Just days after there were reports that Warner Bros wants to reboot The Facts of Life, we get some very sad news. Charlotte Rae passed away today at the age of 92 after a year-long battle with bone cancer according to Entertainment Weekly. She revealed the diagnosis in April 2017.
Kids in the ’70s and ’80s grew up with her as Mrs. Garrett on Diff’rent Strokes and then its spinoff The Facts of Life. Kids wanted to have a caring older woman like her in their life because she was loving and pretty hip because she covered for her kids when they got in trouble.
Before she landed the role that made her a household name in 1978, she had already been acting for over 25 years on the stage, on the big screen and the little one too. In fact, she never really stopped. Her last scripted TV appearance was on Girl Meets World in 2014. A year after that she was seen on the big screen in the not-so-kid-friendly Ricki and the Flash.
Even in her later years, she still had her spunk and her humor. It was always fun to see her do interviews because she was seemed a little naughtier than her television sweet persona.
Even though her girls left Eastland, she still kept in touch with them. They remembered their friend on social media. Mindy Cohn wrote, “it’s with a heavy heart & lots of tears (but a smile as i think of her) that I now move through the world without this incredible force of a woman being in it. she was my champion, a teacher, a proud example of the tenacity and perseverance needed to live as a creative, along with your talent and gifts. i love you char. as I send sympathies to larry and the rest of the family, I wish you the happiest of homecomings. #ripcharlotterae 💔 #ohwhatalife #mwah #tilwemeetagain #thankyou.” While Kim Fields said, “You all already know my heart is heavy yet…. sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears… and yeah, smiles…. #charlotterae #ripcharlotterae.” Julie Piekarski added, “I am so sad for the loss of Charlotte. What a blessing to have known her, worked with her, and been mentored by her. My sympathy goes out to the family. #restinpeace #rip #saddness #loss #angel.”
The last surving original cast member from Diff’rent Strokes, Todd Bridges tweeted, “Different Strokes would not have been the same without you #CharlotteRae. You were loved by everyone on our show and you were loved by everyone on the facts of life will miss you ‘My heart is full of Pain’ Rest in peace my friend.”
Rae is the second actor to pass away from The Facts of Life in a month. Roger Perry, who played Charles Parker, passed away on July 12th.
Today as they remember their friend, let’s remember her too by watching one of her many enjoyable roles. I will be rewatching Hair tonight and think even in her 90’s, she still has life like that song.
