Punky Brewster
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First Aired September 1984
Last Aired May 1988
Network NBC
# of Episodes: 88
Theme Song Lyrics:

"Every Time I Turn Around"

Maybe the world is blind,
Or just a little unkind.
Don't know.

Seems you can't be sure
Of anything anymore,
Although

You may be lonely and then
One day you're smiling again.

Every time I turn around,
I see the girl who turned my world around,
Standing there.

Every time I turn around,
Her spirit's lifting me right off the ground.
What's gonna be?
Guess we'll just wait and see.


Cast

George Gaynes .... Henry Warnimont
Soleil Moon Frye .... Penelope 'Punky' Brewster
Cherie Johnson .... Cherie Johnson
Ami Foster .... Margeaux Kramer
Casey Ellison .... Allen Anderson
Susie Garrett .... Betty Johnson
T.K. Carter .... Mike Fulton (1985-1986)
Loyita Chapel .... Mrs. Kramer (1984-1985)
Eddie Deezen .... Eddie Malvin (1984)
Dody Goodman .... Mrs. Morton (1984-1985)

About The Show

Dressed in typical '80s fashion and being a tomboy, I related to Punky very easily. The basic premise of the show was that Punky was orphaned and found her way into an apartment. The manager of the apartment building (Henry) takes her in and becomes her "father." Although Henry was a cranky old man, Punky formed a close relationship with him. As in the classic tale, they shared many warm moments together. In a way their relationship reminded me of Archie Bunker (All In The Family) and Stephanie. Both men seemed mean and cruel at times, but deep inside they were kind and caring men. Besides the relationship between Punky and Henry, the show also focused on Punky and her friends.

Facts About the Show

  • Singer Andy Gibb played a music teacher and taught Punky how to play piano.
  • Punky and her friends wanted a "Butter Lettuce" doll.
  • Boxer Marvelous Marvin Hagler taught Punky how to defend herself against the school bully.
  • Punky's jobs: dog grooming, baby-sitting, working for Henry in his restaurant, selling cosmetics.
  • Issues addressed on the show: Run aways, stealing, drugs, CPR, literacy, health, caring for animals, growing up.
  • Punky stayed at Fenster Hall in the children's shelter.
  • Punky and friends wanted to see DeBarge in concert.
  • Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Saved By The Bell) was a math tutor.

    Where Else Have You Seen Them...

    George Gaynes: Altered States, Tootsie, Police Academy, The Days & Nights Of Molly Dodd, Hearts Afire, The Crucible, Chicago Hope, Wag The Dog

    Soleil Moon Frye: Girl Talk, Liars' Club, Pumpkin Head 2, Grown Ups, Sabrina The Teenage Witch

    Cherie Johnson: Family Matters, The Parkers

    Ami Foster: Pound Puppies, Troop Beverly Hills

    Casey Ellison: The Ryan White Story, The Head Hunter

    Susie Garrett: Jeffersons

    T.K. Carter: The Thing, Jem, Polly, The Sinbad Show, The Steve Harvey Show

    Loyita Chapel: Young & The Restless, One Life To Live

    Eddie Deezen: Grease, Grease 2, Critters 2, Rock-A-Doodle

    Dody Goodman: Grease, Grease 2, Diff'rent Strokes, Alvin & The Chipmunks

    Links

  • Punky Brewster: The Webpage
  • Punky's Place
  • Soleil Moon Frye
  • AskMen.com Soleil Moon Frye