Danielle Fishel Reflects on 'Boy Meets World' Weight Gain Storyline

The actress opens up about the emotional toll of being told her weight gain would be written into the show.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga Lawrence on the sitcom 'Boy Meets World', has opened up about the emotional impact of a Season 7 storyline that focused on her and co-star Will Friedle's weight gain. Fishel revealed that she and Friedle were called into a meeting and told the producers would be writing an episode about their weight changes, which left them feeling self-conscious and hurt. Fishel also discussed how the show's focus on her character's appearance made her feel that her 'worth and value was only my looks', leading to struggles with body image and disordered eating.

Why it matters

Fishel's story highlights the challenges child stars can face when their physical appearance becomes the focus, and the lasting impact that can have. It also sheds light on the industry's unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure actors, especially young women, can feel to maintain a certain look.

The details

Fishel was just 12 years old when she was cast as Topanga on 'Boy Meets World', which ran for seven seasons. In 2022, she and co-stars Will Friedle and Rider Strong launched a rewatch podcast, where they've opened up about their experiences on the show. Fishel recalled being called into a meeting where producers told her and Friedle that they would be writing an episode about their weight gain, even though Fishel was still a size 4 at the time. Friedle initially acted okay with it, but Fishel later learned it was 'really painful and hurtful' for him. Fishel also struggled with the storyline, feeling she couldn't speak up. The episode, 'She's Having My Baby Back Ribs', featured Topanga and Eric, played by Friedle, dealing with weight gain. Fishel said her character's body was often covered up in Season 7 due to her weight changes.

  • Danielle Fishel was 12 years old when she was cast as Topanga Lawrence in 1993.
  • 'Boy Meets World' ran for seven seasons from 1993 to 2000.
  • The 'She's Having My Baby Back Ribs' episode aired in March 2000.

The players

Danielle Fishel

The actress who played Topanga Lawrence on the sitcom 'Boy Meets World'.

Will Friedle

The actor who played Eric Matthews on 'Boy Meets World'.

Rider Strong

The actor who played Shawn Hunter on 'Boy Meets World'.

Jensen Karp

Danielle Fishel's husband and the producer of the 'Pod Meets World' podcast.

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What they’re saying

“My worth and my value was only my looks. I don't think I recognized that until it was very obvious that I was no longer attractive to them; I became aware that I was now just disposable. And I carried that feeling with me most of my life.”

— Danielle Fishel (Pod Meets World* podcast)

“Do you know how much easier it would have been on both of us if you and I just talked? Because we never talked about it, we smiled and said: 'OK!' If we just went out and just talked about what just happened, it would have made everything so much easier. Our souls left our bodies in that meeting, it was like we both died a little bit.”

— Will Friedle (Pod Meets World* podcast)

What’s next

Danielle Fishel and her 'Boy Meets World' co-stars continue to discuss their experiences on the show and the lasting impact it had on them through their 'Pod Meets World' podcast.

The takeaway

Fishel's story highlights the damaging effects that unrealistic beauty standards and a focus on physical appearance can have on young actors, especially young women. It underscores the need for more open conversations, empathy and support within the entertainment industry to help child stars navigate the challenges of fame and changing bodies.