Playing snoopy next-door neighbor "Harriet" on Small Wonder is a red-haired bundle of energy known as Emily Schulman, an animated and articulate young actress who has been a working professional ever since she could walk.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Emily began appearing before the cameras at the age of two: an age, says Emily, "when most kids take a little time before deciding on their career. But I knew right away." Her natural talents were soon apparent to a slew of top commercial advertisers, and her freckle-splashed grin was captured in a host of spots that include Skippy peanut butter, Oscar Meyer wieners, Kraft cheese, McDonald's, Mattel toys, Quaker oatmeal and Pepsi-Cola, among dozens of others.
She has also been featured co-starring in television's The Barbara Mandrell Show as "Billy Jo Henderson", in Two Marriages for ABC-Lorimar Productions and as "Debbie" in a guest-starring stint for ABC-TV's Arthur Hailey's Hotel.
On her portrayal of trouble-making Harriet on Small Wonder, Emily says: "I like the role — it's fun to be mean!" and then throws back her head and laughs delightedly. "Actually," she continues, "I don't think of Harriet as a mean person. I would describe her as someone who just wants to be involved in everything — she really doesn't mean any harm. Actually, I'm a lot like my character, but less snoopy."
Emily has proved herself and won the 1985 Youth in Film Award for Best Young Supporting Actress in a New Comedy Series. In addition to her already hectic Small Wonder schedule, Emily continues to work on various projects, including a spate of commercials. During Small Wonder, she had guest roles on Mr. Belvedere and Full House. She has been involved in many children's charities, appeared on The Variety Club Telethon, participated in the "Run for Cancer" in Long Beach, and donated her time and talent to the Special Olympics.
Emily's post-Small Wonder plans included branching out into films and stage work, appearing in such Children's Workshop Theater productions as Spring Fling, Christmas in Never Never Land, and Fame. She has appeared on Wings and played opposite Shelley Long in Troop Beverly Hills in the role of "Tiffany".
An opinionated person who thinks for herself, Emily is particularly close with her parents, three brothers and sister, and feels most comfortable performing when they're on hand: "We're always thinking of one another, and they also give me a lot of acting tips."
Emily is still in show business, but now as a theatrical agent.