Robyn Lively
An actress whose memorable 80s teen roles created a cult following, leading to a steady career in television character work.
Born 1972 (age 54)·American actress·Birthday: February 7·Generation X
Biography
Robyn Lively will forever be linked to a specific, magical moment in late-80s pop culture: the moment she became the 'Teen Witch.' Her starring role in that 1989 film, with its infectious theme song and campy charm, earned her a permanent place in the video store nostalgia pantheon. That same year, she deftly switched gears to play the manipulative tennis prodigy in 'The Karate Kid Part III,' proving her range beyond bubbly comedy. Rather than fading after her teen idol phase, Lively pivoted seamlessly into a durable television career. She became a familiar face through recurring roles on series like 'Savannah' and 'Saving Grace,' and guest spots on dozens of shows from 'Twin Peaks' to 'Chicago P.D.', building a reputation as a capable and versatile character actress far beyond her witchy beginnings.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Robyn was born in 1972, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Robyn Was Born
The biggest hits of 1972
#1 Movie
The Godfather
Best Picture
The Godfather
#1 TV Show
All in the Family
Robyn's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1972Born
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1977Started school
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1985Became a teenager
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1988Could drive
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1990Could vote
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1993Turned 21
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2002Turned 30
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 40
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 50
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 54 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Starred as Louise Miller in the cult classic film 'Teen Witch' (1989).
- Played the antagonistic role of Jessica Andrews in 'The Karate Kid Part III' (1989).
- Portrayed recurring characters on popular TV series including 'Doogie Howser, M.D.,' 'Twin Peaks,' and 'Saving Grace.'
- Had a leading role as Lane MacKenzie on the WB drama series 'Savannah' in the late 1990s.
Did You Know?
She is the older half-sister of actress Blake Lively.
Her stepfather is actor Ernie Lively, who also appeared with her in 'Teen Witch.'
She married actor Bart Johnson, who played Coach Bolton in the 'High School Musical' franchise.
She appeared in the music video for The Bangles' hit song 'In Your Room.'
“Top that! It's a line that followed me for decades, but I own it.”
