- - ‘Punky Brewster’ Star Soleil Moon Frye, 49, Is All Grown up in Stunning New Year Bathing Suit Photos

Megan JohnsonJanuary 3, 2026 at 11:33 PM

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Photo by NBC on Getty Images

Punky Brewster star Soleil Moon Frye may have been one of the most famous kids of the '80s, but she's doing better than ever at 49.

The successful actress and documentarian grew up in the public eye as everyone’s favorite foster child on the iconic TV series, which followed a little girl abandoned in a store by her mother. Brewster is taken in with her golden retriever, Brandon, by her foster parent, Henry Warnimont, a grouchy older man in Chicago. Punky soon warms his heart and turns his world around.

While Frye rose to fame in the series, she also developed a successful career behind the camera. A mother of four children, Frye took to social media to welcome the new year with a set of stunning bathing suit photos that made it clear she is all grown up. Sporting a white bathing suit and black sunglasses, the brunette beauty went for a dip in a swimming pool and looked like she was having the time of her life.

"Dipping into the new year. 🏝️🩵," Frye captioned the beautiful photos.

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Soleil Moon Frye and Cherie Johnson Reunited

Cherie Johnson, whose Punky Brewster character bore the same name as her real name, became Punky’s best friend in their Chicago apartment building. But the duo became friends in real life, and they still are tight to this day. As their social media followers found out, they even got together for a slumber party recently.

“My love 🍒 @cheriejohnson75 and I came together for a night of friendship, laughter heart to hearts & fun in Texas. We had the best time catching up, surprising people we love, & had a slumber party like we would when we were kids. Forever young, besties, spirit sisters, amazing night of sleep with you by my side. I love you@cheriejohnson75 Thank you for making me feel so loved and safe with you. Punky & Cherie 4-ever!!! 🌈♥️🍒 Thank you @bigtexcon for bringing me to Texas @cheriejohnson75 & I will be together in @ricomicconofficial Come and see us soon. SO excited Xx,” Frye captioned the photos.

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Naturally, fans went wild.

“Oh my childhood! Love those faces!! 😍😍😍😍,” one commenter said.

“THEY’RE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN,” another person said.

“this makes my heart so happy,” someone else chimed in.

The Two Were an ’80s TV Staple

As any avid fan of the series remembers, Punky and Cherie were icons on the ’80s sitcom scene. But they also tackled real issues, ranging from drug use and kidnapping to drunk driving and the Challenger explosion. But who could forget the moment in the series when Cherie Johnson gets trapped inside an old refrigerator, and Punky and their friend Alan have to do CPR?

Soleil Moon Frye Has a Thriving Career as a Director

While Frye is always associated with her childhood career, she’s actually a thriving director in adulthood. Last year, she directed Paramount+’s documentary The Carters: Hurts to Love You, about Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter and his siblings dealing with their abusive childhoods. The film was told from the perspective of Angel Carter, who is the last surviving child besides Nick. Their other three siblings, Leslie Carter, Bobbie Jean, and Aaron, all died between 2012 and 2023 from drug-related causes, Variety reported.

Related: ‘Punky Brewster’ Star Soleil Moon Frye’s Daughter Jagger Is a Dead Ringer for Her ‘80s Icon Mom

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”