Fans of “The Facts Of Life” are in mourning today after Charlotte Rae, who portrayed Mrs. Edna Garrett on the sitcom, passed away on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. She was 92 years old.
The Hollywood Reporter stated that in April of last year, Rae revealed to her fans that she had been diagnosed with bone cancer seven years after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“Now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind,” she said at the time. “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 had a lengthy career on stage that resulted in two Tony nominations for her, but it is for her role as Edna Garrett that millions of fans will remember her most for. She originated this role on the sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes” in 1978 before playing Garrett for seven seasons on “The Facts Of Life.” She received an Emmy nomination for her work on this show in 1982. During an interview that year, Rae opened up about why she thinks Garrett was such a popular character:
“I want to bring in as much humanity as possible, as well as the humor. I’ve tried to make her a human being with dimensions. The way they write her now is with a great deal of sensitivity and understanding. But I don’t want her to be Polly Perfect, because she must have human failings and make mistakes. She’s also a surrogate mother to the girls. I told them I wanted to be firm with the girls because I know it’s important. Parents must lay down ground rules for their children to help them to grow up and to learn responsibility for their actions. They must learn to stand on their own two feet.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Rae on social media from her castmates as well as other celebrities:
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
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
She was so sweet, funny, wise, lovely, and brilliant. She will be so missed. Rest In Peace Sweet Charlotte Rae. pic.twitter.com/c7OrehPeb0
— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) August 6, 2018
RIP IN PEACE ALL OF MY CAST MATES. I MISS YOU ALL. pic.twitter.com/tS52TfryKo
— Todd Bridges (@ToddBridges) August 6, 2018
Rest in peace, Charlotte Rae! You will be dearly missed!
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