Geri Jewell - Geri Jewell Comes Out As A Lesbian In Upcoming Memoirs

GERI JEWELL, who starred in the hit sitcom 'The Facts of Life' and became the first person with a disability to have a recurring role on prime-time US television, comes out as a lesbian in her much-anticipated memoir 'I'm Walking as Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond', reports Entertainment Weekly.

Jewell, who was born with cerebral palsy, has appeared in a number of hit shows such as 'The Facts of Life' and 'Deadwood' and she famously performed at the White House in 1985. As well as revealing her sexuality in the book, the actress also talks frankly about her tax problems, drug addiction and an accident that 'nearly claimed her life'. Back in 2004, Jewell revealed the unusual way in which she was cast for Deadwood. The actress told how the show's creator DAVID MILCH spotted her at a Santa Monica pharmacy getting medication for chronic neck pain and asked her out of nowhere, "I haven't seen you on TV lately. Do you want to do a series?"

When not appearing on television, Jewell is a highly sought after motivational speaker in the areas of disability and diversity. In the past, she has consulted on the subject for the likes of Hewlett Packard, Master Foods, Johnson Wax and AT&T.