'The Facts of Life' and 'Diff’rent Strokes' Star Mrs. Garrett Dies at Age 92
Mrs. Garrett was the loveable house mother on hit television show “The Facts of Life.“
On Sunday, Aug. 5, the world said goodbye after Charlotte Rae, 92, passed away at her home in Los Angeles.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Rae had been diagnosed with bone cancer at the end of April 2017.
“Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer,” Rae had said in a statement when she revealed the diagnosis to fans. “About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer — which is a miracle that they found it because usually, it’s too late.”
“My mother, sister, and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free.”
“I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody ever knew. So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind.”
“I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground. Now I have to figure out whether I want to go have treatment again or opt for life.”
“I love life. I’ve had a wonderful one already… I’ve had a great life, but I have so many wonderful things happening. I’d like to choose life. I’m grateful for the life I’ve already had.”
Rae got her start into television playing Sylvia Schnauser on “Car 54, Where Are You?”
She earned Tony nominations for her roles in “Pickwick,” “Morning Noon and Night,” and an Emmy nomination for “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom.”
In 1978 she was cast in the role that would take off her career by playing Mrs. Garrett on “Diff’rent Strokes.” That show ran from 1978-1986.
It was Rae herself that suggested the spin-off, “The Facts of Life,” about Edna Garrett and her girls’ boarding school which began in 1979.
Rae left the show in 1986 due to her health. The show was canceled two years later in 1988.
Rae went on to guest star on TV shows like “Pretty Little Liars,” “ER,” and “The King of Queens.” Her final reoccurring role was from 1997-1998 voicing Nanny in the animated “101 Dalmations: The Series.”
Rae also said back in 2017, “At 91, every day is a birthday. [In my book] I want to tell everybody to celebrate every day, to savor the day and be good to yourself, love yourself, and then you can be good to others and be of service to others.”
May you rest in peace, Mrs. Garrett.
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