Lark Voorhies—now there’s a name that instantly brings back memories for fans of classic ‘90s television. Lark Voorhies wasn’t just another teen star; she was a bright, bubbly presence who lit up the screen with her charm and energy. It all started when she joined the cast of “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” a modest hit on The Disney Channel that aired from 1988 to 1989. Though the show didn’t set the world on fire, it served as a launching pad for what would become something much bigger—and much more iconic.
Enter “Saved by the Bell.” This time, Lark Voorhies stepped into the spotlight as Lisa Turtle, the stylish, trendsetting fashionista at Bayside High. And honestly, who could forget her? With her bold outfits, confident attitude, and heart of gold, Lisa quickly became a fan favorite. Lark Voorhies brought such warmth and authenticity to the role that it’s no surprise she earned not one, but two Young Artist Awards during her time on the show. From 1989 to 1993, Lark Voorhies helped make “Saved by the Bell” a global phenomenon, and she stayed loyal to the character through every TV movie, spin-off, and reboot that followed.
Even after the final school bell rang, Lark Voorhies kept working steadily in Hollywood. She transitioned smoothly into daytime drama, landing long-term roles on popular soap operas like “Days of Our Lives” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”—both of which have been staples on NBC and CBS for decades. Off-screen, Lark Voorhies made headlines for her high-profile relationships with actors Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Martin Lawrence, adding to her status as a true pop culture figure of the era.
Her film career included memorable appearances in comedies like “How to Be a Player” (1997) and the stoner classic “How High” (2001). But truth be told, television remained her strongest medium. Over the years, Lark Voorhies popped up in guest roles on shows like “In the House” and “The Parkers,” always bringing that signature sparkle whenever she appeared.
Then came 2012—a year that brought unexpected attention. In a series of interviews, Lark Voorhies looked different, seemed distant, and many fans grew worried. Her mother later opened up to People magazine, revealing that Lark Voorhies had experienced a mental health crisis following an undisclosed trauma and had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. While Lark Voorhies herself denied the diagnosis at the time, the situation sparked a wave of concern and support from longtime admirers.
Despite the challenges she faced later in life, Lark Voorhies never lost the affection of her fans. For so many who grew up watching her shine on screen, Lark Voorhies represented more than just a TV character—she was a symbol of confidence, style, and youthful joy. And even today, people continue to root for her, sending love and well-wishes her way. After all, Lark Voorhies may have played a fictional teen, but her impact was very real.
So, when it comes to Lark Voorhies and her career in film, there are a couple of standout points worth mentioning. Lark Voorhies actually appeared in Def Jam’s How to Be a Player back in 1997, which, looking at the reviews and ratings, ended up being one of her lowest-rated projects. On the flip side, fans and critics alike seemed to respond much better to How High, released in 2001 — that one turned out to be Lark Voorhies’s highest rated movie. It’s interesting how Lark Voorhies has been part of such contrasting films over the years, really showing the range of her roles. Still, if you’re judging by audience and critical reception, How High definitely stands out as the more successful of the two for Lark Voorhies.