I don’t know about you, but when I hear the name Elizabeth Berkley the words “Dear Abby” don’t immediately pop into my mind. Rather, I think more along the lines of “gawky teen,” “Saved by the Bell,” “Showgirls” “Razzie Award,” etc. Of course, that’s just me. According to the actress, I am in the minority.
Berkley, who is best known for playing brainy Jessie Spano on NBC’s “Saved by the Bell,” says thanks to syndication her fan base is enormous—especially among young girls. The 34-year-old actress recently told PEOPLE magazine she isn’t able to walk down the street without being stopped by hords of teen fans.
“Not just wanting an autograph but wanting to talk,” Berkley told the magazine.
In fact, Berkley says she was being asked for advice so often her husband (the nephew of legendary clothing designer Ralph Lauren) joked that she should create her own advice column. Fast-forward a few months and viola—“Ask Elizabeth” is born.
I kid you not. Berkley has gone from starring as a nude lap dancer on the big screen to doling out advice to young girls about boys, self-esteem, weight issues, and “other girly stuff.” Berkley says she provides the information during “Ask Elizabeth” workshops she leads with groups of tweens and teens in cities across the nation.
“I don’t have all the answers,” says Berkley. “But I share my personal stories [and] struggles.”
If you are interested in sending your daughter to an “Ask Elizabeth” session here’s what she will be in for. The workshops run about two-hours long and start with girls submitting anonymous questions for Berkley to read. Then the actress and the other girls in the group offer advice. (Here’s a sample question Berkley shared from a recent workshop: “I like a ‘bad boy.’ My mom doesn’t. What do I do?”)
Believe or not, Berkley’s workshop reviews have been positive. Session participants were asked to rate the workshop and according to Berkley, most said they were inspired by the personal stories the actress shared with them. The Razzie Award-winner says she doesn’t hold back about telling the girls about her misadventures in Hollywood, including how she struggled to save her acting career following her notorious appearance in the ’95 film “Showgirls,” which tanked at the box office.
Berkley calls the workshops “the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done” and expects to continue taking her sessions on the road for years to come.
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