Danielle Fishel is an American actress, director, and television personality best known for playing Topanga Lawrence on Boy Meets World and later Girl Meets World.

Quick Scoop

She was born on May 5, 1981, in Mesa, Arizona, and began acting young, with early appearances on shows like Full House and Harry and the Hendersons. She has also worked behind the camera as a director on several TV series.

Why she’s known

  • Breakout role: Topanga Lawrence in Boy Meets World.
  • Return to the role: Reprised Topanga in Girl Meets World.
  • Directing career: Directed episodes of series including Girl Meets World and other TV shows.
  • Recent TV appearance: Competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2025.

Recent update

Public coverage in late 2025 said Fishel had completed treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis and was doing well in follow-up care.

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