Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 31, 2025 · Entertainment

Lydia Cornell at 72: The Timeless Icon of the '80s Still Shines Bright

Fans of iconic ¿80s sitcoms got a major blast from the past when Lydia Cornell set Instagram on fire recently; (seen in 1980)

SIZZLING IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LYDIA CORNELL, 72, REVEALS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A '80s SEX SYMBOL

Get ready for a blast from the past! Fans of iconic sitcoms are going wild over Lydia Cornell's Instagram posts, showcasing her timeless charm and sultry looks that left hearts racing back in the day. The blonde bombshell, now 72, is still turning heads as Sara Rush on Too Close for Comfort, reminding us why she was hailed as a modern embodiment of classic female stereotypes like Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield.

But it's not just her striking features that have made headlines – Lydia has also been sharing intimate stories about the highs and lows of being an '80s sex symbol. In a heartfelt tribute to the late Loni Anderson, she reminisced about their poster sessions, where they would often laugh at the absurd expectations placed upon them.

Blonde bombshell Cornell , now 72, sizzled once again in a recent post, reminding fans why she turned heads as Sara Rush on Too Close for Comfort; (seen in 1980)

A LIFE OF GLAMOUR AND DRAMA

Lydia's journey to stardom was anything but ordinary. Fresh out of college, she spent hours tracking down producers and writing letters, determined to turn her lifelong dream into reality. That chance encounter with Aaron Spelling led to her first professional gig on The Love Boat, followed by a string of guest roles on other Spelling productions.

But it's the story of how Lydia landed her breakout role on Too Close for Comfort that's truly fascinating. Showing up late to her audition in a soaked cheerleader sweater after a rare LA downpour, she was initially turned away – until she pulled off an impromptu raspberry trick that sealed her fate!

The El Paso native (R) brought charm and cheek to her role as the daughter of Ted Knight¿s (center) Henry Rush, along with Deborah Van Valkenburgh (L) and Nancy Dussault (top)

"I picked up this imaginary raspberry and handed it to Arne [the creator]," Lydia recalled. "He went, 'What the hell are you giving me?' I said, 'I'm giving dad a raspberry.' They all laughed so hard, tears were coming out."

FROM PARTY GIRL TO MOTHERHOOD

Lydia's rise to fame came with its fair share of partying and substance abuse. In an interview with TheScholarlyNote.com in 2020, she revealed the pressure ABC put on her to maintain that ideal 'sex symbol' physique – literally measuring her underwear to ensure it met their standards!

At 72, Lydia still radiates the same star power that made her a household name in the 1980s; (pictured July 2025)

"I was a piece of meat," she confessed, "but I was so grateful for a job." But beneath the glamour and fame, Lydia struggled with addiction. She recalled going out every night during the show's run and drinking like "five bottles or something."

But after Too Close for Comfort ended, things took a darker turn. "I crashed and burned," she admitted. "I became a radioactive blackout drinker." It wasn't until she had her son Jack in 1994 that Lydia decided to leave the party girl life behind.

"I wanted to be a good mother," she said, reflecting on those pivotal years. "It became really scary after I had my baby. I didn’t drink during the pregnancy at all, but after he was born, I couldn’t handle it. I drank until I passed out, blacked out."

At the height of the sitcom¿s popularity in 1982, Cornell ¿ alongside Suzanne Somers ¿ was hailed by sexologist Robert T. Francoeur as a modern embodiment of 'classic female stereotypes in the mold of Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield'

A LIFE OF SOBRIETY AND SPIRITUALITY

In a stunning transformation, Lydia has been open about her journey towards sobriety and spirituality. In an exclusive interview with TheScholarlyNote.com in 2020, she revealed how her newfound faith helped her overcome addiction.

"Sobriety is a beautiful, incredible gift," Lydia said, reflecting on the past two decades of her life. "And I truly believe it got me closer to God. Life now is always fresh and beautiful."

During the show¿s 1980¿1985 run, Sara got into all sorts of hijinks with sister Jackie, played by Deborah Van Valkenburgh and their eccentric friend Monroe Ficus, played by comedian Jim J. Bullock

Fans have been wowed by Lydia's Instagram posts, where she continues to prove that age hasn't slowed her down – either in life or looks! With a heart full of gratitude and a spirit renewed, Lydia Cornell remains one of the most beloved icons of '80s sitcoms.

Lydia shared the screen with David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider

Longtime followers also know that Lydia overcame a difficult battle with substance abuse to reach the thriving life she leads today; (seen in 1985)

Lydia once revealed the pressure ABC put on her to maintain an ideal: 'They used to measure my underwear. It had to be a certain number of inches from the calf to the panty line!'

But with the birth of her son Jack in 1994, she left the party girl life behind: 'I wanted to be a good mother'

The former Too Close for Comfort bombshell has kept her trademark glamour, dazzling fans with her timeless beauty; (seen in July 2025)

Decades after being hailed as a sex symbol, she continues to turn heads with her youthful glow; (seen in July 2025)

Lydia, Deborah Van Valkenburgh, and Jim J. Bullock still reunite at fan conventions, delighting longtime Too Close for Comfort fans

The trio is keeping the show¿s legacy alive decades later