Charlotte Rae: The Heart Of 'Diff'rent Strokes' And 'The Facts Of Life'

Charlotte Rae, an enduring figure in entertainment for over seven decades, carved a niche in our hearts through her unforgettable roles. From her early days in radio acting during the 1940s to her illustrious career in stage, film, and television, she left a lasting legacy. However, her most iconic role came as Edna Garrett, the beloved housekeeper in Diff'rent Strokes and later, the nurturing housemother in The Facts of Life. This role earned her an Emmy nomination in 1982 for Best Supporting Actress, cementing her status as a household name.

Charlotte Rae may have passed away on August 5, 2018, after a battle with bone cancer, but her spirit lives on. Fans continue to honor her memory, sharing stories and anecdotes that reflect her profound impact. When asked by the Television Academy Foundation about her legacy, she expressed, “If I took people out of themselves and they forgot all their troubles for a while, because I brought them there, that would make me very happy. And if I ever made them laugh — God knows we need as many laughs as we can get.” Her words resonate with the joy and warmth she brought to the screen.

Thank you, Charlotte, for your incredible gift to the world.

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    Forty years ago, Charlotte Rae was nearing the end of her CBS contract when she received a call from Norman Lear’s office. They were asking if she'd be interested in joining NBC's sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. The premise? She'd play the housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett, for the wealthy Phillip Drummond and his family. During the discussions, she was asked about her vision for the character. Charlotte responded, “The three children are without a mother, so they need a little mothering, a lot of attention, and some guidance. But no funny business. They need to know the rules.”

    Unfortunately, her CBS contract initially prevented her from taking the role. But Norman Lear, the mastermind behind hits like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, had significant influence at CBS. A quick phone call later, Charlotte was free to bring Mrs. Garrett to life on Diff'rent Strokes. The role quickly became one of the most beloved characters in television history.

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    Charlotte often spoke fondly of her time on Diff'rent Strokes, particularly the camaraderie among the cast. However, she also remembered the challenges, like Gary Coleman’s health struggles, which were handled with remarkable grace. “Gary was a

    Charlotte Rae On How The Facts of Life Made Her a Household Name
    Charlotte Rae On How The Facts of Life Made Her a Household Name

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    Charlotte Rae On How The Facts of Life Made Her a Household Name
    Charlotte Rae On How The Facts of Life Made Her a Household Name

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    Tootie Runs Away! | The Facts of Life | Kim Fields | Mrs. Garrett
    Tootie Runs Away! | The Facts of Life | Kim Fields | Mrs. Garrett

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