal appearance, flamboyant outfits, and chilling delivery of sharp wit made her a truly memorable figure on television.

In the 1990s, her chic, icy charm gained her an international following that endures even today, primarily due to her portrayal of Nora Bing, Ross Geller’s (Matthew Perry’s character) mother on Friends.

1. Intriguing to readers was the aloof yet voraciously passionate romance author, Morgan. And, of course, Kathleen Turner captivated audiences portraying Chandler’s cross-dressing father in the series.

2. As a romance novelist who kept emotions at bay but had an insatiable appetite for love, Morgan was a joy to fans. Plus, Kathleen Turner brought Chandler’s drag queen dad to life on screen.

3. Readers found Morgan, the romance author with a cold exterior but a burning passion, irresistible. And who could forget Kathleen Turner as Chandler’s cross-dressing father in the series?

4. The emotionally detached yet sexually driven romance novelist, Morgan, was a hit among fans. Not to mention, Kathleen Turner’s portrayal of Chandler’s drag queen dad left audiences spellbound.

5. As a romance writer who kept her feelings locked away but had an unquenchable thirst for love, Morgan captivated readers. And it was Kathleen Turner as Chandler’s cross-dresser father in the series that truly stole the show.

In more recent times, she’s continued to act, most notably with a repeated appearance on General Hospital from the year 2022 up until 2023, revisiting the world of daytime dramas.

In the year 2023 as well, she appeared in a comedic series on Lifetime titled “Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas.” This show centers around a band of soap opera stars who reconnect, with the roles being portrayed by genuine 1980s television sensations such as Morgan, Nicollette Sheridan, Loni Anderson, Donna Mills, and Linda Gray.

In her private life, she got married to music executive Jack Calmes in 1967 at the young age of 17, however, their union ended by 1973.

In 1987, she encountered enduring affection for Mark Seiler, a studio executive. They stayed together until his passing due to a heart attack in 2023, at the age of 75.

This week, when Morgan emerged, she was still flaunting the glowing skin that contributed to her becoming one of the most identifiable figures in America.

In her conversation with DailyMail.com in 2023, she mentioned that she has consistently chosen a healthy lifestyle to avoid the premature aging often observed in Hollywood. She clarified that she abstained from alcohol, smoking, and drug use.

As a youth, actions might seem appealing due to their perceived appeal. However, as time passes, observing others can make one grateful for not having taken those paths. Many instances of excessive partying can accelerate the aging process significantly. To put it simply, I’ve become rather uneventful in my older years.

Morgan noted: “A balanced diet plays an important role as well. Growing up in Texas, continuing to eat as I did, with everything deep-fried, would tell a completely different story. To some extent, it’s about learning more about nutrition and various treatments.

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2025-05-18 00:36

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