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Mayim Bialikis 50!
The actress who brought the eccentric and precocious Blossom Russo to life first got her start earning small roles here and there in the late '80s before landing her breakout role in 1990. Bialik would helmBlossomfor five seasons, bringing the laughs and the drama alongsideJoey Lawrence, Michael Stoyanov, Tedd Wass, Jenna von Oÿ and more.
Though she took a hiatus in pursuit of higher education — she earned her PhD in neuroscience in 2007 — she made a grand return to acting as Amy Farrah Fowler inThe Big Bang Theoryin 2010.
As the actress turns 50 on Dec. 12, 2025, look back at some of her early days.
Rising to the Occasion
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Before she was known as Blossom, the young star got her start on TV shows such asBeauty and the Beast, The Facts of Life, Websterand more. Above, she's pictured getting a shoulder ride from Bradley Gregg on an unaired episode ofOnce a Heroin 1987.
Young Jetsetter
The young star was snapped holding a stuffie while heading for a flight at the Los Angeles International Airport in 1987.
Working Girl
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Above, the actress is pictured taping an episode ofThe Facts of Lifein 1988.
Oh, the '80s
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Fourteen-year-old Bialik was adorable in an oh-so-'80s blue and magenta ensemble as she attended the Fashion Show to Benefit Love Is Feeding Everyone (L.I.F.E.) Charity in 1989.
Jumping for Joy
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She showed off aerobic skills during a photoshoot in 1990.
Getting Sporty
She flashed her winning smile during the MacLaren Children's Hospital Benefit held at Henry Winkler's home in Toluca Lake, Calif. in March 1990.
In Full Bloom
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Bialik landed her breakout role as Blossom in 1991. She would play the spunky, intelligent and quirky titular character for the show's five seasons.
Big Celebrations
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Bialik and her castmates celebrated the show's milestone 100th episode with a cake that fittingly paid tribute to her character's signature bucket hat.
A Girl and Her Trumpet
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Acting is hardly the only talent this powerhouse possesses. In 1991, the 16-year-old wowed the audience, playing trumpet alongside Chuck Findley on theTonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
Blossoming
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She lent her support by attending an Evening Under the Harvest Moon Benefit for Tree People in 1991.
Russo Gang
Bialik and her onscreen brother, Joey Lawrence, were dressed to the nines for the 17th Annual People's Choice Awards in 1991.
Bringing the Color
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Always colorful, Bialik wore a floral dress for a portrait shoot to commemorate season 3 ofBlossomin 1992.
Star Power
The star was photographed at the NBA Celebrity Dunk Contest with fellow child star, Jaleel White during the 1993 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Keeping Cool
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She served ultra-cool in a varsity cardigan, denim shorts (jorts, if you will) and checkered Converse while strolling through LAX in 1993.
Applause All Around
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She showed off her long tresses and cool style for an appearance onLate Night with Conan O'Brienin 1993.
All Grown Up
The actress brought her bright smile to the taping of NBC's 75th Anniversary Celebration in 2002.
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