Lisa Whelchel joins Tyler Perry movie

Published: Jan 18 2013 02:22:40 PM EST
(CNN) -

After going on her first audition in 33 years, Lisa Whelchel is proud to say she landed the part.

The 49-year-old actress will appear in "Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas," her first acting gig since "The Facts of Life Reunion" in 2001.

"I play the role of Nancy Porter, the country school principal," Whelchel told People magazine. "I'm having fun!"

She'd previously mentioned when she exited the last season of "Survivor" that she was open to new opportunities in entertainment. "I'd host, I'd do a sitcom," she told the magazine of the possibilities in her post-"Survivor" life. "Really, I've got a lot of opportunities."

"Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas" is expected to bow December 13.

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