*A new documentary is shedding light on the personal struggles of Lark Voorhies, best known for her role as Lisa Turtle on “Saved by the Bell,” as her mother opens up about years of reported mental health challenges and changing diagnoses, PEOPLE reports.
In Investigation Discovery’s “Hollywood Demons: After the Bell,” Voorhies’ mother, Tricia Holloway, reflects on what she describes as early warning signs during her daughter’s rise to fame. She recalls mood shifts that became more noticeable during Voorhies’ time working on the hit series.
“It’s as if she had been fighting that whole day, whatever is going on in her head, and then after the show, she would just give into that space,” Holloway said. She added, “She’d have anger moments, but they’d be short-lived, and I didn’t know why.”
Holloway also revisited Voorhies’ Hollywood career and role on “Saved by the Bell.” She said it was surprising when the actress was not included in “The College Years” spinoff in 1993. Over time, Holloway said Voorhies stepped away from acting for several years while dealing with ongoing emotional and mental health difficulties.
Scroll to continue reading
“She went through bouts of anger. Sometimes, [she would] be slamming the doors or yelling out of frustration. She would run out of the house and I didn’t know where she was,” Holloway recalled.
According to Holloway, Voorhies was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her daughter’s more recent diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder, a condition involving symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Holloway also spoke about Voorhies’ father, Wayne Holloway, saying he displayed anger issues during their relationship. She suggested that aspects of his mental health history were not previously shared with Voorhies.
“I don’t think so, no. I didn’t tell her that. So she’ll learn now,” Holloway said when asked if her daughter knew about her father’s background.
The episode “After the Bell” premiered May 4 on Investigation Discovery, with additional episodes of “Hollywood Demons” available for streaming on HBO Max.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Lark Voorhies Admits She’s ‘Hurt’ After Being Excluded From ‘Saved by the Bell’ Reboot
Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE
