Lynda Goodfriend is an American actress. Her credits include Blansky's Beauties (1977), Who's Watching the Kids? (1978), The Love Boat (1981, 1983), Fantasy Island (1982), Beaches (1988), Pretty Woman (1990), and Exit to Eden (1994). However, her most notable role was playing Lori Beth Cunningham (née Allen), Richie's girlfriend then wife, on the TV sitcom Happy Days (1977-1984).
In 2011 she become 'Chair of the Acting Department' in the New York Film Academy.
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Early life and education
Goodfriend graduated from Coral Gables High School in Coral Gables, Florida and from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she received a degree in drama. She studied acting with Lee Strasberg and Sanford Meisner, also attended the Harvey Lembeck comedy workshop.
Career
Goodfriend started her career as a professional dancer and singer 'Off Broadway' where she performed alongside John Travolta. On Broadway, she performed in Good News (1974).
She played Ethel "Sunshine" Akalino on the short-lived series Blansky's Beauties (1977). After that show left the air, she and co-star Scott Baio joined Happy Days in 1977. She originally played a guest role in the fourth season of Happy Days as Kim in "Time Capsule" and "Graduation (Part 1)", before returning to the show as Lori Beth in season five.
