Welcome to the First Edition of the Hollywood Show Blog
Hello, I'm Ruchel, and I’ll be sharing stories about the stars you grew up watching.
If you’re a Gen Xer, you’ll remember seeing Morgan Fairchild frequently on TV in the 80s, whether in a series or a TV movie. She originated the role of Jenna Wade on the wildly popular nighttime soap opera Dallas and made waves as the cunning Racine, the owner of a modeling agency in Paper Dolls (1984). Later, she appeared in Falcon Crest from 1985 to 1986. In 1989, she guest-starred on Murphy Brown, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
Throughout the 90s and 2000s, Fairchild took on numerous guest roles in shows like Touched by an Angel, Home Improvement, Cybill, Dharma & Greg, and 7th Heaven. However, she may be best remembered as Nora Tyler Bing, the unforgettable mother of Chandler Bing (played by the late Matthew Perry) in the beloved series Friends.
It was an honor to chat with the talented and versatile Morgan Fairchild at the Hollywood Show on October 18. As a regular at this event, she offered unique insights into her career and legacy. Check out the Q&A below!
Ruchel: How does it feel to be part of the Hollywood Show and connect with fans who have followed your work throughout your career?
Morgan: I’ve been in this industry for a long time, so it’s always wonderful when people come up to me and say, ‘I started watching you on Search for Tomorrow, Flamingo Road, or Falcon Crest. You know, I’ve been doing this for a long, long time, so it’s always great to meet people who have watched my work.
Ruchel: You've had a remarkable career, from Dallas to Flamingo Road. What has been the key to maintaining such longevity in an ever-evolving industry?
Morgan: Well, I think starting in theater when I was 10 really set the foundation. Growing up in the business, mostly doing theater, taught me resilience—to take a hard knock, get back up, and keep going. A lot of people get discouraged if things don’t happen right away, but I’ve been fortunate to keep working consistently. I think what’s helped is that I can do comedy as well as drama, so if they wanted a “glamour girl” who could also be funny, I could deliver that. My background in drama prepared me for a bit of everything. I also believe that every five years, you have to reintroduce yourself to a new audience. That’s why I accepted Friends when it was still a new show—it was an opportunity to reach a whole new generation.
Ruchel: You've worked across a wide range of genres, from soap operas to primetime dramas to comedies. How do you approach such a diverse array of characters?
Morgan: The diversity is what interests me and starting in theater when I was 10 really helped with that. I grew up doing a lot of different types of roles, so moving across genres—from comedy to drama, spoof to satire, and then between theater, stage, TV—feels natural to me. It’s all about being adaptable, and that’s a big part of surviving in this business.
Ruchel: You've been in the public eye for decades and are seen as a style icon. How has your approach to beauty and fashion evolved over the years?
Morgan: I’ve always loved big hair and bold costumes. I started in the 60s, and I’ve always been drawn to fun, eye-catching styles. The 70s and 80s were especially great for that—it was such a playful time in fashion. I was also lucky to inherit good skin from my mom’s side and my dad, but it takes effort, too. Once you let your skin go, it’s hard to get it back, so taking care of it is essential.
As we wrap up this first edition of the Hollywood Show Blog, I hope you’ve enjoyed this deep dive into the career of Morgan Fairchild, a true icon whose talent and adaptability have kept her at the forefront of television and film for decades. Her stories of resilience, reinvention, and her timeless style are a testament to what it takes to thrive in Hollywood. It was an honor to hear firsthand how she’s continually adapted and reconnected with new generations, from her early days on Dallas to her unforgettable role on Friends.
Stay tuned for more stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments from the stars you love. Thank you for joining me on this journey—there’s so much more to come!
