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Meeting comedienne/actress Geri Jewell is a bit of a surprise. Like many performers I've mostly known from television and film, she is much smaller in person. In her case, almost delicate and very pretty, and far younger than her years. When amused, her laughter is quick, loud and contagious. When in a more introspective mood, she becomes thoughtful and almost translucent in her honesty.
Known best by the general public for her ground breaking appearances on the iconic sitcom, "The Facts of Life," where, as Cousin Geri, she became the first physically challenged recurring character on a television series. Born with cerebral palsy and major hearing issues, Jewell had developed a certain tough, wise-ass persona that she brought to the sentimental series. Like so many show biz personalities, the truth was far different from what was presented to the public: for privately, she was insecure and very innocent.
Now Jewell has recounted her journey from that shy kid to a far more confident and spiritual woman in her fascinating new memoir, I'm Walking as Straight as I Can (ECW Press). It should be a depressing trudge, dealing with emotional and sexual abuse, personal and professional betrayals, as well as the vagaries of show business – basically more trauma than in three Susan Hayward movies. But the comedienne tells her story with a sense of humor and a lack of anger that is charming and inviting. She is no Pollyanna, but she is forgiving and recognizes that most who betrayed her did so out of their own weaknesses rather than direct malice toward her.
In conversation, Jewell reveals that this forgiving nature comes from the deep spiritual philosophy she has developed over the years, believing that we create our own realities by how we relate to others. While feeling a strong drive to tell her own story in order that others might learn and profit from it, she was careful to change the names and some of the details of the more villainous personalities in the book, and one has a strong feeling in conversation with the performer that this was a choice far more motivated by her moral standards than any fear of leagal reprisal.
Of course, there is a lot of light and fun in this book as well. How could there not be considering the very funny lady writing it. From a disastrous high school graduation, complete with nude biker, to a late night stolen furniture caper involving "Facts of Life" co-star and good friend Lisa Whelchel, to sweet celebrity encounters with her comedy idols Carol Burnett and Sid Caesar, there is a great deal of joy in the book as well.
I'm Walking as Straight as I Can is a truly unique "show biz" memoir, part backstage story, part spiritual journey, part story of survival and conquest of impossible odds. It is a highly individual story, told with great humor and compassion, that will unquestionably touch anyone who has had their own demons to conquer. And who among us, hasn't?
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