Many of us came to know and love her for her roles as Mrs. Garrett on tv’s Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life, with this in mind, we are saddened to report the passing of Charlotte Rae.
Born in 1926, Rae seemed to realize her destiny very early on. She earned her first opportunity when she starred in the TV comedy Car 54, Where Are You? in the early ’60s. Others would soon recognize her talent as well.
According to IMDb, she earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in the 1975 TV drama Queen of the Stardust Ballroom. Prior to this, Rae made multiple guests appearances on All in the Family (1971) and Good Times (1974). By 1978 she secured the role as Mrs. Garrett on NBC’s Diff’rent Strokes. Rising in popularity she would eventually move on to her own show, The Facts of Life in 1979.
Both shows lasted well into the 1980’s and became fan favorites. A few of her former co-stars such as Todd Bridges, Kim Fields, and Larry Wilmore have reacted to news of Charlotte Rae’s passing.
Rae passed away Sunday (August 5) in her Los Angeles home. She was surrounded by her family and at this time a cause of death has not been disclosed.
Source: CNN
Saddened to hear about Charlotte Rae's passing. My first tv gig a millennium of moons ago was on The Facts of Life. She was just the best and nicest lady. I look like I'm twelve playing a cop. RIP Ms. Rae. https://t.co/7ef6hYZTHR
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) August 6, 2018
You all already know my heart is heavy yet…. sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears… and yeah, smiles…. #charlotterae #ripcharlotterae
— Kim Fields (@KimVFields) August 6, 2018
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 pic.twitter.com/8FbterNz3S
— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 6, 2018