Christine Bachman
Leonie Norton is no stranger to the spotlight. As a celebrated television actress with roles in some of America’s most iconic soap operas—including One Life to Live, The Nurses, Another World, Love of Life and The Equalizer —she’s spent a lifetime mastering the art of storytelling. But it’s her current role as an art instructor and friend to residents at The Lakes at Hemet West that might just be her most inspiring yet.
Twice a month, the 82-year-old dynamo brings her infectious energy, vibrant talent, and decades of life experience to this Roots Management Group community in Hemet, California, where her intimate painting classes have become a highlight for residents.
In the 1970s and ’80s, Leonie Norton graced television screens across the nation, appearing in 48 episodes of One Life To Live between 1974 and 1976 as the glamorous and complex Dr. Anna Wolek. She made memorable appearances on The Nurses, Another World, Love of Life, and the hit crime drama The Equalizer. A classically trained New York actress, she studied under some of the city's best and took to the Broadway stage early in her career.
Fans may also remember her from the iconic “Ring Around the Collar” Wisk detergent commercials—one of the most recognizable ad campaigns of its time.
But behind the screen, Leonie lived a life of reinvention. When her daughter was young, she traded the hectic world of television for birthday parties and hospital visits—as a professional clown. “I didn’t want to travel with theater and be away from my daughter,” Leonie explains. “So, I became a clown for 30 years. I was Mickey Mouse, Peter Pan—you name it. Anything to make kids smile.”
It wasn’t until later in life that Leonie picked up a paintbrush. A local art class in Hemet sparked something unexpected: “I thought, ‘Wow—I can actually do this!’” she laughs. From that moment, painting became more than a hobby—it became a new language through which she connects with others.
At The Lakes at Hemet West, Leonie now shares that joy twice a month in her cozy, small-group painting classes. The experience goes far beyond the canvas. Residents hear delightful stories from her acting days, enjoy gentle encouragement, and leave with more than just their own artwork—they leave with lifted spirits.
“There’s no negativity and no pressure in my classes,” Leonie says. “It’s all about quiet joy, encouragement, and having a good laugh. And believe me—we laugh a lot.”
Although Leonie doesn’t live at The Lakes at Hemet West but proudly calls a nearby manufactured home community her own. Like many who have discovered the benefits of modern manufactured housing, Leonie is a passionate advocate for the Manufactured Housing lifestyle.
“I grew up thinking a ‘trailer’ was all there was. I didn’t know what a beautiful, real home a manufactured one could be,” she shares. “It’s peaceful, easy to care for, and just right for this chapter of my life.”
The Lakes at Hemet West is a great example of a wonderful way to spend your golden years —offering not just gorgeous homes and 150 acres with four lakes, but daily opportunities for connection, creativity, and personal growth. Resident events are held regularly for all skill levels and interests, from art and music to wellness and social gatherings. The goal? Keep residents active, engaged, and full of life.
In 2020, Leonie released her deeply personal memoir, Haunted Yet Undaunted: Memoir of a TV Soap Opera Actress. The book chronicles her extraordinary life—from red carpets to rock-bottom—and reveals the grit and grace it takes to rebuild, reimagine, and rejoice in life’s next act.
“I wanted to write something honest and helpful,” she says. “A book that makes you laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone.”
The memoir has been praised for its raw candor, sharp wit, and empowering message for anyone seeking courage in the face of adversity.
Residents at The Lakes at Hemet West see Leonie as far more than a guest instructor. She’s a bright light who brings people together. While she provides all the painting materials, what truly stands out is the heart she pours into each gathering—not for financial gain, but for the joy of connecting with others.
“Leonie is just special,” says one regular attendee. “You come in maybe a little stressed or quiet, and you leave laughing and holding a painting you didn’t even know you could create. She believes in us—and now we believe in ourselves.”
In every brushstroke, in every shared memory, Leonie reminds us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to find community, and to create beauty from wherever you are.