Exclusive: "Saved by the Bell" Star Elizabeth Berkley Talks About Passing the Show's Legacy to the New Cast
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Saved by the Bell is back and so is some of it's original cast. Elizabeth Berkley has officially returned to the halls of Bayside High, bringing her iconic character, Jessie Spano, to the 21st century. Now a school counselor, things have certainly changed since she played the iconic character in the original series. Jessie Spano is back to pass the baton the show's brand new cast and bring the show to the next generation.
Seventeen got to talk to Elizabeth about her new gig as a producer, going back to her roots, and learning from this new cast.
17: Not only are you back as Jessie, you're also getting the chance to produce this sequel series. How was it like getting to work behind the camera this time?
Elizabeth Berkley: Obviously, Saved by the Bell was my very first big professional job as a series regular. So that was really the moment that my dreams were coming true. It's kind of amazing and full circle for me to also be, for the first time, producing here as well, which has been a dream of mine. As I've evolved, it makes perfect sense to me that, of course, the first big show that I would be involved as a producer on would be the thing that I started in. It's kind of it's all amazing and it's such a gift.
17: Throughout the years, the show has remained iconic and relevant. Why do you think now was the right time for a sequel with a new cast?
EB: The original show holds so much for so many people. They loved it. It was part of their childhood and those rites of passages and we were kind of with them all along. The gift of that innocence and goodness that's embedded in that show is something that we really wanted to do with this show, while while reflecting back to the youth culture of today. Showing what they are going through, what they're dealing with, and what they're navigating, with a cast that reflects the diversity in the world and is inclusive. It's a real honor to be a part of a show that celebrates that. That's one big reason that I think it really sets it apart and makes it the perfect time to invest and fall in love with these new characters who are navigating so much.
I think that teenagers will love it because they will see themselves in it in a really special way and it speaks to them. Plus, it's a comedy and we need a little lightness and joy and fun right now. Maybe for their parents, they'll love watching it with them and it can be a fun connector. It's always been a show about friendship, connection and relationships. A lot of people are feeling kind of isolated, but the timing of this is something I think that will be a gift to people to connect them whether they're in person, or they can binge and like catch up on it and compare it to the old one. There's so many opportunities here to just bring some joy.
17: As we talked with some of the younger cast members, they shared their stories of how much they learned from you and the original cast. But what is something that you've learned from them?
EB: I love that question, because it's something I was keenly aware of while working with them. It was really important to me, as someone that is extremely seasoned in this industry and started so young, to provide an environment for them to feel safe and heard. A lot of our cast members are brand new as series regulars and they've never done this before. I just always wanted to make sure they knew — not that they needed it, they are pros — but that if they needed any advice or guidance, I was there. At the same time, I wanted them to really own that this is their show and for them to make their own mark.
In terms of learning from them, each one of our cast members are gems. Each one individually lives with such authenticity in a way that I think is really kind of a reflection them being beyond their years in a lot of ways. During our era, coming up in the industry, there were a lot of things we had to overcome that we all know and have heard about in the culture. I remember sitting at the HR meeting that we first had, where we were kind of going through examples of things that could come up and how to take care of yourself or speak up and I got really moved and touched. I looked over and they were all sitting in the row across the aisle from me. I thought to myself, 'I'm so excited for them to be able to be starting now in the business.' There's a new freedom and confidence in using one's voice set in a collaborative and personal way. I got to really witness what is possible in them with that confidence. It reminded me even as a woman, that it's an ongoing growth. It's something we can constantly teach each other: to stand in our voice and without fighting for it. They just seem to embody it. And I really loved reflecting on that and learning from it.
17: Anything else you would like our readers to know?
EB: I've been facilitating self esteem programs for teenage girls. I have a book and I go into schools as as a facilitator of self esteem. So this is a big heart and soul mission for me and I just want your readers to know that if they ever need help or support in that area, It's something that I have is an offering and hope that they get what they need to help them as well.
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