Lynda Goodfriend (born October 31, 1950) is an American actress. Her credits include Blansky's Beauties (1977), Who's Watching the Kids? (1978), The Love Boat (1981, 1983), Fantasy Island (1982), Beaches (1988), Pretty Woman (1990), and Exit to Eden (1994). Her most notable role was playing Lori Beth Cunningham (née Allen), Richie's girlfriend then wife, on the TV sitcom Happy Days (1977-1984).
In 2011, she became 'Chair of the Acting Department' in the New York Film Academy.
Early life and education Born in Miami on October 31, 1950,Star, Cima, ed. (1993) Awesome Almanac : Florida. Walworth, Wis. : B & B Publishing. p. 189. . "Actress Lynda Goodfriend born in Miami 1950."Willis, John A., ed. (1974) Theatre World. Walworth, Wis. : Crown Publishers. p. 240. . "Goodfriend, Lynda. Born Oct. 31, 1950 in Miami, Fla. Graduate Southern Methodist U. Bdwy debut 'No Strings' 1971." Goodfriend graduated from Coral Gables High School in Coral Gables, Florida and from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she received a degree in drama. She studied acting with Lee Strasberg and Sanford Meisner, also attended the Harvey Lembeck comedy workshop.
Career Goodfriend started her career as a professional dancer and singer 'Off Broadway' where she performed alongside John Travolta. On Broadway, she performed in Good News (1974).
She played Ethel "Sunshine" Akalino on the short-lived series Blansky's Beauties (1977). After that show left the air, she and co-star Scott Baio joined Happy Days in 1977. She originally played a guest role in the fourth season of Happy Days as Kim in "Time Capsule" and "Graduation (Part 1)", before returning to the show as Lori Beth in season five.
Goodfriend went on to play several parts in notable Garry Marshall films, playing a tourist in Pretty Woman (1990), as well as cameo and guest star roles in Exit to Eden, Nothing in Common and Beaches. During the mid to late 1980s, Goodfriend appeared in several independent projects, including An All Consuming Passion, a film written and directed by Kathryn Nesmith. Goodfriend directed the teleplay pilot Four Stars that was financed by Garry Marshall, and starred veteran actor Bert Kramer and actress Julie Paris. Most recently, she directed the short film The Perfect Crime in 2009.
Goodfriend started 'The Actors Workout' in North Hollywood, the Theatre District, where she developed two schools plus one Theatre. She became head of 'Young Artists Management' for some years, working with top acting talent. In 2006, she joined the New York Film Academy, as a teacher of acting, later to become 'Chair of the Acting Department' in 2011.
Personal life Goodfriend married Giora Litwak in 1982. They have a daughter named Peri. By 1986, Goodfriend was living separately from her husband and raising Peri as a single parent. She holds a BFA from Southern Methodist University and is the acting chair at the New York Film Academy.
Filmography Film Year Film Role Other notes 1984 An All Consuming Passion Susan AFI: Women in Film 1986 Four Stars Lynn Lee Strasberg Center 1986 Nothing in Common Louise Pelham 1988 Beaches Mrs. Myandowski 1990 Pretty Woman Tourist Woman 1994 Exit to Eden Linda Television Year Title Role Notes 1977 Blansky's Beauties Ethel "Sunshine" Akalino 6 episodes 1977–1984 Happy Days Lori Beth Allen Cunningham/Kim 79 episodes (2 episodes as "Kim") 1978 Who's Watching the Kids? Angie Vitola 11 episodes 1981, 1983 The Love Boat Pam MadisonCora Winnaker 2 episodes 1982 Fantasy Island Kristy Lee Episode: Dancing Lady/The Final Round 1988 Rosie Sally Cartflight Episode: Jailbreakers
References
External links
In teaching, 'to see this wonderful, exciting person emerge is very satisfying.' Acting Chair Lynda Goodfriend Speaks at NYFA Australia Campuses