Cherie Johnson

Cherie Johnson is an American actress, producer, and author known for long-running sitcom roles. Born in Pittsburgh, she entered show business with help from her uncle, television producer David W. Duclon, who secured her an audition. NBC cast her as the best friend of the title character on Punky Brewster, and she stayed with the show through its network and syndicated runs. From 1990 to 1998, she played Maxine Johnson, the best friend of Laura Winslow, on Family Matters. She also made guest appearances on The Parkers and appeared on Days of Our Lives. In the early 2000s she began producing films, and in 2009 she wrote, produced, and starred as Vivian in the independent film I Do... I Did!. Johnson has published novels, poetry, and children's books, including Around the World Twice, and she reprised her Punky Brewster role for the 2020 Peacock revival.