From Eastland to Palm Beach: Mindy Cohn on Resilience, and Palm Royale

Mindy Cohn is embracing a new era of her career with honesty, humor, and perspective.

The actress, known for her breakout role on The Facts of Life, recently sat down with KFI's Heather Brooker to discuss her latest project, Apple TV+’s Palm Royale, where she stars alongside an ensemble cast she describes as both “incredible” and deeply collaborative.

Set in the glittering, cutthroat world of early 1970s Palm Beach high society, Palm Royale follows the social-climbing journey of Maxine Simmons, a determined outsider willing to do whatever it takes to break into the city’s most exclusive circles. The series blends glamour, ambition, and dark comedy, pulling back the curtain on wealth, power, and the price of belonging.

Now in its second season, the show features an acclaimed ensemble cast that includes Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, and the legendary Carol Burnett. Cohn says working alongside such talented performers created a rare on-set environment, one that balanced sharp storytelling with moments of mentorship, generosity, and genuine camaraderie. The show’s mix of opulence and emotional depth, she adds, makes Palm Royale both a visually stunning escape and a character-driven story about identity, reinvention, and survival.

Cohn shared behind-the-scenes moments from the glamorous period drama, including what it was like stepping into the heightened world of 1960s Palm Beach and working with veteran performers who bring both gravitas and generosity to the set. She says the experience reinforced why she still loves the craft after decades in the industry.

Beyond the glamour, Cohn spoke candidly about the realities of being a working actor, the uncertainty, the long gaps between roles, and the resilience required to stay in the business. She noted that success today looks very different from it did when she first became a household name as a teenager.

Reflecting on the years since The Facts of Life, Cohn said her priorities have shifted, bringing a deeper sense of balance and self-acceptance. While the industry has changed dramatically, she believes her voice — and her place in it — has only grown stronger.

For Cohn, Palm Royale isn’t just another role. It’s a reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage, and that longevity in Hollywood is as much about perseverance as it is about passion.

Listen to Entertain Me with Heather Brooker to hear the complete conversation.