Injury leads to big break

Press, 23 January 1988, Page 21

Injury leads to big break

Injuring her knee might have seemed like a big blow at the time, but for young Bridget Michele, it could have been the best thing that ever happened to her — in hindsight. Michele plays Diane, aged 16, whose love of boys and clothes eclipses all else in her life in the musical comedy, “Rags to Riches,” on Sunday at 7 p.m. on Two. Los Angeles-born Michele began ice skating at an early age and was soon winning many local and national competitions. At the age of nine, she was encouraged to turn professional when MacDonald’s offered to sponsor her career. Michele turned them down in favour of pursuing a higher goal — that of competing in the Olympics.

To fine-tune her skating, she studied dance — ballet, tap and modern jazz. But disaster struck when Michele damaged her knee at the age of 12 — thus ending her hopes for an Olympic gold. Her attitude was posi-

tive, and with the help of dance therapy as a means of physical rehabilitation, another career was born. As skating had been before, dancing now became her focus and she spent almost 20 hours a week perfecting her style. Dancing led to singing and acting lessons, and by the time she was 13, Michele was a professional entertainer.

In 1982 and 1983 she performed on stage in Radio City Music Hall, New York, with the famous "Rockettes” in their Ch'-- 'ctr

Jhristmas spectaculars. This was followed by several other stage productions, guest appearances on several TV series and a co-starring role in a movie for television called "Two Kinds of Love,” with Ricky Schroeder.

Michele’s most exciting challenge to date has been her role in “Rags to Riches.” Set in the early sixties, the series incorporates music from that era, and Michele is able to put her fine singing voice to good use.