Lacey Chabert has recently revealed the personal experience of her first kiss while portraying Claudia Salinger on the popular television series “Party of Five.” The actress, now 43 years old, discussed this pivotal moment during her appearance on “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle,” recalling that she was just 13 at the time. In her candid remarks, Chabert described the experience as “mortifying,” yet she expressed gratitude for the supportive environment provided by her fellow cast members and crew.
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Reflecting on the transformative years spent on the show, which aired from 1994 to 2000, Chabert noted the unique challenges she faced growing up in front of a public audience. The Fox series followed the lives of the Salinger siblings—Charlie, Bailey, Julia, Claudia, and baby Owen—who navigated the complexities of adolescence following the tragic loss of their parents in a car accident. This backdrop often meant that Chabert’s character confronted situations and emotions that were foreign to her in real life, including her first kiss.
In an earlier interview on the podcast “Hey Dude… The 90s Called!” hosted by Christine Taylor and David Lascher, Chabert elaborated on the unusual nature of her teenage years. She remarked that “it was a little bit of a different way of growing up,” highlighting that not everyone can relate to the experience of acting out significant life events on screen before experiencing them personally. Her comments reflect the duality of being both a teenager and an actress, where she often found herself navigating the same adolescent milestones depicted in the scripts.
The emotional depth of “Party of Five” resonated with many viewers, evidenced by the acclaim it received during its run, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Series — Drama in 1996. Chabert’s character, Claudia, evolved from an 11-year-old girl into a young woman over the span of the show, a journey marked by both heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments.
Discussing the show’s conclusion, Chabert shared that the filming of the final scene was especially poignant for her and her co-stars. In a panel moderated by PEOPLE in April 2025, she recounted how the moment was filled with mixed emotions—“We just all burst into tears, and we hugged, and we cried.” This sense of camaraderie among the cast contributed to the deep bonds that were formed throughout their years together.
Chabert’s experience on “Party of Five” has had a lasting impact on her career, shaping her into a versatile actress with a diverse range of roles. Today, she continues to engage audiences with projects that showcase her talent, including her current role in the Hallmark+ series “Paris Is Always a Good Idea.”
Despite her transition into adulthood and ongoing career, Chabert remains reflective about her formative years on the show. She has remained connected to her fans and often uses her platform to share insights and anecdotes from her time spent on the beloved series. This connection keeps the legacy of “Party of Five” alive, reminding us of the intricate dance between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of life.
As Chabert navigates her professional journey, she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, admired not only for her acting prowess but also for her authenticity and openness about her experiences. Her candid revelations about her first kiss in character serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by young actors and the unique experiences that shape them both on-screen and off.