In a heartfelt interview with The Hollywood Reporter, veteran actress Danielle Fishel reflects on her career evolution and the remarkable journey of her former co-star, Sabrina Carpenter. Fishel, who reprised her iconic role as Topanga Lawrence in the Disney Channel series "Girl Meets World," has been an ardent supporter of Carpenter’s burgeoning music career. With admiration and pride, Fishel highlights Carpenter’s relentless work ethic, natural talent, and unwavering dedication, attributing these qualities to her meteoric rise to fame. This article delves into their enduring friendship and Carpenter’s recent achievements, including landing on the Billboard Top 10 list and performing on Saturday Night Live.
Friendship and Career Milestones: A Decade of Support
During the vibrant autumn of her acting career, Danielle Fishel found herself working alongside Sabrina Carpenter on the set of "Girl Meets World" from 2014 to 2017. Over the years, Fishel has watched Carpenter transform from a promising young actress into a celebrated pop star. In a candid conversation, Fishel expressed her delight at witnessing Carpenter’s success, noting that it felt like a dream come true. “Sabrina possesses a unique blend of drive, sensitivity, and comedic timing,” Fishel remarked. “I’ve known her for over a decade, and everyone is finally seeing what I’ve always seen in her.”
Fishel’s support extended beyond words. In April 2024, she celebrated Carpenter’s Grammy-nominated hit song “Espresso” reaching the Billboard Top 10. On social media, Fishel shared her excitement, posting congratulatory messages filled with emojis and stickers. Later that year, Fishel attended the finale of Saturday Night Live to cheer Carpenter on as the musical guest. “Watching my dear friend achieve this milestone was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life,” Fishel wrote on Instagram, sharing photos from the event. Carpenter reciprocated the sentiment, commenting lovingly on Fishel’s post.
Their collaboration on "Girl Meets World" not only shaped their careers but also forged lifelong friendships. Carpenter has often spoken fondly of her time on the show, describing it as her “world” during its run. Despite any challenges, both actresses cherish the memories and the lessons they learned while navigating their own personal growth through their characters.
With "Girl Meets World" now streaming on Disney+, fans can relive the magic of the series and appreciate the foundation it laid for Carpenter’s successful transition into music.
From a journalist’s perspective, this story underscores the power of genuine mentorship and friendship in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder that success is often built on the support and encouragement of those around us. Carpenter’s journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance and the value of maintaining meaningful relationships, even as one ascends to stardom. Fishel’s unwavering support exemplifies the best aspects of camaraderie in a competitive field, offering a heartwarming narrative of loyalty and mutual respect.