Danielle Fishel Dishes on Lance Bass Friendship and Meeting ‘At Least 10 to 15’ Real-Life Topangas

Danielle Fishel has been putting a smile on our faces since the early 90s when she originated the role of Topanga Lawrence in Boy Meets World, but this July, she’s spreading a different kind of joy. QVC’s Christmas in July celebration brings fresh deals and exclusive products ahead of the holiday season, and the 45-year-old actress is excited to be named QVC’s Co-Chief Cheer Officer alongside longtime friend and fellow Christmas enthusiast NSYNC member, Lance Bass. In conversation with Woman’s World, Fishel opened up about her friendship with Lance, the best Christmas gift she ever got and the impact of her Boy Meets World character. 

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Danielle Fishel and Lance Bass have a friendship that goes way back

Teaming up with Lance Bass is nothing short of exciting for Danielle, and their friendship has truly stood the test of time. 

“It’s so fun. Anytime Lance and I are together, it’s like no time has passed,” she shared. “QVC might be known for having Mr. Christmas, but Lance is my Mr. Christmas. His house is decked to the nines. Forty Christmas trees—He said he’s having to downsize now to a mere 30,” the actress joked. “So it’s wonderful. He is an expert at hosting. Actually, I could take a page out of his playbook. I still don’t host the holidays at my house. My mom still has that job, but I know Lance hosts, so I could learn from him.”

While Danielle might not be channeling her inner Martha Stewart when it comes to holiday hosting, she still has a deep love for the season, with countless memories of Christmases gone by. 

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“When I was a young girl—I don’t know what the inspiration for it was—but I desperately wanted a leather skirt, and it was all I wanted for Christmas,” she recalls when asked about her most memorable gift from childhood holidays. “And I remember opening that leather skirt and I thought ‘This is the greatest thing ever.’ And honestly, I wish I still had it. Not because I could still fit into it, of course, but because I just feel like I need to look back and be like, ‘What was 10-year-old Danielle thinking with this leather skirt idea?’

How Danielle Fishel’s Topanga Lawrence inspired a generation of girls

Danielle Fishel revived her role as Topanga on the Disney Channel spinoff Girl Meets World, and the actress continues to reminisce on the magic that made the original series on her podcast, Pod Meets World, with Rider Strong and Will Friedle. Topanga was the blueprint for teen girls throughout the 90s, and whether it was her fierce confidence or iconic looks (no one rocked a blowout like her!), people loved emulating her. So influential was her character that over the years, Fishel has met countless real-life Topangas named after her role!

“I have to tell you, this is not a joke. I have met at this point—met face to face, hugged or shaken hands with—at least 10 to 15 Topangas. I meet them all the time, and every single time, it’s an honor and it’s wonderful,” she shared. “I’ve also met cats named Topanga, guinea pigs named Topanga. I’ve seen cars named Topanga. It never gets old. I love it all. It’s all an honor. But yeah, anytime I hear a parent named their child Topanga, I think ‘Wow, what a cool honor to have had such a cultural impact that people want to name their kid after you.’”

From bringing joy as Topanga to spreading holiday cheer with QVC, Danielle Fishel continues to brighten lives in the most wonderful ways.