Karen Valentine Reflects on Her Career and an Unforgettable Experience on The Dating Game

Karen Valentine, best known for her role as a student-turned-teacher in the groundbreaking TV series Room 222, recently shared insights into her rise to fame and a less-than-pleasant experience on The Dating Game.

Although Room 222 remains a cherished part of her career, she recalls her appearance on the popular dating show as an “awful” experience she would rather forget.

Before achieving stardom, many well-known celebrities, including Suzanne Somers, Tom Selleck, and Farrah Fawcett, appeared on The Dating Game, a pioneering reality dating show that helped launch aspiring actors’ careers.

Karen Valentine was among them. After participating in Chuck Barris’ Dream Girl of 1967, she was invited to be a contestant on The Dating Game, where she interviewed three mystery bachelors.

While she initially thought it would be a lighthearted experience, she soon regretted it.

“That was awful,” Valentine admitted. “The guy thought this was really going to be a real date.

Back then, The Dating Game wasn’t sending people on extravagant trips—it was just dinner and a show. I went to the Ambassador Hotel, but the guy assumed we’d be making out in the limo.”

Leaving that experience behind, Valentine soon landed a role in the TV movie Gidget Grows Up (1969), which paved the way for her breakout role in Room 222 (1969-1974).

The seriescreated by James L. Brooks and produced by Gene Reynolds, centered around a progressive high school teacher, played by Lloyd Haynes, who encouraged students to embrace tolerance and understanding.

The show won multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding New Series in 1970. Valentine and her co-star Michael Constantine, later known for My Big Fat Greek Wedding, both won supporting role awards for their performances.

Reflecting on her success, Valentine recalled a surreal moment when legendary comedian Carol Burnett congratulated her on her Emmy win.

“It was mind-blowing. The fact that Carol Burnett even knew who I was—just incredible,” she said.

She also shared a fond memory of meeting Hollywood icon Gregory Peck while taking singing lessons.

“He walked by, saw me through the window, and mimed, ‘You did it!’ I thought, ‘Oh my God, it’s Gregory Peck!’”

Despite its critical acclaim, Room 222 was canceled midway through its fourth season due to declining ratings.

Valentine expressed her disappointment, saying, “It’s always sad when a show you believe in comes to an end, especially when you feel it still has so much to offer.”

After Room 222, Valentine starred in her own series, Karen (1975), which tackled political and social issues but was canceled after four months due to network changes.

She continued working in television, with guest appearances on shows like Murder, She Wrote and The Love Boat, as well as a recurring role on The Hollywood Squares (1971-1977).

Her last film was Wedding Daze (2004), a Hallmark Channel movie co-starring John Larroquette.