Dustin Diamond on Lark Voorhies: She’s Not the Lark I Knew
October 05, 2012
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Actress Lark Voorhies, who shot to fame on the Saturday morning show “Saved by the Bell,” is reportedly battling mental illness, and her old co-star, Dustin Diamond, is concerned.
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"I was always used to playing off of her and looking into her eyes," he said. "When I saw her at the commentary, it wasn't the Lark I knew."
In 2011 they met up again, this time for the indie film “Little Creeps.” Dustin remembered Voorhies being unpredictable and causing tension on set. "Part of me is putting it out of my mind and not thinking about it, but the other part is that of concern," he says. "Man, I hope she's all right."
Looking back, co-star Mario Lopez, who played A.C. Slater, has many fond memories of Lark. "She came from a real nice family – close with her mom. She carried herself like a little lady. She was a sweet, pretty, cool teenaged girl. I was a big fan of hers. We got along great."
Lark’s mom, Tricia, revealed Lark’s bipolar disorder diagnosis to People this week, saying her daughter has been prescribed medication. Voorhies, however, denies she is suffering from a mental illness.
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I met her in 2000 in Pasadena and she was quite rude. My dad was bi polar and her symptoms and incoherent interviews lead me to believe she needs some serious medication. It is sad she has ruined her once stunning looks and now looks bloated and a total mess. I hope she gets help.
I have kids by this guy I believe is bipolar. I read up on it, because his mom take medication for it. A few years ago we were living together, and he would be in a good mood, then just go off for simple things. One day he pinned me down to the floor, and had choked me till I almost couldn't breath. I managed to get away, and then he chased me out the house with my gown on. He did this just because I decided to take my kids to daycare, like I do everyday, but this day he wanted them to stay home. I had to leave, and him mom urged me to stay away because she felt without medication, he would kill me.
Sometimes the meds are too strong to begin with, and people go by what a doctor has perscribed. They didn't try that drug on themselves. There's really no way for them to know if she's being over medicated. If that's the case, the meds made her situation worse. Yes. I am in the medical field.
I just find it amazing that people (particularly her own mother) are so quick to comment on such a very personal matter. Whether Lark suffers from Bipolar Disorder or not is a private matter, and not something that other individuals should be offering their personal commentary about.
It's BS rhetoric like this that influences people to not seek professional help for their issues, and that's really sad. If these people are so concerned, then they should zip it regarding the press and make sure that any professional help she needs is available to her.
My mother had bi polar. It's tough because she also has MS. And the mental thing effects the physical thing. To me when a celebrity goes through this it's not a big deal
My thoughts and prayers go out to Lark. What she needs is support, and not to be ridiculed. Mental illness is a big problem in our society and we should treat those who maybe suffering with it, with support and compassion. I feel that there's a double standard in Hollywood. When Catherine Zeta Jones was diagnosed with being Bi-Polar, she was shown sympathy by the media as well as from others. We should show that same respect and sympathy to Lark for whatever her psychological status.
It's a shame,she was so cute and talented with such a bubbley personality.My ex son in law was bipolar and refused to take any medication which made my daughters life a living hell.He would snap at the slightest change in routine,it was very hard to watch and know that both of them were suffering in silence
why would any program talk to HASBEEN DIAMOND other than to help him be RELEVANT!!!
I am praying for Lark. I am a social worker, and I have worked with clients who have had bipolar disorder. Many of them did not want to admit it, and refused to take their medication. It is particularly a taboo in the African-American community about showing any signs of mental breakdowns. We are taught not to air our laundry. Meanwhile, many suffer and go undiagnosed.