Kim Fields Once Revealed Why She Almost Gave up Role of Tootie on 'Facts of Life'

Kim Fields opened up about auditioning for her role in "The Facts of Life" and why she almost didn't pursue it. She also revealed how her mother played a part in convincing her to audition.

Kim Fields has always been associated with her breakout role in the hit show, “The Facts of Life” as the character Tootie. But if the actress gave in to her fears when she auditioned for the role, that never would have been a reality.

Kim Fields at the Chiller Theatre Expo in October 2018. | Photo: Getty Images

THE STORY BEHIND TOOTIE

Kim opened up about landing her role of a lifetime when she sat down with Fox 411. According to the star who’s also famously known for portraying Regine Hunter in “Living Single,” she was so scared during auditions for Tootie that she almost didn’t pursue it.

Kim played Tootie Ramsey for the entire run of the series from 1979 to 1988. This has made her not just a household name but close to her co-stars who she learned to treat like family.

“I almost didn’t stay for the audition,” Kim admitted adding the reason that she “was very intimated.”

“I was a little Black girl and I walked in this sea of, you know, television-ready White girls, you know, perfect blond hair or brown hair, blue-eyed,” she explained. “I just felt like, ‘I’m not supposed to be here.’”

It’s a good thing Kim’s mother, actress Chip Fields interfered. She set Kim aside to encourage her to go on with the audition. Chip told her not to let anything or anyone intimidate her especially her own mind.

Kim admitted she had a small mind at 9 years old and lacking in height too. But this didn’t keep her from being cast as a 12-year-old and taller. She shared that they put her on roller skates to make up for her height.

REUNITING WITH HER CO-STARS

Kim played Tootie Ramsey for the entire run of the series from 1979 to 1988. This has made her not just a household name but close to her co-stars who she learned to treat like family.

In fact, she found a way to work with some of them again when she starred in a Christmas movie for Lifetime last year. Kim tapped her former “The Facts of Life” co-stars Lisa Whelchel, Mindy Cohn, and Nancy McKeon for roles in the film, “You Light Up My Christmas” which she also executive produced.

The ladies were thrilled to be cast together again and even suggested to honor the late Charlotte Rae who could no longer join them. An ice skating rink in the film was named after her.

Kim felt blessed to have her sisters join her in the film and to have them as sisters for life. Each with their own families now, it’s good to know that their friendship never wavered.

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