Actress Bonnie Morgan recently shared some candid insights into her time on the hit show “Boys Meets World” during an episode of the podcast “Pod Meets World.” Morgan, who was initially cast as the lead character Topanga Lawrence, delved into her audition process and the subsequent challenges she faced while working on the show. In a heartfelt conversation with podcast hosts Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, Morgan shed light on her journey and the emotional toll it took on her.
Morgan revealed that she had three callbacks during the audition process, with each session being attended by a room full of people. What struck her as peculiar was the fact that every time she returned, the script seemed to have been altered slightly to incorporate the topics they had discussed during her auditions. This connection between her personal experiences and the character of Topanga Lawrence made her feel deeply connected to the role.
A Rollercoaster Ride of Emotions
However, as the show progressed, Morgan’s experience took a turn for the worse. She explained that her agent had informed her that show creator Michael Jacobs held her in high regard for the role. Unfortunately, a power struggle ensued behind the scenes, leaving Morgan caught in the middle. On her first day on set, she immediately sensed a tense atmosphere. The adults involved in the production seemed distant and aloof towards her.
During the table read, Morgan found the experience enjoyable, but things quickly deteriorated afterward. Ben Savage, who played the character Cory, began testing her by making faces and trying to break her concentration. This behavior began to take a toll on her nerves, leaving her feeling like a wreck. Morgan struggled to remember her co-star’s name and even the opening line of the scene. Director David Trainer, rather unsympathetically, urged her to pull herself together, adding to the pressure she was already under. Despite her best efforts, Savage’s antics continued to disrupt her focus.
In one particularly challenging moment, Morgan had a line that the director wanted her to deliver in a sweeter manner. As she attempted to meet his expectations, he became increasingly intense, leaning in close to her and demanding that she say the line as if she were wishing someone a happy birthday. Fortunately, she managed to pass this test, leaving for home with a glimmer of hope that things would improve.
However, the next morning brought devastating news. Morgan’s father answered a phone call during breakfast and delivered the shocking message that she had been fired from the show. The reason given was that the director believed she couldn’t take direction, a claim that she vehemently denied. It soon became clear to her agent that the real reason for her dismissal was that the director didn’t find her attractive enough. Morgan expressed her shattered feelings upon hearing this revelation, emphasizing how difficult it was for her to process such a hurtful and baseless judgment.
Despite the setback, Morgan managed to rebuild her career and went on to achieve success in the film industry. She became best known for her role as “Samara” in the horror film “The Ring.” Meanwhile, Danielle Fishel, who was initially cast as an alternate for the role of Topanga, ultimately took over the character and portrayed her for seven seasons on “Boy Meets World.”
Morgan’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges that actors often face behind the scenes. It sheds light on the importance of empathy and respect within the entertainment industry, highlighting the impact that misguided judgments and power struggles can have on individuals.