Danielle Fishel Faced Dislike on 'Girl Meets World' for Setting Boundaries

Fourteen years after 'Boy Meets World' concluded, Danielle Fishel returned to reprise her role as Topanga Lawrence in the sequel series 'Girl Meets World.' However, this comeback wasn't as smooth as it might have seemed. In an exclusive excerpt from her upcoming book, 'Book Meets World: The Definitive Inside Story of the Hit Sitcom Boy Meets World,' Fishel shares details about the tensions that arose on set due to her decision to establish clear boundaries. This book, co-written by Fishel, Rider Strong, Will Friedle, and Variety's Emily Longeretta, is set to be released on November 10.

A Return with New Rules

Fishel, who was the only one of the original three stars to be a series regular, appearing in all 72 episodes alongside Ben Savage, had changed significantly since her teenage years. She had worked outside the entertainment industry and returned with a different perspective on workplace professionalism. The actress states that she had hoped to form a true partnership with Savage, where they would both serve as examples of maturity and professionalism on a children's show.

Both actors had a "favored-nations" contract, which guaranteed they would receive the same salary for their participation in the series, as detailed by Variety. While Savage maintained an energy similar to his teenage self—something Fishel acknowledges had its advantages—she felt her own maturity had made her more professional, perhaps even a bit more serious.

Personal and Professional Boundaries

During the filming of 'Boy Meets World,' it was common for the cast to playfully tackle and hug each other. But upon returning to 'Girl Meets World' at thirty-two and already married, Fishel decided things would be different. She began setting boundaries, such as politely asking her coworkers not to hug her on set. Although Disney's policy already discouraged hugging among employees, she felt this rule was even more relevant to her personal life and experience. She had witnessed how the touchy nature of young actors could escalate and become problematic on other occasions.

Her request, which now seems reasonable in any workplace, was met with misunderstanding. According to Fishel, some assumed her husband was jealous, which was not the case. "People respected it. But you would have thought I said, 'I don't want anyone to look me in the eyes anymore,'" she explains in the book excerpt. This situation, coupled with other instances where she pushed back on storylines she didn't feel were appropriate for the Disney Channel audience, led her to be labeled "difficult" or "crazy" by some crew members, including the producer.

An Exhausting Work Environment

Fishel knew that some people disliked her, that they rolled their eyes when she made suggestions, and that they dismissed her. However, it wasn't until the second season that she was informed producer Jacobs was calling her "crazy" behind her back. This environment, filled with gossip and judgment from adults, became very draining for her. Despite the difficulties, Fishel stood firm in her convictions, reminding the team of the importance of the show's quality and legacy. On some occasions, her interventions led to positive changes in the storylines.

Why it matters

Danielle Fishel's revelations in 'Book Meets World' prompt us to reflect on the importance of boundaries in any work setting, especially in demanding industries like entertainment. Her experience highlights the challenges many individuals face, particularly women, when trying to establish a respectful and professional work environment. Fishel's story reminds us that maturity and the pursuit of fairness are not always met with appreciation, but they are essential steps toward positive change.