Punky Brewster (1984-1988): Starring Soleil Moon-Frye, George Gaynes, Cherie Johnson, Susie Garrett, T.K. Carter, Ami Foster, Casey Ellison, Eedie Deezen, Dody Goodman, Lyita Chapel...Created By David W. Duclon Whatever happened to child star Soleil Moon-Frye ? Many child actors have a history of turning to drugs and live a sordid life. Soleil Moon Frye was possibly the first face I remember seeing on television as a child of the 80's. I don't recall when she was on TV. I'm guessing it was 3 in the afternoon after school or perhaps 2pm. She played Punky Brewster, a lovable orphan who is abandoned by her mother and adopted by the generous Henry Warnimont. She had a cute dog named Brandon who was able to perform various tricks and who was often quite human in his mannerisms. Punky represented the definition of the 80's girl. She dressed like Cindy Lauper in colorful, threadbare clothes of her own design, and although by today's standards her clothes are really a bunch of colorful rags and there is nothing "punk" about her, Punky had her own style and she was proud to be herself, unlike today's youth who imitate their coolest idols. Punky had her share of misadventures, often clashing with the snobbish, well-dressed Margot Kramer (Ami Foster). She had an irrepressible spirit, even when things were bad. This show catered to mostly pre-teen girls. I knew several girls who adored Punky and dressed up like her. She is an 80's icon really. I remember one particularly powerful and moving episode: Punky's elementary school teacher turns out to be Sally Ride, who died in a rocket explosion. She would have been the first woman astronaut. Thi show had a lot of heart and I shall never forget it.