Natalie Green from 'The Facts of Life' Hid Out on Farm with 113 Goats as She Battled Cancer Privatel

Mindy Cohn, Lisa Whelchel, George Clooney, Mackenzie Astin, Nancy McKeon, Kim Fields, and Cloris Leachman, 1986 | Mindy Cohn, 1986 | Source: Getty Images

• Natalie Green from "The Facts of Life" has another chance at life after having health problems.
• She hid on a farm with 113 goats and worked in the garden so she would not think about her disease.
• The actress has celebrated 57 years and begun a new life.

Mindy Cohn's life changed drastically after playing the role of Natalie Letisha Sage Green for nine seasons in the 1980s sitcom, "The Facts of Life." The actress had always lived a busy life acting in the series but also had other roles.

For instance, on the reboot "What's New, Scooby-Doo," she got to do voice-over work for the character of Velma, and the post lasted for over ten years. However, after her breast cancer diagnosis, she took some time away from the spotlight.

Nancy McKeon as Joanne "Jo" Polniaczek, Kim Fields as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey, Lisa Whelchel as Blair Warner, Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green, and Charlotte Rae as Edna Garrett on season 5 of "The Facts of Life" | Source: Getty Images

The star found out she had cancer in 2012 during her morning walk in her Los Angeles neighborhood. Out of the blue, she suddenly felt tired and couldn't proceed.

Mindy Cohn as Natalie Letisha Sage Green on season 2 of "The Facts of Life" in 1980 | Source: Getty Images

In a period when there weren't ride-hailing applications (apps) to take you home, she texted Helen Hunt, a friend of hers. In her message, the actress was quite honest with what she was experiencing, telling Hunt:

"Something's wrong with me. I need help."

Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green on an episode of "The Facts of Life" on April 4, 1980 | Source: Getty Images

The star went to a doctor and got a scan that showed something in her breast, and soon enough, she had a biopsy. The news that she had breast cancer left her devastated, but she chose to walk that road alone, saying:

"I kept that secret for a long time."

Mindy Cohn as Natalie Letisha Sage Green on season 8 of "The Facts of Life" on July 30, 1986 | Source: Getty Images

The following five years saw her undergo a "siege," as she had radiation, chemotherapy, and a double mastectomy. Before her diagnosis, Cohn had been her friend's rock, but her five-year cancer battle drained her.

Mindy Cohn as Natalie Green on "The Facts of Life" in an undated photo | Source: Getty Images

In 2017, she confessed to having been an optimist, but the disease kept spreading and coming back. She was always waiting for the next bad thing to happen, and it did. The actress was filled with rage and frustration because she couldn't fix or control the situation.

During her tense battle for life, Cohn isolated herself and pulled away from Hollywood and public life. She spent her days on a farm connecting with nature by looking after animals and gardening.

Mindy Chose a Life with 113 Goats Amid Cancer Battle

After her diagnosis, Cohn moved into Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge's 60-acre farm outside Sharon Springs, New York. The pair were her close friends, famously known as lifestyle gurus on "The Fabulous Beekman Boys."

The actress described the duo as her family by choice and vowed that they'd remain in "each other's lives forever." Cohn lived in a peaceful farmhouse hosting a chicken coop, a pond, 113 goats, and a vegetable garden.

The actress, who grew up in California, explained why she felt it essential to live on the farm. During an interview there, she said living there would help her avoid all that was happening in Los Angeles and focus on her well-being. Being away from the hustle and bustle of city life would undoubtedly help her heal.

The "Chill Out" star immersed herself in her new life, looking after all the goats. She knew them by name and even had favorites!

Kilmer-Purcell also shared that his friend would sweep the place clean while wearing an apron. She soon adapted to the farm life and kept herself busy stocking her host's shelves and feeding the chickens.

Years later, after winning the battle against breast cancer, Cohn was ready to re-establish herself in Hollywood. She even shared how she wished to have a family, including a husband.

Mindy Reveals New Life at 57: She Returned to Hollywood

On May 21, 2023, Cohn shared an Instagram photo of herself smiling while looking at the view from the Post Ranch Inn. In the post's caption, the actress revealed she was checking in and "still in paradise" enjoying being 57.

In March 2020, the star showed how she was engaging with friends and taking more trips. She shared an Instagram photo of her posing with a pal at the Grand Canyon National Park, revealing they were celebrating her friend's birthday.

Days before, Cohn shared how she was already making waves in Hollywood...

By 2017, Cohn was free from cancer. She had more of a presence on her social media accounts and loved sharing her adventures with fans. The following year, she set out on a climbing trip to Machu Picchu with Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge.

She also returned to Hollywood. What she looked forward to the most was getting interesting roles because she felt great and was ready to work again. The star described herself as a great actress who had lots to offer and was thrilled to see what she'd get to do.

Cohn once confessed, "Sure, I want a husband, kids -- a family of my own. I always have." However, when her childhood friends were already tying the knot, she found herself focusing more on being tied to her career, like Katherine Hepburn.

The actress still felt good seeing her famous and successful friends living their best lives with their families. She credited her upbringing to her "amazing parents" for raising her to be so well-adjusted.

The celebrity seems to be living a new life and is more social now, as seen on her April 24, 2023, Instagram post. The actress was all smiles as she posed with two men at a garden party at Doheny Estates for the Project Angel Food non-profit.

Days before, Cohn shared how she was already making waves in Hollywood by uploading a picture of an award. She revealed that Brad Forenza had accepted her Indie Series Award for Best Actress in Audio Fiction in her absence and celebrated the win.

In March 2023, the star uploaded an Instagram photo of her mingling with family, including her parents, sister, and brother. In Italian, she said they had met for a Sunday family dinner at the Colantoni house.

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