Danielle Fishel became one of the most recognizable young faces of 1990s television thanks to her role as Topanga Lawrence on Boy Meets World. But while audiences watched her character grow up on screen, Fishel was privately dealing with something much more difficult: intense scrutiny over her appearance and pressure to remain thin.
Born on May 5, 1981, Fishel began acting professionally when she was only 10. After commercials and smaller television appearances, she auditioned for Boy Meets World in 1993.
Topanga was initially intended to be a smaller character, but Fishel’s chemistry with Ben Savage and the rest of the cast quickly changed those plans. She became a regular, and Topanga’s intelligence, confidence and unconventional personality helped make her one of the show’s most beloved characters.
As Boy Meets World grew more popular, so did Fishel’s fame. She appeared on magazine covers, became a favorite among teenage viewers and was regularly included in lists celebrating young Hollywood stars.
But increased attention also meant that her changing teenage body was being observed and discussed by people around her.
Fishel later revealed that producers approached her and co-star Will Friedle after both had gained some weight. Instead of treating it as a private matter, the show decided to incorporate their weight into a storyline.
Fishel remembered feeling deeply uncomfortable.
“They didn’t really ask me if I was okay with it. They just said, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do.’” Continue Reading ⬇️