When you talk to former Knots Landing cast members, one name keeps popping up as the life of the party: Michele Lee. This vivacious actress, now 77, is known for her humor and charm both on and off-screen. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Michele shares where her sense of humor comes from. "A lot of drugs," she jokes, before getting serious. "My dad was the funniest guy I knew. And honestly, humor can be a shield sometimes. It opens doors. As a kid, I wasn’t particularly remarkable, but I was funny and could sing, and that’s what made people notice me."
For Michele, her talent and boldness have been the keys to her success. Born into a family where her father worked as a Hollywood makeup artist, Michele's career has spanned six decades, from Broadway hits like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, to films such as The Love Bug, and of course, her iconic role in Knots Landing. She admits that from her very first audition, she had no fear. "I wasn’t afraid of anything," she tells Closer, which has clearly paid off over the years.
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A Reunion to Remember: Michele Lee Joins Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark
Recently, Michele reunited with her former Knots Landing co-stars Donna Mills and Joan Van Ark for a special 40th-anniversary tribute at the Hollywood Museum. Despite the years that have passed, the bond between these three women remains as strong as ever. Michele fondly refers to them as "the girls," and it's clear that their friendship has only grown stronger over time.
How Michele Lee Landed the Role of Karen
Before Knots Landing became a household name, Michele Lee was already an established star. So, how did she land the role of Karen? It all started at a party hosted by her agent. The show had already been picked up, and executive producer Michael Filerman approached Michele, saying, "I think I’ve found Karen." The next day, they offered her the part. Michele recalls her initial reaction: "What the heck is this?"
A Surprising Twist
At first, Michele was unsure about the role. The script showed Karen walking into someone's house uninvited and telling her stepdaughter to leave. Confused, Michele was told to watch Dallas to understand the genre better. After doing so, she finally got it. She realized that Knots Landing wasn’t originally meant to be a soap opera but rather a series of self-contained stories about couples living in a cul-de-sac. It only evolved into a soap opera in later years.
Staying True to the Show: Michele Lee’s Dedication to Knots Landing
Michele Lee is the only actor to have appeared in every single episode of Knots Landing from 1979 to 1993. Her dedication to the show was unmatched. She explains, "We were all proud of what we were creating, and I was proud to direct and leave my mark on something I loved so much." Even when the producers tried to cut costs by
