The Tragic Life of Lark Voorhies: Why I Stayed Silent Until Now
Lark Voorhies was once the vibrant heart of Saturday morning television, captivating millions as the stylish and quick-witted Lisa Turtle on “Saved by the Bell.”
Her charisma and beauty made her a breakout star, and for a time, she seemed destined for Hollywood greatness. But behind the scenes, Lark’s journey was fraught with pain, heartbreak, and battles that ultimately led to her quiet disappearance from the spotlight.
From the start, Lark’s life was a study in contrasts. Born in Nashville and raised in Pasadena, she entered show business at a young age, landing her iconic role before she could even fully grasp the pressures of fame.
Unlike many child stars who rebelled against the system, Lark was intensely professional and reserved. She was raised as a devout Jehovah’s Witness, a faith that demanded separation from the materialistic world of Hollywood. The cheerful, outgoing Lisa Turtle was a stark contrast to the introverted, deeply religious girl behind the scenes.
The pressures of fame were relentless. Lark was mobbed by fans and forced to live a life far removed from normal childhood experiences. The duality of her existence—public adoration versus private isolation—was evident even on set. Castmates noted her quiet demeanor, often sitting alone, lost in thought. In hindsight, these may have been early signs of deeper struggles.
After “Saved by the Bell” ended, Lark was poised for continued success. She appeared in soap operas, music videos, and was considered an “it girl” of the era.
Her romantic life, however, took a devastating turn when her engagement to comedian Martin Lawrence ended publicly and humiliatingly—she learned of the breakup not from Lawrence himself, but by watching him announce his new engagement on national television. Friends say something inside Lark broke that day, and she began to withdraw from the industry and those around her.
The following years were marked by instability. Lark married actor Miguel Coleman, but the marriage ended in divorce. She attempted a music career, but even business dealings seemed fraught with difficulty.
As she faded from the public eye, rumors swirled about her well-being. When she reappeared in a 2012 interview, fans were shocked by her disheveled appearance and erratic behavior. Cruel memes and speculation about drug abuse followed, but the truth was far more heartbreaking.
Lark’s mother revealed that she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but Lark herself struggled to accept the diagnosis, often insisting she was perfectly healthy despite clear signs of distress. Vulnerable and isolated, she became a target for exploitation. Her brief, tumultuous marriage to Jimmy Green—a man with a questionable background—ended in public scandal, further damaging her reputation and mental health.
Professionally, Lark faced another blow in 2020 when NBC announced a “Saved by the Bell” reboot. While her former castmates were invited back, Lark was initially excluded, learning of the snub online. In a rare moment of clarity, she appeared on Dr. Oz, acknowledging her struggles and the pain of being left out due to her mental health issues.
Today, Lark Voorhies lives a quiet life under the care of her mother. The industry that once celebrated her now seems to have forgotten her, except for the occasional cameo or tabloid headline. Her story is a stark reminder of the toll Hollywood can take on its brightest stars, and the importance of compassion for those battling invisible struggles.
Behind the smile and glamour of Lisa Turtle was a real person—one who lost her love, career, and sense of reality. Lark’s legacy deserves to be remembered not as a punchline, but as a human being who faced unimaginable hardship and still seeks peace.
