“Someone on the set of The Wonder Years once told me, ‘Did you know you’re America’s sweetheart?’ I said, ‘What are you talking about?’” Danica McKellar, now 44, laughs to Closer Weekly in the magazine’s latest issue, which is currently available on newsstands. “Years later, people said ‘Winnie Cooper broke so many hearts.’” Recently, Danica has been involved with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection charity event, and she jokes, “I’m here to heal people’s hearts by promoting healthy habits. So there’s a full circle for you!”

Danica’s personal life has also come full circle. She's transformed from a dutiful daughter into a loving mom (to her son Draco, 8) and a devoted wife (to attorney Scott Sveslosky, 43). After taking breaks from acting to earn her PhD in mathematics from the University of Chicago and write best-selling math books for kids, she returned to her first love—acting—starring in several popular Hallmark Channel movies in 2018, with more projects on the horizon.

Following her appearance at the AHA’s 15th annual Red Dress Collection show, Danica sat down with Closer to discuss surviving child stardom, overcoming divorce, and finding love again.

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Scroll below to read our exclusive Q&A interview with Danica!

What inspired you to participate in the American Heart Association event?

When they invited me to walk the runway, I was thrilled to get involved because this cause is incredibly important to me. Supporting women is something I’m passionate about, and as a health enthusiast, I wanted to do my part. In my busy life, I’ve coined the term “multi-taskercizing,” which means finding creative ways to exercise while doing other things, like squats while brushing your teeth. It’s all about making healthy choices accessible and fun!

Who inspires you the most?

My mom has always been my biggest inspiration. She’s in her 70s and looks amazing. Growing up, we ate organic food long before it became trendy. I’m so grateful for her influence and the values she instilled in me. She’s been a constant source of strength and guidance throughout my life.

Why does your mom mean so much to you?

We had an amazing group of moms on the set of The Wonder Years—mine, Fred Savage’s, Josh Saviano’s, and Jason Hervey’s. They ensured we stayed grounded and focused on our education. It’s incredible how much they cared about us, and now I’m thrilled to be able to give back and support my mom in the same way. It’s a beautiful cycle of love and care.

Do you still stay in touch with the The Wonder Years cast?

We do, but life gets busy for everyone. Dan Lauria, who played Fred’s dad, even played my dad in one of my 2018 Christmas movies for Hallmark. I keep in touch with Josh Saviano and Fred Savage whenever we can. It’s not as often as I’d like, but we always make an effort to reconnect when possible.

What was that time in your life like?

Being on The Wonder Years was an incredible experience, but I didn’t fully grasp the significance of my character at the time because I was so focused on my education. My parents always emphasized the importance of learning, health, and family over Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. As a result, I never attended parties or got caught up in the drama. I stayed grounded and prioritized what truly mattered.

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Was the show life-changing?

Absolutely. The show’s legacy continues to resonate with fans. It’s been 31 years since The Wonder Years premiered, yet its impact endures. People who watched it when it first aired are now parents, and they’re sharing my math books with their kids. It’s amazing to see how my work continues to inspire new generations.