‘Girl Meets World’ stars Burbank native

Last we left the cast of “Boy Meets World,” teacher Mr. Feeny declared class dismissed for the final time, sending off four of his favorite students on to new life paths.

Now, class is back in session — this time with a new student in a new town, but with a few familiar faces.

Burbank native Rowan Blanchard is the star of the new series “Girl Meets World,” a spinoff of the hit ‘90s series, with Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel reprising the roles of Corey and Topanga, this time as parents and teacher.

The three, along with costar Sabrina Carpenter, will be at the AT&T store in Burbank on Saturday for a meet-and-greet to promote the show, hosted by the Disney Channel and AT&T U-verse.

The Disney Channel show, which airs June 27, was created by Michael Jacobs (“Dinosaurs,” “My Two Dads” and “Charles in Charge”) and April Kelly, who team up again after working together on “Boy Meets World.”

“Girl Meets World” stars Blanchard, 12, as the daughter of high school sweethearts Corey and Topanga Matthews, whose journey from middle school to adulthood and the lessons they learned on the way alongside family and friends spanned the seven seasons of the original series.

Blanchard, who plays Riley Matthews on the show, described her character as quirky and academic. “Riley’s most incredible quality is that she’s very loyal,” she said.”I think that’s what separates her from other people.”

Blanchard began acting at age 5, starting off in commercials, then making her way to television. She was cast as a series regular on the Disney Junior series “Dance-A-Lot Robot” in 2010, and went on to act in feature films including “The Back-up Plan” and “Spy Kids: All the Time In the World 4D.”

The actress said she always had an interest in performing, and used to put on shows for her family growing up.

“Riley and I are both definitely quirky and kind of awkward but also very friendly,” she said. “It’s very easy to play Riley because it’s like playing myself.”

Blanchard’s co-star is Sabrina Carpenter, who plays Maya, Riley’s best friend on the show. Together, the two must navigate the growing pains of middle school, much like Corey and Shawn in the original series, which first aired in September 1993.

But with any spinoff, there’s always the concern about quality, Blanchard acknowledged.

“A lot of people are worried it’s not going to live up to ‘Boy Meets World,’” she said. “Rest assured, it’s really incredible and it’s very refreshing for kids my age.”

The young actress said one of her favorite parts of working on the show is working with her costars, including Savage and Fisher, who she described as “the most welcoming and loving people.”

Stars from “Boy Meets World” — including William Daniels, Rider Strong, Danny McNulty, Betsy Randle and William Russ — will also make guest appearances on the show.

“The most fun part is seeing these people who grew up together, and seeing them interact,” she said. “It’s like time has never gone by.”

What: Meet-and-greet with stars of “Girl Meets World,” along with music and games by Radio Disney, “Girl Meets World” themed pop-up bakery and Sprinkles cupcakes

Where: AT&T Store, 350 N. San Fernando Road, Burbank

When: Event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; talent noon to 2 p.m.
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Follow Sameea Kamal on Twitter: @SameeaKamal.