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Former ‘Facts of Life’ star Lisa Whelchel is back in the acting business after joining the cast of the upcoming Tyler Perry film ‘A Madea Christmas.’

She said, “I play the role of Nancy Porter, the country school principal. I’m having fun.” She also praised her boss, “Tyler Perry is such a brilliant man. He’s a nice guy, and so funny when he gets in his Madea garb.”

The 49-year-old got a career boost after a recent successful stint on the popular reality show ‘Survivor: Philippines.’ She contracted West Nile Virus while filming but was on the mend by the time she was named runner-up during the season finale.

Lisa also won the ‘Survivor’ fan favorite prize worth $100,000. The money is likely to come in handy for the newly single woman who divorced her Pastor husband just before signing on to do the reality show in March, 2012.

After a 25 year hiatus following her seven year run on the 80’s sitcom, Whelchel is ready to jump start her career. She recently said, “I would love to do another sitcom. I have this future ahead of me where I say, ‘What do I want to be when I grow up?’ I still want to be what I wanted to be when I was 7 years old, which is an actress.”

Photo: WENN