It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a true icon of television, Charlotte Rae. The legendary star of The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes passed away peacefully at her Los Angeles home on August 5, 2018, at the age of 92. Her representative confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly.
Charlotte had been battling health challenges for some time. In April 2017, she revealed a bone cancer diagnosis, adding another chapter to her courageous fight against cancer. She had previously faced pancreatic cancer with grace and determination. "Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer," she shared with People magazine. "About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which is a miracle they found it because usually, it's too late. My mother, sister, and uncle all passed from pancreatic cancer." Her strength in the face of adversity was nothing short of inspiring.
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A Life of Optimism and Reflection
Even in the face of her diagnosis, Charlotte remained optimistic and reflective about her life. She told People, "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 have this decision to make." Her words are a testament to her resilience and her unwavering love for life.
Charlotte encouraged others to embrace each day with joy and gratitude. "At 91, every day is a birthday," she said. "In my memoir, 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." Her message continues to inspire those who knew her and those who admired her from afar.
A Journey Through Show Business
Born Charlotte Rae Lubotsky in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in April 1926, Charlotte Rae embarked on her show business journey with a passion for performing. Her early career began in radio before transitioning to the vibrant world of New York theater in the late 1940s. Her television debut came in 1954 on the anthology series The United States Steel Hour. While she had been working in Hollywood for several years, it wasn’t until 1978 that her career skyrocketed when she landed the role of Mrs. Edna Garrett on Diff’rent Strokes. Her portrayal of the caring housekeeper became an instant hit with audiences.
From Diff’rent Strokes to The Facts of Life
Charlotte’s popularity as Mrs. Garrett led to her own spin-off show, The Facts of Life, which premiered in 1979. This beloved series brought her character into the lives of millions of viewers, where she served as a surrogate mother to a group of young women at an all-girls boarding school. The show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Mindy Cohn, Kim Fields, Nancy McKeon, Lisa Whelchel, Molly Ringwald, and her dear friend Cloris Leachman. Together, they created a series that resonated with audiences across generations, delivering humor, heart, and life lessons.
