This 90s babe made headlines and history by romantically linking with two real-life brothers while starring in several beloved sitcoms.
Think you know who it is?
She was born in California but grew up on a ranch in Arizona. Her career kicked off as a barrel racer before she moved back to California. In 1987, she gained attention by winning the title of Miss California American Pre-Teen.
Prior to entering the show business industry, she appeared on TV for the first time during Young People’s Week on Card Sharks in 1986. She managed to walk away with $3,200 in prize money from the show.
Her big break came at the age of 14 when she appeared as a guest star on Step By Step, a ’90s sitcom often likened to a modern-day version of the Brady Bunch. This marked the beginning of her rise to fame in the entertainment realm.
She began to gain recognition through appearances in a variety of television specials and celebrated ’90s series, including Blossom, Living Dolls and the coming-of-age classic The Wonder Years.
However, it wasn’t until her sun-kissed blonde hair, approachable smile and all-American charm landed her a series regular role on the beloved ’90s sitcom – set in an upscale West Coast beach town – that she truly became a household name.
This actress portrayed an understanding, bubbly bass player whose playful immaturity was balanced by her steady role as the anchor of her high school friend group.
This 90s babe made headlines and history by romantically linking with two real-life brothers while starring in several beloved sitcoms
At just 14 years old, she made her first major on-screen appearance as a guest star on the ’90s sitcom Step By Step – often dubbed a modern-day Brady Bunch – marking the start of her ascent in the entertainment world
It wasn’t until her sun-kissed blonde hair, approachable smile and all-American charm landed her a series regular role on the beloved ’90s sitcom – set in an upscale West Coast beach town – that she truly became a household name
Through her appearances, the blonde bombshell ultimately set a one-of-a-kind TV record – becoming the only actress to play a love interest to two real-life brothers on two separate sitcoms.Â
With a career now spanning 35 years, this actress has amassed more than 20 appearances across a wide range of films and television series.
Have you been able to guess who it is yet?
It’s Kelly Packard!Â
The now 49-year-old actress perfectly embodied the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Tiffani Smith – the cool, beachy, bass-playing teen at the core of the hit 90s series, California Dreams.
Running for five seasons, Packard was a key force behind both the beachy West Coast charm – and the band – that defined the heart of the show.
Her easygoing warmth and natural magnetic energy allowed her to deeply connect with the other characters, often serving as the group’s peacemaker and steady voice of reason whenever drama stirred among friends.
Like most teenagers, Tiffani faced her share of typical struggles – but she approached them with sincerity and optimism, offering viewers a relatable and grounded portrayal of teen life.
Kelly Packard is circled in red with California Dreams co-stars
The now 49-year-old actress (pictured) perfectly embodied the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Tiffani Smith – the cool, beachy, bass-playing teen at the core of the hit 90s series, California Dreams
Running for five seasons, Packard was a key force behind both the beachy West Coast charm – and the band – that defined the heart of the show California Dreams (pictured: far right)
Reflecting on her time on the show during a 2024 episode of the Pop Culture Unplugged podcast, Packard credited California Dreams’ success to its blend of friendship, music and the chill California beach vibe.
She described it as a natural successor to the popularity of Saved by the Bell, capturing a similar spirit.Â
The show changed her life virtually overnight, opening doors in both acting and music – including more mature roles on the big screen. Â
In no time, Packard landed a brief but notable stint on Boy Meets World, portraying two characters across just three episodes, and in doing so, made a bit of TV history.
‘I just know how excited I was because I loved the show,’ Packard said about booking Boy Meets World during a 2024 podcast episode of The Pod Meets World alongside costars.
‘And then I obviously left an impression because they just kept asking me back,’ she added.
During her brief time on the series, she played two separate characters – Tracy and Candy – appearing as a love interest to both Eric Matthews (played by Will Friedle) and Cory Matthews (played by Ben Savage).
When she played Susan Fisher on The Wonder Years as a love interest for Kevin Arnold (played by Fred Savage), she unknowingly set the stage for a mind-blowing TV milestone – later going on to date Fred’s real-life brother, Ben Savage, on Boy Meets World.
Reflecting on her time on California Dreams during a 2024 podcast episode, Packard credited its success to its blend of friendship, music and the chill California beach vibe
California Dreams changed Packard’s life virtually overnight, opening doors in both acting and music – including more mature roles on the big screen such as Baywatch (pictured)
Packard landed a brief but notable stint on Boy Meets World, portraying two characters across just three episodes, and in doing so, made a bit of TV history (pictured: Packard far left, Ben Savage far right)
When Packard played Susan Fisher on The Wonder Years as a love interest for Kevin Arnold (played by Fred Savage), she unknowingly set the stage for a mind-blowing TV milestone – later going on to date Fred’s real-life brother, Ben Savage, on Boy Meets World
‘It’s those Savage boys that just kept me working. I owe them everything,’ Packard said during on The Pod Meets World podcast episode.
In a more mature role, Packard went on to appear in a total of 50 episodes of Baywatch between 1991 and 1999, cementing her place as a familiar face on one of the most-watched television shows of the decade.
She starred alongside castmates Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra and David Hasselhoff.
What set this show apart was that she played four different roles – Joannie, a beach girl, Beth Campfield and April Giminski – making her only the second actress in series’ history to portray multiple characters.
‘Being on the number one show in the world, it took me to a whole different level in terms of my spiritual being,’ Packard said during a previous in-depth interview about her journey on Baywatch.
‘Just knowing that I could touch people out there… I have tried to do that every day in my life since then,’ she added.
She later became a sought-after TV host, with one of her most notable roles on Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
Traveling the globe, she reported on astonishing facts accomplished by extraordinary individuals for the show, captivating audiences with each unbelievable story she secured in the process.Â
In a more mature role, Packard (pictured) went on to appear in a total of 50 episodes of Baywatch between 1991 and 1999, cementing her place as a familiar face on one of the most-watched television shows of the decade
What set Baywatch apart was that Packard (pictured) played four different roles – Joannie, a beach girl, Beth Campfield and April Giminski – making her only the second actress in series’ history to portray multiple characters
Packard was remembered on Baywatch for starring as the fashion-designing lifeguard, working alongside castmates Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, and David Hasselhoff
In 1996, she married Darrin Privett, an emergency medicine physician. Together (pictured), they have four children together – three daughters and one son – and reside in Newhall, California
In 2014, Packard and her family appeared in an episode of Wife Swap, in which she switched places with actress Tichina Arnold.Â
Today, Packard is actively engaged in both entertainment and family life, connecting with fans young and old through public events and social media – including several California Dreams reunions alongside fellow cast members.
She and co-star Jenny Kawn initiated the idea for these reunions, leading to sold-out performances in major cities like Los Angeles and New York, Packard shared on the Pop Culture Unplugged podcast.Â
During the podcast episode, Packard shared her desire to return to acting – feeling as though she has much more to offer the industry – and expressed openness to future auditions.
In 1996, she married Darrin Privett, an emergency medicine physician. Together, they have four children together – three daughters and one son – and reside in Newhall, California.
Daily Mail reached out to Packard for further comment.Â
