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Sherri Chessen Biography
Sherri Chessen (born July 21, 1932), also known as Sherri Finkbine, is an American former children’s television host. She is also known as Miss Sherri, her role on the Phoenix version of the franchised children’s show Romper Room.
In 1962, Chessen became a subject of controversy when she sought an abortion after discovering that the thalidomide she had been taking caused serious fetal deformities when used in the early stages of pregnancy. Thalidomide was a drug that was prescribed to relieve morning sickness, but it was later discovered to cause birth defects such as phocomelia, a condition in which the limbs are severely underdeveloped or absent.
Chessen’s story was picked up by the media, and she became known as the “Thalidomide Mother.” She was initially denied an abortion in the United States, but she was eventually able to travel to Sweden to have the procedure. Her story helped to raise awareness of the dangers of thalidomide and contributed to the drug being banned in the United States.
Chessen continued to work as a children’s television host after her abortion. She also became an advocate for abortion rights and women’s health. She wrote a book about her experience, “The Long Way Home,” and she appeared in several documentaries about thalidomide.
Chessen is now 91 years old and lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She is still active in the fight for women’s rights and reproductive health. In 2022, she appeared in the documentary “Revealing Roe,” which tells the story of the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade.
Chessen is a brave and outspoken woman who has made a difference in the lives of many people. She is a reminder that we must never give up fighting for our rights, even when it is difficult.
Sherri Chessen Age
Sherri Chessen was born on July 21, 1932. As of today, August 25, 2023, she is 91 years old.
Sherri Chessen Family
Sherri Chessen was born to parents Harry and Edith Finkbine in Phoenix, Arizona. She has one sibling, a brother named Richard.
Harry Finkbine was a salesman and Edith Finkbine was a homemaker. They were both very supportive of Sherri’s career as a children’s television host.
Richard Finkbine is a retired engineer. He is married and has two children.
Chessen is close to her family and they have always been there for her, especially during her difficult times.
Sherri Chessen Husband I Sherri Chessen Children
Sherri Chessen was married to Robert Finkbine from 1951 to 1973. They had six children together:
- Michael (born 1952)
- David (born 1953)
- Karen (born 1955)
- Laura (born 1957)
- Mark (born 1959)
- Scott (born 1961)
After her divorce from Robert Finkbine, Sherri Chessen married David Pent in 1991. David Pent died in 2002.
Chessen is now the grandmother of six and great-grandmother of three.
Sherri Chessen Career
Sherri Chessen’s career has spanned over 60 years. She began her career as a children’s television host in the early 1960s, when she was known as Miss Sherri on the Phoenix version of the franchised children’s show Romper Room.
In 1962, Chessen became a subject of controversy when she sought an abortion after discovering that the thalidomide she had been taking caused serious fetal deformities when used in the early stages of pregnancy. Doctors prescribed thalidomide to alleviate morning sickness, but later discovered that the drug caused birth defects like phocomelia, a condition that severely underdeveloped or absent limbs.
The media picked up Chessen’s story and called her the “Thalidomide Mother.” She was initially denied an abortion in the United States, but she was eventually able to travel to Sweden to have the procedure. Sherri Chessen’s story raised awareness of the dangers of thalidomide and contributed to the drug being banned in the United States.
Sherri Chessen Net worth
The public does not know Sherri Chessen’s net worth. However, she has had a long and successful career as a children’s television host, abortion rights advocate, author, and voice actor. She has also appeared in several documentaries. Based on her career, it is likely that she has a net worth of several million dollars.
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