<P> Following the pilot, the name of the school was changed to Eastland and characters were replaced, with Natalie, Cindy (Julie Anne Haddock), and Mr. Bradley becoming part of the main group featured . Although Kimberly Drummond is featured as a student at East Lake, her character did not cross over to the spinoff series with Mrs. Garrett . </P> <P> In the show's first season, episodes focus on the troubles of seven girls, with the action usually set in a large, wood - paneled common room of a girls' dormitory . Also appearing was the school's headmaster, Mr. Steven Bradley (John Lawlor), and Ms. Emily Mahoney (Jenny O'Hara), an Eastland teacher who was dropped after the first four episodes . Early episodes of the show typically revolve around a central morality - based or "lesson teaching" theme . The show's pilot episode plot included a story line in which Blair Warner insinuates that her schoolmate Cindy Webster is a lesbian because she is a tomboy and frequently shows affection for other girls . Other season one episodes deal with issues including drug use, sex, eating disorders, parental relationships, and peer pressure . </P> <P> The producers felt that there were too many characters given the limitations of the half - hour sitcom format, and that the plot lines should be more focused to give the remaining girls more room for character development . Four of the original actresses--Julie Anne Haddock (Cindy), Julie Piekarski (Sue Ann), Felice Schachter (Nancy), and Molly Ringwald (Molly)--were written out of the show (although the four did make periodic guest appearances in the second and third seasons, and all but Molly Ringwald appeared in one "reunion" episode in the eighth season). Mr. Bradley's character was also dropped and replaced by Mr. Charles Parker, played by actor Roger Perry . Perry would make appearances through the beginning of season 5 . In addition to being housemother to the remaining girls, Mrs. Garrett became the school dietitian as the second season began . Jo Polniaczek (Nancy McKeon), a new student originally from the Bronx, arrived at Eastland on scholarship . A run - in with the law forced the four to be separated from the other girls and work in the cafeteria, living together in a spare room next to Mrs. Garrett's bedroom . </P> <P> The season two premiere of the retooled series saw an immediate ratings increase . By its third season (1981--82), Facts of Life had become NBC's #1 comedy and #2 overall NBC program, beating its predecessor, Diff'rent Strokes, for the first time . </P>

Who played mr parker on facts of life