Original star of Saved By The Bell, Lark Voorhies, feels slighted by her lack of inclusion in the revival series. Set to premiere on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, the continuation of the classic teen sitcom will feature a mix of new characters and returning favorites. Elizabeth Berkley, Mario Lopez and Mark-Paul Gosselaar will all be returning to the roles they made famous decades earlier. Still, a few of Bayside High’s most recognizable alums have not been announced as part of the reunion. Voorhies, who portrayed Lisa Turtle throughout the original run of Saved By The Bell, is among those that have been left out of the forthcoming Peacock series.
Initially more of a secondary character, Lisa was the rich girl of the group. Known for being a fashionista and a bit of a gossip queen, Lisa is remembered for her dynamic with Screech (Dustin Diamond). In many episodes, Screech strives for Lisa’s attention. Though they do go out on a date, and though she does get jealous during a storyline that finds Screech in a romantic relationship, she ultimately sees him as more of a platonic partner. After graduating high school, Lisa attends the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Voorhies appeared as Lisa after the original Saved By The Bell series, guest starring on both spin-offs and taking part in a TV movie which focused on the wedding of Kelly Kapowski and Zack Morris. Both spin-offs, in addition to the TV movie, premiered in the 1990s.
As reported by Deadline, it seems that Voorhies joins Diamond in the distinction of not being invited back for the latest incarnation of Saved By The Bell. It becomes clear, during an interview on Dr. Oz’s show, that the snub Voorhies feels goes beyond her omission from the revival series. The actress was mostly there to discuss her bipolar diagnosis, but she was shown photos of other original Saved By The Bell cast members getting dinner and reuniting at events without her. At times, reading from a journal entry she had written, Voorhies sounded emotional.
“I have to admit I did feel a bit slighted and hurt when I was not invited to be part of the Saved By The Bell reunion, as well as other cast members events,” Voorhies read. “Yet, of course, I also realized that having this puzzling disorder may have played a major part in that factual decision. With that in mind, I am truly thankful for having had the chance to work on a show that has been so successful.” Voorhies also said that she didn’t begrudge her former co-stars for socializing but added that she would like to be included.
In the revival of Saved By The Bell, California’s governor Zack Morris finds himself in hot water for closing too many too many low-income high schools. As a fix, he suggests sending the affected students to some of the most successful schools in the state. That includes Bayside High. If the premise proves to resonate with audiences, hopefully Voorhies will get to make an appearance as Lisa Turtle.
More: How Good Morning, Miss Bliss Evolved Into Saved By The Bell
Source: Deadline
