Actress Cherie Johnson sat down with The Knockturnal to discuss the upcoming reboot of Punky Brewster and reuniting with Soleil Moon Frye after 30 years.
“Being on the set the first day was a dream come true. It’s a dream that you never knew you wanted,” Cherie said. ” Being able to come home after 30 years is the most amazing experience ever and your whole family is there – that’s really what it felt like. Being able to put my arms around Soleil who is my oldest friend. I’ve known her as long as I’ve known myself.
Cherie is stepping back into her role as Punky’s best friend Cherie who places foster children. Soleil is reprising her role as Punky and plays a single mother-of-three who takes in a young girl Izzy who – like Punky – was abandoned by her parents.
The reboot comes more than 35 years after the original aired in 1984 and will air on Peacock.
Cherie said the talks for a reboot were super-secret and she found out about it through social media.
“I found out on social media like everybody else!” she said. “I think it was in the works for three years. After it was announced on social media Soleil called me and was like ‘Girl, we’re coming back! Will you come back?’ And I said “Of course I’ll come back!'”
Parents who are fans of the 80s Punky Brewster may notice plenty of references to the original but can now enjoy the new show with their children.
“It’s generational. I’m now watching that show with my kids which I think is amazing because as you guys are watching the show with your kids, Soleil and our kids are watching too. So we’re all kind of growing up together all over again which I believe makes all of our bonds so much stronger.
“We’re the same homegirls! We haven’t changed much – maybe just got a little bit taller,” Cherie said.
Punky Brewster premieres on February 25 on Peacock.
