Lisa Whelchel was carrying around a big secret while filming ‘Survivor: Philippines,’ opting to wait until the reality show premiered to reveal that she has divorced her husband.
The ‘Facts of Life’ celeb began filming the new season of ‘Survivor’ in mid-March, less than two weeks after she and her husband of 24 years, Steve Cauble, were granted a divorce.
She married a minister, the associate pastor at The Church On the Way in Van Nuys, when her popular sitcom ended in 1988. She worked with her husband in the field of Christian ministry throughout their union.
Lisa revealed, “The divorce was final on March 1, and I went out to be on ‘Survivor’ on March 10. Going out to ‘Survivor’ was helpful for me, to divert my attention and not just dwell on the loss. I just never thought it would happen to me. It was painful to realize that it wasn’t going to work out.”
Cauble, 61, and Whelchel, 49, have three grown children and they all gathered to watch the season premiere of ‘Survivor’ last night. She is sure of two things, “We will always be friends and we will always be family, too.”
Check out a 2009 family photo below:
Photo: WENN, Steve Cauble-Facebook