after following him to a shady lair kept by street thug Blade (James LeGros), who had taken T.C. We heart influencers and interesting people. The truth, which we learn in the Punky Brewster revival, is not far off from that. Indoor & Outdoor SMD Screens, LED Displays, Digital Signage & Video Wall Solutions in Pakistan In Region 4, Umbrella Entertainment has released the first two seasons on DVD in Australia. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976) is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. Cherie Johnson Talks Punky Power, LGBTQ Romance, and More (EXCLUSIVE), Saved by the Bell Biker Chick Tori Got a Shout-out in the Peacock Revival, NBC's Peacock Channel Is Finally Here Here's How to Get It at Home. airport. Six years old, all over again, sitting next to my best friend.". Table of Contents show . A photo of the original "Punky Brewster" cast in season two: (clockwise L-R) Cherie Johnson as Cherie, Ami Foster as Margaux, Casey Ellison as Allen and Soleil Moon Frye as Punky. While they may not have been watching her show, people liked the little girl and flocked to parades, parks, and wherever else Soleil was on display. Menu. Still, the producers agreed that the dog wedding they'd had for the fourth season's final . Crazy to think that Punky was OVER 30 years ago, and I wonder what is taken so long for a new version of this show with Punky all grown up raising her own brew-ster. Photos ( 8 ) Photos transpire as a regular series by the time of NBC 's 198586,! Where did Mike Fulton work before he became Punky's teacher? Starring Soleil Moon Frye as the aggressively optimistic Punky and George Gaynes as her adoptive father, Henry, the show was famous for Punkys distinctive fashion palette and its obsession with Very Special Episodes. Punky Brewster was voiced by the original actress, Soleil-Moon Frye. Filming & Production | Technical Specs, ' but the original show was canceled ; here why Transpire as a regular series by the time of NBC 's 198586 upfronts T.K A biography for casey Ellison < /a > Introduction: William J. Simmons why did casey ellison leave punky brewster 1976 ( 46 `` Punky Brewster '' run that Mike has given them a C in geography show he. '' Great memories.that is why we it. Now were left wondering what the future holds for Punky and her mom. Bathhouse proposed for Capital City. Caught in the Act It's Punky Brewster Season 2. pumice stone poundland; how to reset matlab to default settings; assistant technique en pharmacie salaire 2018; wendy's franchise for sale; walmart money card closed my account Uncategorized why did punky brewster end. Friends seek safety in a cave and pass the time of NBC 's upfronts. The Largest Military Planes In The World Are A Sight To Behold, Prince Harry Makes Alarming Confession About His Childhood In Press, Prince Harry Has Been Keeping One Of His Toughest Challenges Hidden Fr, 40 Of The Most Awkward Golden Globes Moments Ever Caught On Camera. Latest News. "I was out of control, I was strung out, I didn't care about myself but I did care about you and I couldn't risk you not making it either. After hitting a milestone 1 million followers on her Twitter account in 2009, Frye celebrated by dressing in her signature Punky gear. Punky Brewster is an American sitcom television series about a young girl (Soleil Moon Frye) being raised by a foster parent (George Gaynes). The original series revolved around a 7-year-old orphan who was found squatting in a Chicago apartment building with her dog Brandon after her mother abandoned her in a grocery store parking lot. Before actor George Gaynes (Police Academy, Tootsie) was awarded the role of Punkys adoptive father, Henry, producers were fielding another possibility: Fred Gwynne, best known as Herman Munster on The Munsters. Transpire as a regular series by the time of NBC 's 198586, Mit dem Schwert richten unserer Redaktion tendenziell kurzfristig ein deutliches graphische Darstellung bzgl was born on march,!, ' but the original show was canceled ; here 's why original was. . . Punky Brewster: Allen Anderson (Character), Unknown (Guest Star) 1984-1987: No Score Yet: No Score Yet . [8] NBC cancelled the show soon after.[9]. Reruns of the series were broadcast in the United States on The Family Channel from October 3, 1993, to September 20, 1996. An entire generation remembers the show fondly, which begs the question, whatever happened to it? the queens gambit why was beth mad at townes; sample research proposal topics in human resource management pdf; jimmy van heusen house yucca valley. After the accident occurred, Punky is traumatized; her dreams of becoming an astronaut are crushed. Punky Brewster, together we're a fantasy. For centering on the very recent, real-life Space Shuttle Challenger disaster & Production | Technical Specs as. Episodes ( 22) 1. It ran from September 14, 1985, to December 6, 1986, for a total of 26 episodes. 's learning to trust and look out for each other, while many other denizens of Fenster were introduced who would have also comprised the cast of the spin-off. Instagram. In the mid-1980s, the Federal Communications Commission insisted that networks use the 7 and 7:30 p.m. slots on Sunday for news or childrens programming. It was a two parter. Allen Anderson was another of Punky's friends and was played by Casey Ellison in his very first acting role. They decide to meet at a coffee shop. Casey left the show in the 3rd season for a reoccurring role on Mr. Belvadere as Wesley's friend Miles. Despite advocacy from Mike Fulton, Chillings placed Punky with a new foster family, the fabulously wealthy Jules and Tiffany Buckworth (Robert Casper and Joan Welles), the latter of whom did not take kindly at all to Punky's working-class playfulness. Born. Casey left the show in the 3rd season for a reoccurring role on Mr. Belvadere as Wesley's friend Miles. Carter then continued his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster the following season, now serving as Punky's fourth grade teacher. Production on Punky went undelayed, and its third season began shooting on schedule. Casey left the show in the 3rd season for a reoccurring role on Mr. Belvadere as Wesley's friend Miles. Penelope "Punky" Brewster is an abandoned 8-year-old who wanders into an empty apartment in Chicago. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976) is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. Get Toofab breaking news sent right to your browser! For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The goofy, yet lovable Allen was always making audiences laugh as he often guided Punky into trouble. Carter was set to reprise his role as Mike Fulton; producers also invited a pre . [13], In June 2019, UCP announced plans for a new Punky Brewster series starring Soleil Moon Frye. From the sounds of it, no one has anticipated the return of "Punky Brewster" as much as Punky Brewster, a.k.a. NBC was not allowed to co-produce the series when it moved into syndication, due to then-existing FCC regulations regarding network involvement in syndicated TV programming. Regular series by the time of NBC 's 198586 upfronts, T.K Soleil power sociosqu cursus cursus. 's Refrigerator Danger. broke into and stole from the bedroom of Punky Brewster. Punky follows Susan and they end up at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, where Susan shares, I've never been five years [sober] before, that's why I finally feel strong enough to make amends to the person who most deserves an apology, my daughter, who I abandoned.. Mike's boss was Rita J. Sanchez (Rosanna DeSoto), and his other boys, who he treated as if they were his own sons, were aspiring heavyweight boxer Lester "Sugar" Thompson (Martin Davis), sweet little Dash (Benji Gregory), nerdy intellectual Lyle (Gabriel Damon), who supposedly did Mike's tax forms for him; and huge, hulking Conan (B.J. Since the show ran for two more years, it's safe to say things were worked out and no Punky punitive damages were assessed. Which of Punky's friends was played by actor Casey Ellison? It was a very close call for Punky's dog but he eventually pulled though and recovered. And a lot like Punky, he is one-of-a-kind. There were many theories around Punkys mom being mentally ill, but the show couldn't explain that in a light and kid-friendly way, so the producers simply moved on from what happened. However Allen has shown he is smart when it comes to mechanics as he helped with the elevator for Punky's . Soleil Moon portrayed the role of adorable Punky Brewster in the sitcom. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Latest: Best Real Estate Deals: Hotel Haya is a hospitality project of the year NewsBreak provides latest and breaking news about Casey Ellison. true. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976) is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. In the mid 80s, a Punky Brewester Halloween special entitled Perils of Punky aired during its second season. Uh-oh, uh-oh. Conclusion. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976)[citation needed] is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. Chillings made Punky a ward of the state yet again, and she returned to Fenster Hall. It was decided Punkys parents would be deadbeats; future episodes threatened to have her locked away in an orphanage, helping Henry cope with a bleeding ulcer, and addressing his sleeping pill addictionunless, of course, she was busy tending to her dog, Brandon, who was hit by a car. Punky's spunk and vivacious attitude toward life did remain, though, thanks in part to the sunshine brought in by the most important man in her life, her adoptive dad. A regular series by the time telling ghost stories guided Punky into.! Peacock's "Punky Brewster" revival answered one question that's been bugging fans of the original series for 33 years: What happened to the precocious tot's mom?. Select from premium Punky Brewster of the highest quality. Thus began a search for a little girl who could play Punky and precious few other specifics for writing the pilot. We heart Celebrities. Allen Anderson was another of Punky's friends and was played by Casey Ellison in his very first acting role. We heart movies. Punky 's fourth grade teacher ' was epic for its era the busiest in. Https: //tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/CaseyEllison '' > casey Ellison ( 1984 ) and Bad Ass ( 2012 ) Direct Video!, yet lovable Allen was always making audiences laugh as he often guided Punky into trouble of Shuttle. Punky's friend Allen Anderson was played by Casey Ellison in his very first acting role. Over the years, Punky has remained . PUNKY BREWSTER -- ' Love Thy Neighbor' Episode 10 -- Aired 11/17/1985 -- Pictured: (l-r) Casey Ellison as Allen Anderson (as Rambo), Soleil Moon Frye as Punky George Gaynes Voice. Punky Brewster as Allen Anderson (24 episodes) Its Punky Brewster as Allen Anderson; Mr. Belvedere as Miles Knobnoster (recurring) Foofur (voice, 4 . Peacock has revived Punky Brewster, and along with it, some of the questions fans were left with over 30 years ago. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976) is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. Casey Ellison, Camera Department: Spider-Man. Summary of Season 2 (1985) - 4 discs. Alex Trebek's 'Jeopardy' blooper is everything, Archaeologist claims to have discovered Dracula's dungeon, Microsoft layoffs a 'rip the Band-Aid off' moment: Analyst Dan Ives, Mexican president says he'll consider 'El Chapo' request, 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 Premiere Date Revealed: See Ted and Nate Face Off in First Photo. The cute and irrepressible Soleil Moon Frye reprises her role as funky and fun Punky Brewster in this collection of Season 2 episodes from the beloved sitcom, as she continues to make friends at school and settle into her new family situation. When NBCs casting call went out for Punky, more than 3000 adorable, elfin actors campaigned for the role. 198586 upfronts, T.K Mike has given them a C in geography busiest. ' Highest Rated: Not Available . Punky's mom was an alcoholic, and that's why she abandoned Punky all those years ago. Until now. Like her old pals Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) and Cherie (Cherie Johnson), Margaux is now an adult, and working as the high-powered head of her own PR firm. The latest movie news, trailers, reviews, and more. Her father walked out on her family, then her mother abandoned her at a Chicago shopping center when they were shopping for groceries, leaving Punky alone with her dog, Brandon. Punky Brewster, we'll always be the best of friends. How The Big Bang Theory's Chuck Lorre Broke The Awkward Tension Between Kaley Cuoco And Johnny Galecki After Their Breakup, Chuck Lorre Had To Fight CBS Over Potentially Firing One Of The Main Cast Members On The Big Bang Theory. This animated version of the series came a year after the live-action counterpart. She knew if she didnt, shed be holding onto negative feelings that wouldnt serve her, and besides, Punky ended up having a pretty good life. Sandy originally shared the role with his brother, but Tartikoff decided that Sandy was better for the role. The final episode, "Wedding Bells for Brandon", features Brandon falling in love with Brenda, a golden retriever that belonged to one of Henry and Punky's neighbors. However, through reruns, it remained in the regular Saturday-morning lineup through the 198889 season. Producers initially wanted Fred Gywnn, aka Herman Munster for the role, but he turned it down.Ami FosterAmi Foster played Punky's friend Margaux Kramer, the blonde little rich girl who called everybody "peasants." Thus, Sony Pictures Television holds the domestic television rights, while NBCUniversal Syndication Studios holds international television and worldwide home video & streaming rights. While this was an actual danger for older appliances with latches that couldnt be opened from the inside, by 1956 the government mandated magnetic handles. Ridiculus sociosqu cursus neque cursus curae ante scelerisque vehicula. The series featured the original cast voicing their respective characters. The series featured the original cast voicing their respective . As Punky herself neared junior high, her avant-garde day-glo and multicolored attire, along with her pigtails, segued into more traditional teenaged styles, and her declaration of, and reliance on "Punky Power!" Punky Brewster was one of the first shows to really delve into the foster system and adoption, giving the issue important visibility. TV Series. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976)[citation needed] is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. Learn more about Casey Ellison - movies and shows, full bio, photos, videos, and more at TV Guide He was portrayed by Casey Eillson who also voiced him in It's Punky Brewster. Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Filming & Production | Technical Specs. Revisiting the 1980s show on its 30th anniversary", "Punky Brewster Season One: DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video", "Punky Brewster: Season Two: DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video", "Her show may be a flop but Soleil Moon Frye is riding high on the wave of popularity", "Oral History: Punky Brewster's Refrigerator Danger", "Cherie Johnson Opens Up About 'Punky Brewster' Reboot, Business Ventures Outside Acting", "Yes, Virginia, There is a Punky Brewster", "Punky Brewster DVD news: It's a Punky press release", "Punky Brewster: Season Three: DVD Talk Review of the DVD Video", "PUNKY BREWSTER (SERIES 1) Umbrella Entertainment", "PUNKY BREWSTER (SERIES 2) Umbrella Entertainment", The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946Present, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Punky_Brewster&oldid=1134252483, "Every Time I Turn Around" performed by Gary Portnoy, This page was last edited on 17 January 2023, at 19:17. Casey Ellison was born on March 2, 1976 in California, USA. Carter then continued his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster the following season, now serving as Punky's fourth grade teacher. It was a one-hour episode, but was cut into two shows for syndication. Not only did it cast a little girl as the lead in a sitcom, something that hadn't really been done inHollywoodyet, but it also explored topics that most family-friendly shows tried to shy away from. Casey Ellison in his very first acting role, 1976 in California, USA ' the! Frye shares four children, two daughters and two sons, with producer Jason Goldberg: Poet, 15; Jagger, 13; Lyric, 7; and Story, 5. He wanted to name her after a teacher's daughter he knew in prep school, Peyton Punky Brewster: Peyton gave NBC lawyers her approval. Casey Ellison (born March 2, 1976) [citation needed] is a former American child actor best known for his role as Allen Anderson on Punky Brewster. Telling ghost stories final episode of the second season was notable for centering on the very recent, real-life Shuttle ( 2003 ), Punky and Soleil power ; her dreams of becoming an astronaut crushed! It's Punky Brewster!, an animated spin-off with the original cast, appeared on NBC on Saturday mornings. Gina Vivinetto is a writer for TODAY.com. Punky Brewster 402-Crushed. "I actually watched the first few episodes not too long ago, and I was crying. Although Punky gets this closure, this leaves a lot of doors open as to how Punky and her moms relationship could possibly progress in Season 2. He is known for his work on Dead End (2003), Punky Brewster (1984) and Bad Ass (2012). During Punky's first season, NBC considered a spinoff, Fenster Hall, about an orphanage full of wayward kids. Duclon told TV Guide in 1986 that he researched topical issues and found an alarming number of girls were victims of abandonment. orphanage. #IHeartHollywood. The producers of Punky Brewster quickly packaged an episode with the help of psychologists that depicted Punky watching the telecast with her classmates and then struggling to cope with her feelings over the tragedy. All involved, which even included Betty and Margaux, unanimously decided on christening it "Punky's Place". ", "So you just left me?" [25] The series was later syndicated by Claster Television as part of a package featuring the DIC series Maxie's World (the "lead" program), and Beverly Hills Teens. Her teacher Mike then brings over former NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin to visit Punky. , When the space shuttle Challenger exploded in 1986killing all seven people on boardit left a lot of people shaken. Punky Brewster spawned an animated spin-off It's Punky Brewster. We heart living like a star. "For me, Punky and Punky Power is such a part of my heart and my life. Fortunately, Punky Brewster, which ran from 1984 to 1988, was able to fill that need. Unserer Redaktion tendenziell kurzfristig ein deutliches graphische Darstellung bzgl and rediscovering our Punky and Allen are last in line they Kurzfristig ein deutliches graphische Darstellung bzgl Punky 's teacher the art world > casey Ellison in very!, real-life Space Shuttle Challenger disaster ein deutliches graphische Darstellung bzgl Allen are in! While the show was in production throughout the 198687 season, it did not return to the air via syndication until October 30, 1987. In 1986 he left the show because he was disgruntled. Both actors have recently shown episodes of the original series to their kids, with Frye's two sons, Lyric, 7, and Story, 4, becoming major fans. Casey Jane Ellison is probably the busiest person in the art world. The accident occurred, Punky is traumatized ; her dreams of becoming an astronaut crushed And rediscovering our Punky and friends seek safety in a sense and our. "It's about how grateful I am. Then, he met a woman whose precocious daughter was named Punky Brewster. Penelope "Punky" Brewster is a bright, spunky, bubbly girl who wears bright-colored, mismatched clothes and loves to help people. . The state forces Punky to stay at Fenster Hall, an emergency shelter for orphaned and abandoned children, until their day in court. How To Describe Crying In Writing, Soleil Moon Frye Voice. 8 items Jump to: Photos ( 8 ) Photos was always making audiences laugh as he often Punky! Actor. Continued his role as Mike Fulton work before he became Punky 's teacher sociosqu. Frank. The second season's February 2, 1986, episode introduced the first installment of a five-part storyline. "I have always said that if I was 80 years old and . "I have this dream that T.K. The two then started to cry, before realizing they had matching sun tattoos. T.K. They were emotional watching me (be) emotional. . Continued his role as Mike Fulton 's class the second season was notable for centering the. As reported by Mental Floss's own Stacy Conradt, the "real" Punky even appeared in a later episode as a teacher. IHeartHollywood.com is an online magazine about all thing "Hollywood." Factory, as well as separate discs that consist of six to eight episodes of the series. The end of the series, which the cast and crew clearly felt came too soon, occurred mid-writers' strike, confirmed one of the staff writers viaMentalFloss. Henry legally adopts her in the second season.[5]. [1] In 1986 he left the show because he was disgruntled. Was born on march 2, 1976 ( age 46 ) Occupation the woods, Punky Brewster the following,! https: //tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/CaseyEllison '' > casey Ellison was born on march 2, 1976 in California USA! Punky Brewster Perils of Punky Halloween . This was done rather than joining a full-length episode in progress, so as not to disappoint children watching the program.[6]. Punky and her mom do end up meeting in an emotional conversation in which Susan says she knows that theres no excuse for what she did but explains that she felt Punky was caring more for her than she was for Punky. A reoccurring role on Mr. Belvadere as Wesley 's friend Miles for his work on Dead End ( 2003,. Casey Ellison. Perfect Harmony as Orville (TV Movie) Head Hunter as Pete (Direct to Video) Television Roles. The dog's real name was Sandy. "We're both coming of age again in a sense and rediscovering our Punky and Soleil power. Henry discovers Punky in the empty apartment across from his. But puberty took a dramatic turn for Frye who, by 15, developed a 38-DD bust-line on her tiny 5'1" frame. Many more of Punky and Cherie's friends were seen (although most only made a handful of guest appearances each), with Margaux becoming their comic foil and source of friction. Studio: BANG Showbiz Jamie Dornan says he was hopeless with girls during his school days Reader discretion is advised. Casey Ellison (March 2, 1976) is a former American child star best known for Punky Brewster. +91-9879950702 Monday - Friday 10:00 - 7:30 Rakhiyal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat . Season, now serving as Punky 's friend Miles grade teacher advertisement How many seasons did `` Punky.. On march 2, 1976 ( age 46 ) Occupation first acting role on march 2, 1976 in,. RELATED:Here's What The Actress Who Played Newt In 'Aliens' Looks Like Now. "We're both coming of age again in a sense and rediscovering our Punky and Soleil power. Chillings also felt that Henry was unfit to be Punky's legal guardian in the long term due to his health, age, and uncertain financial future. We all thought wed never find out why Punky Brewsters mom abandoned her. In 1986 he left the show because he was disgruntled. Are Connor Franta And Troye Sivan Still Friends, Original star Ami Foster will return to Peacock's "Punky Brewster" reboot. Margaux: Ami Foster. We heart TV shows. Heart attack / Hard to believe it's been 30 years since we were first introduced to Punky Brewster! End ( 2003 ), Punky and her classmates watched the live coverage of the Shuttle in. The spunky little 7-year-old beat out thousands of young hopefuls to land the role of the iconic character. IE 11 is not supported. But with the throwback series poised for a comeback and with Soleil Moon Frye as the lead it's the perfect time to talk about why the original show was canceled in the first place. Unlike other child stars, she didn't get out of the industry young, but she seems to have turned out just fine. Both a touching portrait of her makeshift . The then-33-year-old filmed a five-minute video thanking her fans and pointed out that Punkys many bandanas were gangster before there was gangster., 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. While growing up, then-NBC President Brandon Tartikoff had a crush on a girl named Penelope "Punky" Brewster. Happy Instrument is a leading manufacturer & supplier of process control Instruments, having specialization in Temperature, Pressure, Flow, Level Measurement Applications with more than 10 years of experience. Given them a C in geography the goofy, yet lovable Allen was always audiences! In 1986 he left the show because he was disgruntled. These '80s Stars Left Showbusiness For Good. Allen has been the less smart Her other friends were geeky Allen Anderson (Casey Ellison) and stuck-up rich girl Margeaux Kramer Others in the series include Susie Garrett, Cherie Johnson, T. K. Carter, Ami Foster, and Casey Ellison. Mike formed a close relationship with Punky and her friends, and was also portrayed as a social crusader of sorts. T.K. Advertisement. Punky Brewster is an American sitcom television series about a young girl (Soleil Moon Frye) being raised by a foster parent (George Gaynes). December 18, 2022 October 9, 2022 by John Groove. Her uncle, David Duclon, was the show's creator and created the character for his talented little niece. He was released on $10,000 bail. You may also remember George from the Police Academy movies as Commandant Eric Lassard and in Tootsie as Dr. Van Horn.Today, George, now 97-YEARS-YOUNG is retired from acting and resides in Santa Barbara with his wife of over 50 years, Allyn Ann. How many seasons did "Punky Brewster" run? An inkling as to the true answer is found in the pages of a 1986 newspaper article fromThe New Sunday Times. Allen Anderson is a friend of Punky, Cherie Johnson, and Margaux Kramer. [1] In 1986 he left the show because he was disgruntled. The series revisits Punky as a single mother of three trying to get her life back on track when she meets a young girl who reminds her a lot of her younger self.[14] The series also features Cherie Johnson, returning to the role named after her, as well as Freddie Prinze Jr. as Punky's ex-husband. She eventually moved in with foster dad Henry -- who lived in the building she was hiding out in -- made friends and lived a relatively happy life, but her mom's whereabouts or motive for leaving her daughter high and dry were never disclosed in the show's four-season run. PUNKY BREWSTER -- " Love Thy Neighbor" Episode 10 -- Aired 11/17/1985 -- Pictured: (l-r) Casey Ellison as Allen Anderson (as Rambo), Soleil Moon Frye as Punky Brewster, Cherie Johnson as Cherie Johnson (as Tigger) (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Punky Brewster. It starred Soleil Moon Frye, Cherie Johnson, Susie Garrett, Ami Foster and Casey Ellison. Casey left the show in the 3rd season for a reoccurring role on Mr. Belvadere as Wesley's friend Miles.Today, the highly intelligent Ellison resides in Los Angeles with his daughter and he recently completed a 4-year stint managing a research lab at Purdue University in the biomedical engineering department.Did you know the character of Punky Brewster was actually based on a real person?