Years ago, the cast of Saved by the Bell began talks of a reboot premiering on NBC's new streaming series, Peacock, but there was one familiar face that was left out of the mix, and actress Lark Voorhies has a theory on the real reason why her invite got lost in the mail.
In 2012, an interview with Lark's mother revealed that the entertainer had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and recently, Lark appeared alongside her mother and psychiatrist on Dr. Oz to open up about her battle with mental illness for the first time.
While Lark didn't detail the specifics of her newfound diagnosis, she explained that in the past, auditory hallucinations have overrun her thoughts. The actress says that at times, the voices in her head were so persistent that she would break down into tears. She explained:
"Yeah. Then when you have that, it's like 'Well, I have this one. So you come up with another one for yourself because I got this for myself' and it just goes on and on and on."
In a previous interview with People, Lark's mom, Tricia explained that her daughter's struggles with mental health were likely the result of past trauma:
"There are things that have traumatized her. I care deeply about my daughter and I want her to resume her life."
Despite Lark's ongoing struggles, she's gotten the help she deserves from her psychiatrist, Dr. Modir, and is well on her way to recovery. Lark is living proof that mental illness is not a death sentence and I'ma let Mario Lopez and them finish, but there is no Saved by the Bell without Lisa Marie Turtle. I said what I said. You can @ me.
"I have to admit I did feel a bit slighted and hurt." "Saved by the Bell" star Lark Voorhies joins me Wednesday to… https://t.co/sZwjCxzyvm— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@Dr. Mehmet Oz) 1582052991
In her chat with Dr. Oz, Lark also spoke on being left out of previous reunions that were organized by her fellow cast members, and said that while she understands their decision, she is understandably hurt:
"I have to admit I did feel a bit slighted and hurt when I was not invited to be part of the 'Saved by the Bell' reunion as well as other cast members events. Yet of course, I also realized that having this puzzling disorder may have played a major part in that factual decision. With that in mind, I am truly thankful for having had the chance to work on a show that has been so successful."
"They have the right to do that and they're happy in their element and they can have it, certainly."
To watch the full clip, click here!
Featured image by Instagram/@reallarkvoorhies.