FloatingOpera7
Punky Brewster (1984-1988): Starring Soleil Moon-Frye, George Gaynes, Cherie Johnson, Susie Garrett, T.K. Carter, Ami Foster, Casey Ellison, Eedie Deezen, Dody Goodman, Lyita Chapel...Created By David W. Duclon Whatever happened to child star Soleil Moon-Frye ? Many child actors have a history of turning to drugs and live a sordid life. Soleil Moon Frye was possibly the first face I remember seeing on television as a child of the 80's. I don't recall when she was on TV. I'm guessing it was 3 in the afternoon after school or perhaps 2pm. She played Punky Brewster, a lovable orphan who is abandoned by her mother and adopted by the generous Henry Warnimont. She had a cute dog named Brandon who was able to perform various tricks and who was often quite human in his mannerisms. Punky represented the definition of the 80's girl. She dressed like Cindy Lauper in colorful, threadbare clothes of her own design, and although by today's standards her clothes are really a bunch of colorful rags and there is nothing "punk" about her, Punky had her own style and she was proud to be herself, unlike today's youth who imitate their coolest idols. Punky had her share of misadventures, often clashing with the snobbish, well-dressed Margot Kramer (Ami Foster). She had an irrepressible spirit, even when things were bad. This show catered to mostly pre-teen girls. I knew several girls who adored Punky and dressed up like her. She is an 80's icon really. I remember one particularly powerful and moving episode: Punky's elementary school teacher turns out to be Sally Ride, who died in a rocket explosion. She would have been the first woman astronaut. Thi show had a lot of heart and I shall never forget it.
mfloyd-3
I watched Punky Brewster from the time it aired on the NBC network to the time it ended. Eventually, the show was brought back in reruns on the Family Channel now called ABC Family. Soleil Moon Frye gave a great performance as Punky I can't think of a better Punky Brewster than her. I've written to the Disney Channel, KSMO WB 62, KCWE 29, and even the Hallmark Channel requesting that this incredible show be brought back on the air. I really enjoyed this show and I really want to see it again. I even listen to the theme song on the internet, I also know it by heart. Other viewers want this show back on the air as well. I also called Columbia House video store because they now have all your favorite sitcoms from the fifties, sixties, seventies, eighties, and nineties where you can buy them. I asked them if they had Punky Brewster but they didn't have it.
nemocly
I really enjoyed the show! I was upset when they canceled the show and didn't give us a warning but that's o.k. I just wish they would show reruns on cable! I mean I wanted to be and dress just like her. Her style, clothes and attitude was great I mean I was young but I knew what was going on. My favorite episode was when her friend was introduced to punky and they became the best of friends I thought that episode was so cool! I wondered where she purchased her purple vest I wanted one so badly but I couldn't get one my moms kept telling no I couldn't get one so I tried to make one out of old clothes and It turned out o.k. but It wasn't better than Punky.I wish that she would make a come back in the future and show some one some of her best television shows.
renaldo and clara
I remember the episode where Punky wants to be an astronaut, but hears of the death of the female teacher, among others, who were killed during that 1984 rocket crash, and all her friends discourage her. I'll never forget that episode!Also, growing up, I wanted a treehouse JUST like Punky's ...well, I was hoping I could make it better than Punky's treehouse, because changing my room into hers was out of the question for my mom!! There was also an episode where Punky learned sign language from a deaf friend...this was also unforgettable.Everyone in my age group(who were between 4 and 9 in 1984) who watched "Punky" were consumed by her...I don't care what they say!All I can say, today, at 21... Long live Punky Brewster!