Danielle Fishel, widely recognised for her role as Topanga Lawrence in the iconic 1990s sitcom *Boy Meets World*, recently opened up about the challenges faced while working on its successor, *Girl Meets World*. At the premiere of the documentary *Doc Meets World*, part of the 2026 Tribeca Festival, Fishel shared her reflections on her journey in the entertainment industry, particularly her experiences as a child actor and her protective instincts towards younger cast members.
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Fishel began portraying Topanga at the tender age of 12 when *Boy Meets World* debuted in 1993, a role she reprised when the Disney Channel reboot, *Girl Meets World*, aired from 2014 to 2017. During her conversation with PEOPLE, she highlighted the significance of looking out for the younger performers in the reboot, drawing on her own experiences during the original series.
“There were many individuals who genuinely looked out for me on *Boy Meets World*, yet there were also several moments where I felt better storylines could have been penned for my character,” Fishel noted. This awareness motivated her to steer *Girl Meets World* towards narratives that emphasised personal growth, aspirations, education, and friendship—elements she felt were paramount, especially in contemporary society.
In *Girl Meets World*, Fishel’s character, now a parent, shared the screen with a new generation of young talent. Alongside Ben Savage, who reprised his role as Cory Matthews, she played the mother to teenager Riley Matthews, portrayed by Rowan Blanchard. Fishel candidly admitted that her initial lack of parental experience made her apprehensive about embodying a motherly figure. “When I started, I was a bit anxious about whether I would know how to portray a mother since I didn’t have kids of my own yet,” she confessed.
Despite those concerns, Fishel quickly formed a maternal bond with her younger colleagues. “From the very first moment I met them, I felt an instant connection. It was as if I was adopting them as my own children,” she expressed, a sentiment that continues to hold true.
The cast of *Girl Meets World* also featured Sabrina Carpenter, Peyton Meyer, and Corey Fogelmanis, with several original show members returning to reprise their roles, including Rider Strong and Will Friedle. Creative forces from the original series, Michael Jacobs and April Kelly, rejoined as co-creators, linking the two shows through their shared legacy.
However, Fishel’s enthusiasm for the reboot was dampened by the filming experience, which she described as “very difficult.” In an episode of her podcast *Pod Meets World*, which she co-hosts with Strong and Friedle, Fishel shared that her expectations of a fun and engaging set were not met. “The joyful memories we associate with *Boy Meets World* significantly contrasted with those from *Girl Meets World*. I had hoped it would mirror that experience, but it ultimately did not,” she revealed, adding that she felt “very ostracised” during the production.
The upcoming documentary *Doc Meets World*, in which Fishel, Strong, and Friedle discuss their personal experiences with the pressures of early fame, captures the essence of their friendship and the lessons learned over the years. The documentary records a reunion of the trio as they reminisce and participate in a national tour to engage with fans around their rewatch podcast.
During a post-screening discussion, the stars shared reflections on their younger selves and the guidance they would impart to their past selves. Fishel advised, “The most significant work occurs off-camera. It’s vital to cherish those moments spent with your colleagues.” Strong emphasised the importance of acknowledging that success in acting should not preclude the exploration of other creative avenues, while Friedle’s message was simple: “Relax and enjoy the journey.”
The emotional weight of youth and its perceived immediacy was a recurring theme in their discussions. Friedle succinctly summed it up, stating, “As a child, everything appears to hold life or death importance, yet as you grow older, those moments become far less consequential.”
*Doc Meets World* premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Festival on June 6, reigniting nostalgia for fans of the original series and sparking conversations about the evolution of their beloved characters across generations. As Fishel and her co-stars recount their journeys, they highlight not only the challenges but the enduring friendships forged in the crucible of early fame. Their experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities faced by child actors in an industry that often overlooks the emotional toll and personal growth required behind the scenes.