Lydia Cornell Credits Natalie Wood with Helping Her Land Her First Speaking Role in the 1970s

**Lydia Cornell Reflects on Early Hollywood Experiences and Reunion with ‘Too Close for Comfort’ Cast**

Lydia Cornell, best known for her role as Sara Rush in the beloved sitcom *Too Close for Comfort*, recently reminisced about her early struggles in Hollywood during a fan panel at the Fanboy Expo Knoxville. The event took place on July 10 and marked a heartwarming reunion with her former co-stars, Deborah Van Valkenburgh and Jim J. Bullock.

Cornell has continued to engage fans and share her experiences, including how iconic actress Natalie Wood had played a pivotal role in her breakthrough career. During her panel discussion, Cornell opened up about her encounter with Wood, revealing how the actress reached out to her one evening while dining with a star-studded group that included producer Aaron Spelling, Robert Wagner, and the legendary Fred Astaire.

Recalling the moment, Cornell, now 72, described how she was initially starstruck. “I’m on a date with an agent, and in the front room, it’s Aaron Spelling, Natalie Wood, Robert Wagner, and Fred Astaire. I was shaking,” she said. It was during this meal that Wood summoned her over with a simple gesture, inviting her to meet the renowned producer. “She goes, ‘Mr. Spelling wants to meet you,’” Cornell remembered, highlighting the unexpected moment that would change her trajectory in the industry.

The introduction allowed Cornell access to significant opportunities. Just the following day, she secured an audition for *The Love Boat*, leading to her first speaking role and subsequently landing parts in popular series such as *Charlie’s Angels*. Reflecting on that serendipitous meeting, Cornell expressed gratitude, as it ultimately paved the way for her audition for *Too Close for Comfort*.

The sitcom, which aired from 1980 to 1983, starred former *Mary Tyler Moore Show* actor Ted Knight as Henry Rush, a cartoonist whose daughters, Sara and Jackie, move into the flat below. Cornell portrayed Sara, who often found herself cast as the “dumb blonde” character. During the Knoxville panel, Van Valkenburgh recounted her own audition experience, shedding light on the competitive nature of the casting process.

Cornell’s successful audition came after she was late to the casting call, which Van Valkenburgh likened to a struggle for survival. “I was the 400th girl they were seeing. When the secretary tried to send me away, I just started crying,” she noted. Encouraged by creator Arne Sultan to read for the part, she ultimately received a callback that confirmed her role in the series.

*Too Close for Comfort* proved to be more than just a brief stint in Cornell’s career. Though the show had its final cancellation after three seasons, it continued as a syndicated series, allowing Cornell and Van Valkenburgh to continue in their roles for an additional two years. The show transitioned into *The Ted Knight Show* during its final run, shortly before Knight’s tragic passing from cancer in 1986.

In the decades following *Too Close for Comfort*, Cornell has maintained a presence in the entertainment industry, appearing in a range of popular television programmes, including *The Dukes of Hazzard*, *Knight Rider*, *The A-Team*, and *Full House*. More recently, she made guest appearances on *Curb Your Enthusiasm* and starred in *Viral Vignettes*.

Additionally, Cornell is currently in the process of developing a reboot of *Too Close for Comfort*, something she alluded to during her appearance in Knoxville. Although details remain under wraps, she expressed optimism about the project, saying, “Something’s in the works, so I can’t say anything yet, but fingers crossed.”

With her depth of experience in Hollywood and fond memories alongside her co-stars, Lydia Cornell continues to captivate audiences. Whether recalling her early days of starstruck encounters or hinting at exciting new projects, she remains a cherished figure in television history, embodying a unique blend of nostalgia and ongoing ambition in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.