Christine Lakin Says “Step by Step” Writers Had to Change Baby Lilly Lambert’s Name After Cast Vetoed the Original

Actresses Christine Lakin and Staci Keanan recently revisited the memories of their time on the beloved sitcom *Step by Step* during their rewatch podcast, *Keanan and Lakin Give You Déjà Vu*. The pair reminisced about the show, which enjoyed a successful run on ABC from 1991 to 1997, particularly focusing on the introduction of Lilly Lambert, a character that holds a special place in the hearts of fans and cast alike.

During their discussion, Lakin recalled an interesting piece of trivia regarding Lilly’s character name. Originally, there was a proposal to name the youngest member of the Lambert family “Becca Lambert,” a choice that did not sit well with the entire cast. “It was going to be Becca Lambert, and we all hated it,” Lakin explained. Her candour shed light on how decisively the cast objected to the proposed name, insisting instead that it be changed.

In a show of solidarity, members of the *Step by Step* ensemble came together to voice their concerns to the writers. Lakin further explained, “We told the writers, ‘No.’ Because, I mean, of course, it was going to be this adorable little girl, and we just… it was too cute to lay on top of a cute little girl, you know what I mean?” The collective rejection of “Becca” illustrated the camaraderie among the actors, all of whom were keen to ensure that the character’s name spoke to her personality.

Lakin recounted how the cast eventually arrived at the name Lilly through collaborative brainstorming. “Then we all kind of collectively came up with Lilly,” she shared, highlighting the bond and humour that existed within the group. It appears that the choice was not only popular among the cast but ultimately resonated well with audiences, becoming an iconic part of the show.

Keanan added an amusing note on the dynamics between the writers and the cast, suggesting that it could be challenging for writers to deal with such strong opinions about a character’s name. “I can only imagine being a writer on the show and then everybody having these opinions about your fake child’s name,” she remarked, reflecting on the slightly absurd nature of the process. The light-hearted commentary provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes experiences that many fans rarely see.

In their conversation, Lakin also highlighted a fascinating connection between Lilly’s name and the family of her co-star Suzanne Somers. Noting that Somers never had a daughter, Lakin pointed out that her grandchildren all have names inspired by flowers, including Violet, Camelia, and Daisy. The naming of Lilly could thus carry a deeper significance, possibly reflecting Somers’ cherished family ties, advice on the name appearing more meaningful than previously understood.

“That would make sense!” Keanan responded, evidently touched by the correlation, “That’s actually really kind of sweet.” The pair’s banter showcased not only their friendship but also a shared appreciation for the history behind their characters’ names.

The conversation is a reminder of the creative processes that go into television production, where even the names of fictional characters can spark significant debate and strong opinions among cast members. Moreover, it underscores the collaborative nature of the show, with actors actively engaging in discussions about how best to portray their roles and the narratives at play.

Fans of *Step by Step* continue to celebrate the show’s legacy, with detailed discussions like Lakin and Keanan’s helping to keep the spirit of the series alive. As nostalgia for the sitcom endures, behind-the-scenes revelations such as this one deepen viewers’ understanding of the fondness everyone had for the series and its characters.

For more insights, Lakin and Keanan’s podcast offers exclusive content where they delve into numerous behind-the-scenes anecdotes and discuss the remarkable experiences they shared on set. The affection held for *Step by Step* extends beyond mere entertainment, serving as a cherished part of television history for many.