Mindy Cohn, best known for her role as Natalie Green on The Facts of Life (1979–1988), never set out to become an actress. As a teenager, she had dreams of becoming a doctor so she could help people. However, fate had other plans. In 1979, TV producers visited her school while searching for fresh talent for their upcoming sitcom. Cohn’s natural charisma and humor caught the attention of The Facts of Life star Charlotte Rae, who was so impressed that she encouraged the producers to create the role of Natalie specifically for her. With no prior acting experience, Cohn embraced the opportunity and quickly became a fan favorite on the show, bringing warmth and humor to her character.
Although her original dream was medicine, Cohn found a lifelong career in entertainment. After The Facts of Life ended, she continued acting in both film and television while also pursuing voice work. One of her most notable roles came when she was cast as the voice of Velma Dinkley in What’s New, Scooby-Doo?, a role she held for over a decade. Her voice acting talents kept her connected to audiences in a new way, further solidifying her place in pop culture. Despite her unexpected path, Cohn’s impact in the entertainment industry has remained strong, proving that sometimes the best opportunities come when least expected.