Deborah Van Valkenburgh Too Close For Comfort
Remember Too Close for Comfort? The show with the cartoonist dad, the super-close daughters, and the even closer...well, everything? There's one face we all remember from that show: Deborah Van Valkenburgh, who played Jackie Rush, the rebellious, independent daughter.
But did you know there's way more to her than just battling her overprotective dad, Henry Rush (Ted Knight)? Let's dive in!
From Tough Girl to... Well, Still a Bit Tough
Jackie Rush was a firecracker. She was always challenging the status quo, clashing with her dad, and generally being a free spirit. Deborah Van Valkenburgh nailed that role.
Before Too Close for Comfort, she was already building a reputation for playing strong, independent characters. This probably helped her land the role of Jackie!
Think gritty New York in the movie, The Warriors (1979)? That’s right, she played Mercy. Totally different than the family-friendly sitcom, but still a total badass!
Not Just Sitcoms: A Versatile Career
After escaping the close confines of the Rush household (on screen, of course!), Deborah Van Valkenburgh continued to carve out a diverse and interesting career. She wasn't just typecast as the rebellious daughter.
She popped up in everything from serious dramas like *Miami Vice* to sci-fi adventures like *Superboy*. That shows incredible range!
And get this: she even had a recurring role on *Cagney & Lacey*! Talk about a tough cookie.
A Private Life Away From the Cameras
While Deborah Van Valkenburgh has enjoyed a long and successful career, she's also known for being quite private. She doesn't splash her personal life all over the tabloids.
She lets her work speak for itself. Which is pretty cool, right?
Fun Fact: Stage Presence
Besides her TV and film work, Van Valkenburgh is a talented stage actress. Imagine seeing Jackie Rush doing Shakespeare!
She's clearly got the skills to tackle any role, big or small. This is a testament to her dedication to acting.
Too Close for Comfort: More Than Just a Sitcom
Looking back, Too Close for Comfort might seem a bit cheesy by today's standards. It was very much a product of its time.
But it also tackled some surprisingly relevant themes. Family dynamics, generation gaps, and the struggle for independence were all part of the show.
And Deborah Van Valkenburgh brought a vital dose of realism and spunk to the role of Jackie. She made her more than just a sitcom stereotype.
Why We Still Remember Her
So, why does Deborah Van Valkenburgh, as Jackie Rush, stick with us? Maybe it's because she represented something we all crave: the freedom to be ourselves. Even if it means clashing with our parents (or sitcom dads) every now and then.
She reminded us that it's okay to question things, to challenge authority, and to forge our own path. Plus, she was just plain cool!
Next time you're flipping channels and stumble upon Too Close for Comfort, take a closer look at Jackie. You might just see a bit of yourself in her rebellious spirit. And remember the talented actress, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, who brought her to life!
