http://ew.com/tv/2018/08/05/charlotte-rae-dead-mrs-garrett-facts-life-dies/?utm_campaign=entertainmentweekly&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com


Charlotte Rae, best known as wise and lovable house mother Mrs. Garrett on The Facts of Life, died Sunday at her home in Los Angeles, representatives for the actress confirmed. She was 92.

Rae revealed she’d been diagnosed with bone cancer at the end of April 2017. “Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer,” she said in a statement. “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.”

She continued to share her decision, “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.”

Born Charlotte Rae Lubotsky in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rae got her start doing theater and radio (where she was told to drop her last name). She broke into television playing Sylvia Schnauser, the wife of Al Lewis’ Officer Leo Schnauser on Car 54, Where Are You? While she earned Tony nominations Pickwick, Morning Noon and Night, and an Emmy nom (Queen of the Stardust Ballroom), it wasn’t until 1978 when Norman Lear, a longtime fan, cast her in Diff’rent Strokes, that Rae’s career took off.

Rae played the kooky but kind housekeeper Edna Garrett, unmissable thanks to that mound of bright orange hair, on Diff’rent Strokes, and when she became a popular breakout character, Rae herself proposed the spin-off. That spin-off became The Facts of Life, a sitcom about a girls’ boarding school and their (once again) kooky and kind house mother. Rae’s Mrs. Garrett (or Mrs. G, as Nancy McKeon’s Jo liked to call her) helped guide the girls through every very special episode theme imaginable, from depression to dating, AIDS to alcohol. Rae left the show in 1986 for health reasons, and though Cloris Leachman stepped in as Mrs. Garrett’s sister, the show was canceled two years later.

Rae went on to guest star on TV shows like ER, Pretty Little Liars, Sisters, and The King of Queens, and appeared in movies such as Don’t Mess with the Zohan and Tom and Jerry: The Movie. Her final regular gig was voicing “Nanny” in the animated 101 Dalmations: The Series, which aired from 1997-98.

As much as she was beloved by TV watchers throughout the ‘80s, she remained associated with the beloved character of Mrs. Garrett thanks to reruns. In 2011, The Facts of Life cast reunited for the TV Land Awards, where she took home the Pop Icon award. That night, her Facts of Life costars Kim Fields and Nancy McKeon gave speeches in her honor. For the show’s 35th anniversary in 2014, they again got together for the closing night of PaleyFest in Los Angeles.

Rae shared many of her Hollywood experiences — including 44 years of sobriety and discovering that her husband, John Strauss, was bisexual — in her memoir, The Facts of My Life, released in 2015.

In her April 2017 statement, Rae also said, “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.”

Oh, I suspected this was coming. Rest In Peace, Mrs. Garrett. :(

Oh no. :(

RIP our beloved housemother.

RIP Charlotte.

Sad to hear this!!:( RIP Charlotte Rae /Mrs. Garrett !

:rip: Mrs. G!!!

Very sad. May she RIP. :rip: :crying:

Oh gosh...so sorry to hear our Mrs. Garrett has gone from all of us...but 92 years, wow, what an accomplished life. RIP Ms. Rae, and thank you so much for all the years of laughter, warmth, and memories. You were a fantasy confidante figure for so many of us.

Moderators, please adjust the first sentence of this post so it begins "Charlotte" instead of "harlotte".

I wonder where the source of this obituary got some of their "facts" from, though. It is known Ms. Rae did not propose the DS spin-off, the producers proposed it; indeed, Ms. Rae was hesitant and unsure of trying it at first.

Also, The Facts of Life never had an AIDS episode; surprisingly, one of what seems few '80s sitcoms to not have tackled that subject.

Oh gosh...so sorry to hear our Mrs. Garrett has gone from all of us...but 92 years, wow, what an accomplished life. RIP Ms. Rae, and thank you so much for all the years of laughter, warmth, and memories. You were a fantasy confidante figure for so many of us.

Definitely! :crying:


Moderators, please adjust the first sentence of this post so it begins "Charlotte" instead of "harlotte".

Yes, please.


I wonder where the source of this obituary got some of their "facts" from, though. It is known Ms. Rae did not propose the DS spin-off, the producers proposed it; indeed, Ms. Rae was hesitant and unsure of trying it at first.

Also, The Facts of Life never had an AIDS episode; surprisingly, one of what seems few '80s sitcoms to not have tackled that subject.

I noticed those errors as well, but in my sadness, I didn't even bother to bring them up.

By the time the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic had gained media attention, FOL was no longer tackling most serious subjects, and had become a show that focused mainly on Twilight Zone parodies and musical guests of the week. What FOL would have tackled during the first six seasons was mostly avoided during the last few.

Oh no. So sad. Such a wonderful woman. R.I.P. Mrs. Garrett. :(

I noticed those errors as well, but in my sadness, I didn't even bother to bring them up.

Well, I was kind of insulted for her that an obituary for her would have errors in it. Knowing many people will read it who are casual fans, or just curious to check, will see this and believe things that are not true. I just want to set the "facts" straight (I got an A+ in Mr. Gideon's class).


By the time the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic had gained media attention, FOL was no longer tackling most serious subjects, and had become a show that focused mainly on Twilight Zone parodies and musical guests of the week. What FOL would have tackled during the first six seasons was mostly avoided during the last few.

People are often too quick to credit Designing Women with first tackling AIDS on sitcoms, but to my knowledge, Mr. Belvedere was the first '80s sitcom to tackle it; season 2's "Wesley's Friend", which aired January 31, 1986. I remember seeing that in its original airing when I was a kid.

Well, I was kind of insulted for her that an obituary for her would have errors in it. Knowing many people will read it who are casual fans, or just curious to check, will see this and believe things that are not true. I just want to set the "facts" straight (I got an A+ in Mr. Gideon's class).

I agree that it's egregious to get facts wrong in an obituary... or even in a news story about someone's death. We know what Mr. Gideon would say.


People are often too quick to credit Designing Women with first tackling AIDS on sitcoms, but to my knowledge, Mr. Belvedere was the first '80s sitcom to tackle it; season 2's "Wesley's Friend", which aired January 31, 1986. I remember seeing that in its original airing when I was a kid.

I'm sure I saw it, too, but Mr. Belvedere never had the same influence on me as FOL (I never wanted to become a butler, but shows like HOTC and FOL helped make me realize I wanted to be a teacher). Mrs. Garrett's life lessons will live on with all of us who watched the show.

My thoughts are with her family and friends right now. About now, I bet there are many very sad Eastland girls. :(:(:(:(:(:(:(:(

So sad! R.I.P. Mrs. G

Wow RIP! I wonder if her funeral will be televised like a lot of other legends in the entertainment industry? I wonder if we'll see all of the girls together there?

Rest In Peace. :(

I wonder if MeTV will do some sort of tribute for her.

I thought it would be nice to share some celebrity and fan tributes here:

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How sweet and adorable is this? This just says everything.

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-

I wonder if MeTV will do some sort of tribute for her.
I hope Nick at Nite does, after all the money they made from FOL over the years. NBC should, too, since FOL helped save the entire network.

Thanks, '80s, for the Twitter updates.

I hope Nick at Nite does, after all the money they made from FOL over the years. NBC should, too, since FOL helped save the entire network.

I don't see them doing anything, simply because when sitcom TV icons pass, it always seems the nostalgic channels like ME, Antenna, etc. do the marathon tributes.


Thanks, '80s, for the Twitter updates.

It's lovely seeing this love for her.

I hope Nick at Nite does, after all the money they made from FOL over the years. NBC should, too, since FOL helped save the entire network.

Thanks, '80s, for the Twitter updates.

Is there anything from the other cast members?

Is there anything from the other cast members?

Not that I've seen so far, but I've been checking around to see if I see any others.

Not that I've seen so far, but I've been checking around to see if I see any others.

I don’t see anything from Nancy yet.

At least she will never have to suffer again. Rest easy Charlotte!

I'm really upset by this one too. :(

Loved Charlotte. She was great as Mrs. Garrett. A true legend. RIP.


I hope that Logo or METV do a tribute marathon. Preferably METV because they can show both FOL and Different Strokes.

I don't see them doing anything, simply because when sitcom TV icons pass, it always seems the nostalgic channels like ME, Antenna, etc. do the marathon tributes.

Oh, I wasn't talking about a marathon tribute, I just meant a tribute. But of course a marathon would be awesome.

Today did a nice piece (https://www.today.com/popculture/charlotte-rae-remembered-mrs-garrett-facts-life-dies-92-t135058) this morning. I'd like to see a special, though. We'll see.


It's lovely seeing this love for her.

It sure is! :crying:

Just a few months shy of the 40th anniversary of the debut of Mrs. Garrett on "Diff'rent Strokes." :(

My heart is heavy and full of tears when I heard on the radio this morning that Mrs. Garrett passed away this morning.

I knew she was ill for a while, but it hurts that she is gone. It aches.


Thank you so much, Charlotte Rae, for all the years of laughter and lessons you taught us. We will never forget you. :crying:

I didn't have the chance to see her when I watched the tapings of "Facts" in 1987, as she had already left the show, but her presence was always there. And always will be.

My heart is heavy and full of tears when I heard on the radio this morning that Mrs. Garrett passed away this morning.

I knew she was ill for a while, but it hurts that she is gone. It aches.


Thank you so much, Charlotte Rae, for all the years of laughter and lessons you taught us. We will never forget you. :crying:

I didn't have the chance to see her when I watched the tapings of "Facts" in 1987, as she had already left the show, but her presence was always there. And always will be.

You went to a taping? What was that like?

It still hasn't fully hit me yet that she's really gone.

Just a few months shy of the 40th anniversary of the debut of Mrs. Garrett on "Diff'rent Strokes." :(

It would have been cool for her to have seen that. I'm sure there will be a lot of media buzz at that time.

Todd Bridges is the last original cast member of DS who is still alive, now.

Goodbye, Charlotte...you are going to be missed... :( :( :(

She was a great actress...It's sad that she had cancer.

Rest in peace.

She was a great actress...It's sad that she had cancer.

Twice. But at least she beat the pancreatic cancer!

NBC.com (https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/tv/charlotte-rae-mrs-garrett-facts-life-dies-92-n897841) ran a piece today, which reads in part:


Mrs. Garrett, often called "Mrs. G," became so popular that in August 1979, she got her own series, becoming housemother to the girls in a dormitory at the fictional Eastland School. Among the actors playing her wards were Fields, Dana Plato, Nancy McKeon and Lisa Whelchel, all of whom became stars.

To give the popular student characters more air time, producers of the show, which was a surprise hit for NBC, struck upon the idea of making Mrs. Garrett the school dietitian and having the girls, through a series of misadventures, compelled to live with her out of the dormitory. Several other characters, including a student played by Molly Ringwald, were dropped from the cast.

As the girls approached graduation age, producers found another way to keep them together and to keep the show — by then NBC's top-rated prime time comedy — on the air: Mrs. G. opened her own food shop, taking with her four of her most popular co-stars, her motherly but relatable guidance — and a curious susceptibility to falling into serious-topic "Very Special Episodes."


NBC of all media companies should know Dana Plato was never Mrs. G's charge on TFOL.

Wow, it really was NBC's top-rated sitcom for '83-'84---at #24! lol


and a curious susceptibility to falling into serious-topic "Very Special Episodes."

Umm, not by the time they left Eastland, no.

Kim Fields Twitter page. She has a bunch of photos up.

https://twitter.com/KimVFields

Kim Fields Twitter page. She has a bunch of photos up.

https://twitter.com/KimVFields

Thanks Mr. T, she has some great ones up.

Kim Fields Twitter page. She has a bunch of photos up.

https://twitter.com/KimVFields

Thanks, Mr. Television!

...And one of those photos looks very familiar, eh '80s? ;)

Thanks, Mr. Television!

...And one of those photos looks very familiar, eh '80s? ;)

hahaha ikr?? :lol: I almost said in my message above, "And she posted a picture of ME! :D", but then modesty overtook me, lol.

hahaha ikr?? :lol: I almost said in my message above, "And she posted a picture of ME! :D", but then modesty overtook me, lol.

I'm sad I didn't receive the same recognition. ;)

I'm sad I didn't receive the same recognition. ;)

lol, maybe Julie Pie will share your photo someday! ;)

Twice. But at least she beat the pancreatic cancer!

I didn't know she had pancreatic cancer as well...when was this?

All I know is that I know people who are cancer survivors...and cancer victims.

A few weeks ago, I lost a friend to cancer...he used to play the drums in our church band. He was only 63.

I didn't know she had pancreatic cancer as well...when was this?

All I know is that I know people who are cancer survivors...and cancer victims.

A few weeks ago, I lost a friend to cancer...he used to play the drums in our church band. He was only 63.

Sorry for the loss of your friend.

I didn't know she had pancreatic cancer as well...when was this?

She was 84 at the time. Full story, in Charlotte's own words, here (https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/pancreatic-cancer/how-actress-charlotte-rae-survived-pancreatic-cancer/).


All I know is that I know people who are cancer survivors...and cancer victims.

A few weeks ago, I lost a friend to cancer...he used to play the drums in our church band. He was only 63.

So sorry for your loss, Cleveland.

This one stings a lot. The Facts of Life is the first sitcom, show, I ever like. Charlotte was incredible in this series. She brought so much class to the show. I remember interviews of her saying how the writers wanted to use jokes about certain populations of people, like gays, and she said no. She made The Facts of Life what it was which is a respectable show for everyone. I'm glad she was the one picked for this series. She was an incredible actress and person who respected everyone for who they were. I hope she's in peace and didn't suffer. Rest in peace Charlotte. You are truly missed.

Kim Fields Twitter page. She has a bunch of photos up.

https://twitter.com/KimVFields

https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/charlotte-rae-dead-92-remembered-1202895882/

Rae died Sunday afternoon at age 92 after a battle with cancer, two days after a Facts of Life reboot (https://deadline.com/2018/08/the-facts-of-life-reboot-leonardo-dicaprio-appian-way-jessica-biel-in-talks-produce-1202439672/) was reported to be in the works. Rae played Mrs. Garrett from 1978 to 1986 on Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life. Her housekeeper character on Diff'rent Strokes proved to be so popular that after 1 1/2 seasons, she left to star in the spinoff The Facts of Life as the house mother at an all-girls' boarding school. The Facts of Life stars were quick to pay tribute on Sunday night. "You all already know my heart is heavy yet.... sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears... and yeah, smiles," tweeted Kim Fields. "she was my champion, a teacher, a proud example of the tenacity and perseverance needed to live an actor’s life," added Mindy Cohn. "i love you char. i will continue to make you proud." Meanwhile, Diff'rent Strokes' Todd Bridges tweeted: "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."

ALSO:
Charlotte Rae was born one day after Queen Elizabeth II (https://imgur.com/a/wgjl0Sg)
Watch Rae's extensive interview with the TV Academy (https://interviews.televisionacademy.com/interviews/charlotte-rae)

Rest in Peace Mrs. Garrett

I don’t see anything from Nancy yet.


I don't think she gets in the spotlight anymore, even for a cast member's passing. When Alex Rocco passed away, I didn't see anything from her. It was odd because just before his passing, she mentioned in the Paley interview he is her father and how they're in a trivia game because he's played her father on multiple projects. I was surprise she didn't say anything about his passing. If she doesn't comment on Charlotte's passing, I wouldn't be surprise. I think since she became a mom, she really wants out of the spotlight.

I don't think she gets in the spotlight anymore, even for a cast member's passing. When Alex Rocco passed away, I didn't see anything from her. It was odd because just before his passing, she mentioned in the Paley interview he is her father and how they're in a trivia game because he's played her father on multiple projects. I was surprise she didn't say anything about his passing. If she doesn't comment on Charlotte's passing, I wouldn't be surprise. I think since she became a mom, she really wants out of the spotlight.

That makes sense.

Im so happy Julie, as the only lost girl real active on social media, posted about Charlotte. So sweet they got to see each other recently. Julie forever!

This one stings a lot. The Facts of Life is the first sitcom, show, I ever like. Charlotte was incredible in this series. She brought so much class to the show.

That she did. She also taught so many of us lessons.


I remember interviews of her saying how the writers wanted to use jokes about certain populations of people, like gays, and she said no.

What a class act! And it really shows, from the very first episode.

Kim has always said the same thing: here she was, a minority who originally didn't feel she belonged. During the audition process, she wondered what she was doing there. And yet, this was a show which welcomed everyone. Charlotte was a big reason why that was the case.

Im so happy Julie, as the only lost girl real active on social media, posted about Charlotte. So sweet they got to see each other recently. Julie forever!

Just saw this (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2279168702111836&id=155643731131021)! Thanks Lorimar! :)

Thank you so much for your outpouring of love. Though on the show for awhile, Charlotte’s motherly love and sparkling personality is evident in just a few of these fond memories ...

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p240x240/38729529_2279168615445178_2742025615619129344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=408df54bc3bfcf37236d1270fb207537&oe=5C08CBDD
(https://www.facebook.com/155643731131021/photos/pcb.2279168702111836/2279168612111845/?type=3)https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p240x240/38633666_2279168638778509_1019098535640956928_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=9195e1ac0fa319117338a52701ffb96e&oe=5C04B33E
(https://www.facebook.com/155643731131021/photos/pcb.2279168702111836/2279168635445176/?type=3)https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p240x240/38768504_2279168652111841_2045211985531895808_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=4adf28ac61c575fda10e1af34ecd5ce4&oe=5BD17F92
(https://www.facebook.com/155643731131021/photos/pcb.2279168702111836/2279168648778508/?type=3)

Just saw this (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2279168702111836&id=155643731131021)! Thanks Lorimar! :)

Yes me too! So happy she seems to still love her FOL family and has no ill feelings at all.

Sad news. We are really losing that generation at a rapid pace.

Just saw her on DS this morning--not knowing she was gone. She came off as a genuinely nice person, no matter the role.

RIP Charlotte Rae.

Im so happy Julie, as the only lost girl real active on social media,

Hey, Molly's active! :)


Just saw this! Thanks Lorimar!

Thanks "Lorimar"? :confused:

Hey, Molly's active! :)

Haha true but she's distanced herself from FOL

Sad news. We are really losing that generation at a rapid pace.

Just saw her on DS this morning--not knowing she was gone. She came off as a genuinely nice person, no matter the role.

RIP Charlotte Rae.

What does DS stand for again?

Haha true but she's distanced herself from FOL


She's been making peace with it the last few years though, with Watch What Happens Live, and her video message to Charlotte on The Hallmark Channel for the 2-hour celebration of Charlotte's 90th birthday (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=374200) in 2016. I'm still keeping an eye out for a possible tribute.

What does DS stand for again?

Diff'rent Strokes

What does DS stand for again?

Different Strokes

Different Strokes

"Different Strokes" was never a show. "Diff'rent Strokes" was. :p

(sorry to pick on ya, haha...all in good fun)

But because of the negative connotation of the name, I would never have called a show that! I'm glad FOL's name is a comforting title.

Thank you both. My memory was fuzzy for a minute and I apologize for that.

"Different Strokes" was never a show. "Diff'rent Strokes" was. :p

(sorry to pick on ya, haha...all in good fun)

But because of the negative connotation of the name, I would never have called a show that! I'm glad FOL's name is a comforting title.
Haha! I typed that actually, but it must have been auto corrected!

Thanks "Lorimar"? :confused:

Yes, silly! You copied her first post. After Lorimar's comment, I checked again, and saw a second post, which I linked. which is why I thanked him. I thanked you earlier (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=5399923&postcount=20), '80s! :lol:

Thank you both. My memory was fuzzy for a minute and I apologize for that.

No worries! If you haven't watched many episodes of DS or FOL, you're bound to not know all the abbreviations.

Some of us have been watching those shows since the 1980s. And other folks here weren't even born in the 1980s. No shame in that! We come together for our love of these shows, these actors, and these characters.

Charlotte Rae was so loved for the love she projected to us, through the TV screen, as Mrs. Garrett on two different shows: DS and FOL.

She's been making peace with it the last few years though, with Watch What Happens Live, and her video message to Charlotte on The Hallmark Channel for the 2-hour celebration of Charlotte's 90th birthday (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=374200) in 2016. I'm still keeping an eye out for a possible tribute.

She has, and I hope we see something from her. I think we will. I want more than a brief "happy birthday" and a short interview... that's not enough over a 30 year period... actually, longer if you add in the 1986 interview where she said going back for one episode was her worst job ever.

Sad to hear of Charlotte’s passing. ☹️😢

She is the first major cast member from FOL to pass. A few minor characters had already passed but all the main ones were still with us until now.

Oh, no! So sorry to hear this news! RIP Charlotte Rae

Yes, silly! You copied her first post. After Lorimar's comment, I checked again, and saw a second post, which I linked. which is why I thanked him. I thanked you earlier (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=5399923&postcount=20), '80s! :lol:


Haha! No, I wasn't jonesing for credit! :lol: I just meant I wasn't sure why he got credit from you since I didn't see any evidence that he shared that news with you, lol. :p But I see what you mean now, lol.

It's so nice to see people stopping here to pay their respects to Charlotte.

And I hadn't realized, her birthday was on Earth Day, April 22nd. How very befitting that is, as she portrayed such a warm, loving, maternal "earth mother" for hundreds of thousands (millions?) of us for so many years in broadcast, syndication, and DVDs.

A comment from Fairuza Balk. I had no idea Charlotte was her friend. I'm a big fan of Disney's 1985 cult film Return to Oz, so it's nice to see her share in the love for Charlotte.

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Thoughts from season 5 guest star Larry Wilmore, who played a Peekskill cop---his first role on TV.

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Okay, I'm not an Andy fan (not a hater, just not a fan), but it's touching to see Mackenzie Astin paying tribute as well. Just look at Charlotte and Mackenzie in this photo. If he had nothing else from that show, just the sweet connection in this photo alone would have been worth every hour he was on that set. I bet he cherishes it now. I know I would.

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What beautiful words from Mackenzie Astin. Okay, I have a whole new respect for him now...

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I still haven't fully processed yet that she's gone; it's so hard to believe, since she's been around all my life. I've had a few moments where it's almost really sunk in, but it still hasn't "hit" me yet. I think part of it is being around this board just keeps her alive.

A comment from Fairuza Balk. I had no idea Charlotte was her friend. I'm a big fan of Disney's 1985 cult film Return to Oz, so it's nice to see her share in the love for Charlotte.

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I wasn't aware of a Charlotte-Fairuza connection, either. But how cool! I loved that film, too.

I wasn't aware of a Charlotte-Fairuza connection, either. But how cool! I loved that film, too.

It was very intense for kids back in the day. I vividly remember being intimidated/scared in parts of it, but in a fun, memorable way.

Oh! Of course! I just now remembered that Charlotte and Fairuza co-starred together on The Disney Channel's The Worst Witch! I had heard of it for years, but never saw it until last year when I finally watched it on YouTube. It's cute, definitely worth a viewing in October.

It was very intense for kids back in the day. I vividly remember being intimidated/scared in parts of it, but in a fun, memorable way.

Oh! Of course! I just now remembered that Charlotte and Fairuza co-starred together on The Disney Channel's The Worst Witch! I had heard of it for years, but never saw it until last year when I finally watched it on YouTube. It's cute, definitely worth a viewing in October.

I'll have to check it out, then. In October!

The scene with the heads was nightmare fuel for me. Still loved that movie.

What beautiful words from Mackenzie Astin. Okay, I have a whole new respect for him now...

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Wow that's so beautiful. :(

The scene with the heads was nightmare fuel for me. Still loved that movie.

Hahaha! :lol: Yes, Mombi's heads, "Cabinet 31", and the Powder of Life---that was SO intense watching that as a kid!

And yet, I'm so glad they stuck to the feel of the original material and didn't "musical it up" (nothing against WoO, I just love that they kept this one so aligned with the books).

Wow that's so beautiful. :(

Isn't it though, Mr. T? I hadn't expected anyone to compose a "personal essay" of what it meant to know Charlotte. I love the childlike honesty he recalls at being hugged by her, and how squishy she was, "cookie dough squishy"...something we can all imagine, or recall from similar ladies from our youth.

Warmth, love, safety...[sigh]...so sweet of him to write and share this.

Her warm, smiling face in those opening credits for 7 seasons...1979 - 1986...

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2 more memories from our "Sue Ann"...

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MeTV will be doing a tribute to Charlotte Rae this Sunday.

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2018/08/tca-summer-2018-press-tour-cbs-and.html?m=1

MeTV will be doing a tribute to Charlotte Rae this Sunday.

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2018/08/tca-summer-2018-press-tour-cbs-and.html?m=1

As of now, only for one hour. :(

As of now, only for one hour. :(

It’s like a "best of" the actress and not an actual marathon itself.

2 more memories from our "Sue Ann"...

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Awww! She shared "Buddies Forever"!

by tomorow i m going to own all the mis garrett episodes on dvd going wit to get the last two

Awww! She shared "Buddies Forever"!

"Right! Pals to the end!"

Sue Ann ---> :cheers: <--- Cindy

(with root beer, lol---*clink!*)

She was a dear lady. I will always love Mrs. G.

And ya know what, tlc? She will always love you. :)

"Right! Pals to the end!"

Sue Ann ---> :cheers: <--- Cindy

(with root beer, lol---*clink!*)
*clink* indeed!

*clink* indeed!

(also, there's no smiley with two figures hugging, so that's the closest I could get, lol)

How sweet and adorable is this? This just says everything.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/attachment.php?attachmentid=230301&stc=1&d=1533563943

-

This made my day.

"clink", even! ;) :p
Why, whatever do you mean????? ;)

(also, there's no smiley with two figures hugging, so that's the closest I could get, lol)

I actually thought it was great, and in the spirit of Sue Ann and Cindy.
Though considering the episode, this might have been a better fit, for a while: :argue:

I actually thought it was great, and in the spirit of Sue Ann and Cindy.
Though considering the episode, this might have been a better fit, for a while: :argue:

Hahaha!

Mrs. Garrett: "And at night, they're falling :sleep2: while doing their :read: !"

lol (though I always picture them writing in notebooks while glancing at textbooks, not just reading)

Hahaha!

Mrs. Garrett: "And at night, they're falling :sleep2: while doing their :read: !"

lol (though I always picture them writing in notebooks while glancing at textbooks, not just reading)

That's a pretty accurate depiction!

But eventually, it became this:

:boxing:

This made my day.

Right, Babalu? Such a perfect memory to share.

That's a pretty accurate depiction!

But eventually, it became this:

:boxing:

Hahaha, yep...but thank goodness it ended with :clap::clap: !

Something I've not seen mentioned in any news of Charlotte's passing is that her career included a brief stint on Sesame Street.

In season 3 (1971 - 1972) she played a black-haired Molly the Mail Lady (did they fear children would be afraid of her red hair? lol). She was 1 of 6 new human cast members to join the show that season, and 1 of 4 to be gone by the next season.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/f/f9/Molly_mail_carrier.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180415111827

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/a/ad/Charlotte_Rae%2C_Bob_McGrath%2C_Daren_R._Dochterman_cropped.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20180807133940

Here's a tweet from Sesame Street's official Twitter account:

https://mobile.twitter.com/sesamestreet/status/1026944576257449985

Todd Bridges on Death of 'Diff'rent Strokes' Co-Star Charlotte Rae: "I'm the Last One Left" (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/todd-bridges-death-diffrent-strokes-star-charlotte-rae-1132779)

11:42 AM PDT 8/7/2018 by Seth Abramovitch

Says the actor: "When I hung up the phone, I just broke down. That's hard to deal with. It's really sad and emotional. I had one piece left from that show."

For a generation of latchkey kids growing up in the 1980s, Charlotte Rae was more than just a sitcom actress. Her Edna Garrett was a surrogate maternal figure, raising her teenaged wards — first as a housekeeper on Diff'rent Strokes, then as a prep school administrator on its spinoff The Facts of Life — with a firm, if frazzled, hand.

But for Todd Bridges, who played Willis on Strokes, Rae — who died Aug. 5 at 92 — was no surrogate. She was the same nurturing and ebullient woman who appeared on the screen.

"She was always so bright and bubbly and had so much energy," recalls Bridges, now 53. "So much energy that we almost didn’t know how to deal with her. It was almost as if every time was the first time she was acting — that’s how excited she was."

Bridges is now the sole surviving member of the show's core cast. Conrad Bain, who played his wealthy adoptive father Mr. Drummond, died after a stroke in 2013 at age 89. Bridges' TV siblings are deceased as well: Gary Coleman was 43 when he died in 2010 of an epidural hematoma, while Dana Plato fatally overdosed on painkillers in 1999 when she was 34.

"I had a hard time last night when I learned about Charlotte," says Bridges. "When I hung up the phone, I just broke down. I'm the only one left. That's hard to deal with. It's really sad and emotional. I had one piece left from that show. Now I'm the only castmember left."

Later that night, Bridges got another call — from longtime friend Kim Fields, who played Tootie on The Facts of Life. "She knew I'd be tore up," he says. "She knew I was close to Charlotte, and she knew I'd be emotional because I was the last one."

Rae left NBC's Strokes after just two seasons to star in Facts of Life for the same network in 1979 — what was originally envisioned as a spinoff for Plato. "I think they wanted somebody a lot more stable to ground Dana, and Charlotte was a lot more stable," Bridges recalls. (Unlike Bridges, Plato's struggles with drug and alcohol addiction began while the show was still in production, not after it was canceled.) After shooting the pilot, the network decided that Plato would return to Diff'rent Strokes and Life became a vehicle for Rae.

"We were sad to lose Charlotte," says Bridges. But the shows filmed side-by-side on the same studio lot and so he "got to do a lot of crossover episodes."

During Strokes' run, Bridges, whose father was an alcoholic, saw Bain and Rae step in as parental figures. The two elder actors even got involved when a director grew abusive. "Dana and I were just 12 years old when the show started," says Bridges. "And this director was just so mean to us. He would scream at us and make us cry." After Rae and Bain complained to producers, the director was fired.

Long after the show ended, Bridges' TV guardians remained in his life, even as he was ravaged by crack and meth addiction in his 20s — serving nine months in prison for the shooting death of a drug dealer for which he was later exonerated.

"When I was going through my stuff, she was there. She and Conrad were both very much trying to get ahold of me and trying to do anything they could to help me. Charlotte came to see me when I was in jail. So did Conrad — he came a bunch of times, and so did Kim Fields," Bridges says.

"It’s like losing a grandmother," he says of Rae, whom he last spoke to one month ago. "It's losing somebody who cared about you. Not because you were on a show with them, but because they genuinely sincerely cared about you as a human being."

-

Here's a tweet from Sesame Street's official Twitter account:

https://mobile.twitter.com/sesamestreet/status/1026944576257449985

Thanks Mikaela, here's an image of the Tweet, below:

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/a/ad/Charlotte_Rae%2C_Bob_McGrath%2C_Daren_R._Dochterman_cropped.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20180807133940

-

Thanks Mikaela, here's an image of the Tweet, below:

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/a/ad/Charlotte_Rae%2C_Bob_McGrath%2C_Daren_R._Dochterman_cropped.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20180807133940

-

You're welcome '80sSitcoms.

Although, from the Todd Bridges article, this is very interesting:


-------------------

Rae left NBC's Strokes after just two seasons to star in Facts of Life for the same network in 1979 — what was originally envisioned as a spinoff for Plato. "I think they wanted somebody a lot more stable to ground Dana, and Charlotte was a lot more stable," Bridges recalls. After shooting the pilot, the network decided that Plato would return to Diff'rent Strokes and Life became a vehicle for Rae.

-------------------

Hmmmmm...I've never heard this anywhere else, and I would have to check my FOL pages at home from Charlotte's book to see if she mentioned Plato connection, but I don't recall any such thing. Of course, all the TV documentaries say it was created as a vehicle for Charlotte; that was the whole point of FOL, to spin her off away from DS into her own starring series.

Lisa Whelchel Remembers 'Facts of Life' Star Charlotte Rae: "We Were a Family" (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lisa-whelchel-remembers-facts-life-star-charlotte-rae-1132825)

12:33 PM PDT 8/7/2018 by Lisa Whelchel, as told to Seth Abramovitch

The actress, who played Blair on the comedy, remembers the series matriarch, who died Aug. 5 at age 92.

I was a teenager when I first met Charlotte Rae. At 16 is when you’re individuating from authority, and so I think the first couple years of our relationship I was a bit rebellious. I would play practical jokes and I think I drove her crazy. Keep in mind I was older than the other Facts of Life girls. They were in the tutoring trailer and I was on set with the stand-ins. Between 12 and 16 there really is a big difference. Sixteen is when you think you know everything. We laughed in the later years about our dynamic.

But we were friends for almost 40 years. The last time we spent some time together, I really got to experience more of what most people presumed our relationship to be. And as I’ve gotten older, I learned to really appreciate so much of the wisdom that she had, wisdom that really came from life experience. I'm 55 now. The last time I saw her I was probably as old as she was when I first met her. There was a real coming home in our last meeting.

We were kids and we really didn’t take it that seriously, and she was a serious actor. Looking back, I missed out on learning from her — but I was too immature to know that at the time. It was in the last 25 years that my relationship with Charlotte was a real, vulnerable, authentic meeting of two people. At that point, I had already gone through some stuff, and she’s gone through a lot in her life. And when you’re a kid and haven’t really gone through stuff, it’s hard to meet at common places.

I reached out to the other stars of the show about Charlotte's passing. What was most meaningful to me in processing this is realizing that we were a little family. Especially when you grow up together — and she was such a big part of those growing-up years — we need each other right now to process this. We will make an effort to reunite. I’m doing my best to make it to the memorial service. Hopefully the others will, too. But we’ve also talked about that, if we can’t, we can get together on our own and memorialize her from our little Hollywood-stage-family perspective.

And now there's a Facts of Life reboot on the way. I didn’t know that was coming. There was talk of one happening over the years, but this was the first time it seemed like there was some legitimacy to the conversation. Even so, when I first heard about it I thought, "Really? Is this real news?" With Leonardo DiCaprio producing it?" That almost sounds too ludicrous to even think it’s real.

But it’s wonderful. They are timeless characters, and it captures a timeless period in every person’s life. When you’ve got those two components, I think it’s going to be cross-generational. I do think there’s something about relationships that you have as children, when the heart is most malleable, that the imprint is most lasting. That’s one enduring aspect of the show.

And we all just long to belong. And here we are, four girls and a mother figure. Everybody wishes that they have that sense of belonging. A lot of times we live vicariously through things we don’t have.

-

Another Julie P. memory...

-

And from Lisa...

-

I wonder if Nancy isn’t on social media.

I wonder if Nancy isn’t on social media.

She may have become very private. She hasn't Tweeted in almost 5 years, and I don't see a Facebook account for her.

She may have become very private. She hasn't Tweeted in almost 5 years, and I don't see a Facebook account for her.

I bet she left Twitter.

Rest In peace, Edna Garrett. That is four of the original cast members of Diff'rent
Strokes gone now.

Man these articles are getting to me. :(

Something I've not seen mentioned in any news of Charlotte's passing is that her career included a brief stint on Sesame Street.

In season 3 (1971 - 1972) she played a black-haired Molly the Mail Lady (did they fear children would be afraid of her red hair? lol). She was 1 of 6 new human cast members to join the show that season, and 1 of 4 to be gone by the next season.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/f/f9/Molly_mail_carrier.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20180415111827

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/a/ad/Charlotte_Rae%2C_Bob_McGrath%2C_Daren_R._Dochterman_cropped.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/300?cb=20180807133940
I probably watched her then. I wish I could remember.

Rest In peace, Edna Garrett. That is four of the original cast members of Diff'rent
Strokes gone now.

As you say, the Diff'rent Strokes cast has been decimated. We're so lucky to have only lost a few members of the Facts of Life cast. Which is weird; they were on at roughly the same time.

My god. Lisa has barely aged a day in that photo. All the Eastland girls look good, but Lisa looks virtually unchanged in 30 years. It's Dorian Grey levels of unchangedness. What's her secret?

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/attachment.php?attachmentid=230452&stc=1&d=1533758779

Another Julie P. memory...

-
The cool replacement grandfather clock did another photobomb! :lol:

I probably watched her then. I wish I could remember.

There should be clips of her as Molly the Mail Lady online; there is footage of her as this character on the first of the three Sesame Street: Old School DVD sets (which, as a Jim Henson/old school PBS fan, I HIGHLY recommend).

[Spoiler Alert: It seems she has the hots for Bob, lol]

As you say, the Diff'rent Strokes cast has been decimated. We're so lucky to have only lost a few members of the Facts of Life cast.


"a few"? Who?? :confused: You must be including guest stars and bit players, as the closest thing to a core cast member who's been gone (until recently) was Hugh. Usually when people refer to "the cast" of a show they're indicating the main players and sometimes also recurring ones.

My god. Lisa has barely aged a day in that photo. All the Eastland girls look good, but Lisa looks virtually unchanged in 30 years. It's Dorian Grey levels of unchangedness. What's her secret?

Two words:

Countess Calvet

;)

The cool replacement grandfather clock did another photobomb! :lol:

Hahaha! I wondered if you would comment on that! :lol:

But Julie, shame on you for cutting out Julie Anne! "Buddies Forever", indeed, hmph! :snob:

"a few"? Who?? :confused: You must be including guest stars and bit players, as the closest thing to a core cast member who's been gone (until recently) was Hugh. Usually when people refer to "the cast" of a show they're indicating the main players and sometimes also recurring ones.

I was speaking of Hugh, Charlotte, and Roger.

Two words:

Countess Calvet

;)

Hahaha!

Then why aren't they all wearing it!!!!??? It takes off 30 years!!!!

Hahaha! I wondered if you would comment on that! :lol:

But Julie, shame on you for cutting out Julie Anne! "Buddies Forever", indeed, hmph! :snob:
Clearly, she's still miffed about that "built like a school bus" comment! :lol:

Although, from the Todd Bridges article, this is very interesting:


-------------------

Rae left NBC's Strokes after just two seasons to star in Facts of Life for the same network in 1979 — what was originally envisioned as a spinoff for Plato. "I think they wanted somebody a lot more stable to ground Dana, and Charlotte was a lot more stable," Bridges recalls. After shooting the pilot, the network decided that Plato would return to Diff'rent Strokes and Life became a vehicle for Rae.

-------------------

Hmmmmm...I've never heard this anywhere else, and I would have to check my FOL pages at home from Charlotte's book to see if she mentioned Plato connection, but I don't recall any such thing. Of course, all the TV documentaries say it was created as a vehicle for Charlotte; that was the whole point of FOL, to spin her off away from DS into her own starring series.

This really deserves some closer fact-checking. I have never heard this, either, but it might explain why Dana never did a FOL episode. Iiiinteresting.

This really deserves some closer fact-checking. I have never heard this, either, but it might explain why Dana never did a FOL episode. Iiiinteresting.
She was in the first episode.

I was speaking of Hugh, Charlotte, and Roger.
Alex Rocco too.

She was in the first episode.

She was on the DS episode "The Girls' School". This served as the backdoor pilot for FOL, but was not actually an episode of FOL.

Alex Rocco too.
I don't think '80sSitcoms would consider Alex Rocco a cast member, or even recurring, based on his earlier comments.

But yes, Alex Rocco would qualify, too, IMO. 11 episodes across an 8-season span.

She was on the DS episode "The Girls' School". This served as the backdoor pilot for FOL, but was not actually an episode of FOL.
No she was on the pilot episode Rough Housing. The whole DS cast was. She wasn't on much but she was on. They were all listed in the opening credits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDVpP7fWurA

No she was on the pilot episode Rough Housing. The whole DS cast was. She wasn't on much but she was on. They were all listed in the opening credits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDVpP7fWurA

Right you are!!! :wave: Great catch!

I was speaking of Hugh, Charlotte, and Roger.

Ahh, Mr. Perry...sorry, I was forgetting him. Sorry! owned:

Hahaha!

Then why aren't they all wearing it!!!!??? It takes off 30 years!!!!

:lol:

But it's, like, over 80 bucks per order! ;)

You do have a great point---Lisa is the SAME AGE as Charlotte was in season 1 FOL---and look at the difference! It's crazy!

Clearly, she's still miffed about that "built like a school bus" comment! :lol:

Haha! "I'll show you who's 'built like a school bus'! I'm gonna give the grandfather clock more publicity than you! 'Three Champs! Sue Ann, Mrs. Garrett, and Grandpa Clock'!"

Vindictive Julie P. photo editing: :typing:

(Just in case she reads this, I don't really think Julie P. is vindictive; this is all in good fun! lol)

This really deserves some closer fact-checking. I have never heard this, either, but it might explain why Dana never did a FOL episode. Iiiinteresting.


IFFFFFFF this is true, perhaps it was thought to make a spin-off for Plato, and carry Rae over into it? Although I couldn't see DS removing TWO of their characters, not 2/5 of their cast! lol...and everything else we've ever read of heard or seen tells us they called Charlotte over off the set and told her they were spinning her off---but, was this before or after "The Girls' School"? Hmmmmm...

I don't think '80sSitcoms would consider Alex Rocco a cast member, or even recurring, based on his earlier comments.

But yes, Alex Rocco would qualify, too, IMO. 11 episodes across an 8-season span.

Oh no, I absolutely give Mr. Rocco props. He was a definite fixture on the show, though his appearances were scattered around over several seasons. He may not have "recurred" in a regular season much of the time, but he was definitely recurring over the years, and appeared over most of the entire series to be considered a part of the cast's family, for sure; sort of like "extended cast" if you will (going beyond strictly the "core cast").

Someone like Annie, on the other hand, not so much. lol

Right you are!!! :wave: Great catch!

See Retro?? He checked! :typing: And he re-checked! :read: And he checked again! :typing: :lol:

Maybe I'll be your study buddy for the rest of the semester in Mr. Gideon's class! :D

(all in good fun my friend, I know I've kidded you with this a couple of times recently, but I know I'm not perfect, haha)

See Retro?? He checked! :typing: And he re-checked! :read: And he checked again! :typing: :lol:

Maybe I'll be your study buddy for the rest of the semester in Mr. Gideon's class! :D

(all in good fun my friend, I know I've kidded you with this a couple of times recently, but I know I'm not perfect, haha)

Haha, no worries! I've been wrong before, and I'll be wrong again! That's... kinda the nature of a message board.

Haha! "I'll show you who's 'built like a school bus'! I'm gonna give the grandfather clock more publicity than you! 'Three Champs! Sue Ann, Edna, and Grandpa Clock'!"


:lol:

Logo has a tribute FOL marathon on right now.

Also. Todd's tribute to her made me cry.

Oh no, I absolutely give Mr. Rocco props. He was a definite fixture on the show, though his appearances were scattered around over several seasons. He may not have "recurred" in a regular season much of the time, but he was definitely recurring over the years, and appeared over most of the entire series to be considered a part of the cast's family, for sure; sort of like "extended cast" if you will (going beyond strictly the "core cast").

Someone like Annie, on the other hand, not so much. lol

Thanks for the clarification. What about Miss Downes, Jenny, Emily (the fourth season student), Brenda, Alexandra, Terry (the Eastland student), Rose, Roy, or Miko?

Thanks for the clarification. What about Miss Downes, Jenny, Emily (the fourth season student), Brenda, Alexandra, Terry (the Eastland student), Rose, Roy, or Miko?

Wow! You're making me classify "15, 17" people! ;)

Roy I definitely classify as recurring. Even Princess A. I would (begrudgingly, ha) have to classify as "recurring in season 4". The ones with just 2 appearances, if I had to, I would classify as reocurring.

And Rose, well, since she makes 6 appearances, I would have to classify as recurring, but more to the point, "recurring in season 4", as she makes half of her appearances in that season (interestingly enough, the image of her is pivotal as early as season 2, in "The New Girl Part 2").

Mindy Cohns and Kim Fields Reunited to Honor Charlotte Rae (https://metv.com/stories/photos-and-video-mindy-cohn-and-kim-fields-reunited-at-charlotte-raes-memorial-service)

By: MeTV Staff
August 15, 2018, 9:56AM

On Sunday, August 12, family, friends and fans gathered for the memorial service of Charlotte Rae, who among many roles in her long career as an actress played the original den mother on The Facts of Life. Among those gathered were stars of that show, Mindy Cohn and Kim Fields, who played The Facts of Life's favorite duo Natalie and Tootie. The actresses posted a photo from their reunion to Instagram, which surely brought some cheer to those mourning the loss of Rae.

Fans of the show know that Rae was so instrumental to bringing the cast of The Facts of Life together in the first place. It was Rae who discovered Cohn and mentored her to become the snappy comedic actress who was nominated for three Young Artist Awards due to her work with Rae on The Facts of Life. Because of this deep bond, Rae's son asked Cohn to speak to honor his mother, and because Fields was there to record it, you can hear full eulogy in the videos that Cohn shared.

In her tribute, Cohn talks about how special Rae was, saying, "I loved and bragged about you so ferociously and made no apologies for doing so throughout our 40-year friendship." True to form, she also made time to add a dash of the humor that turned Rae's head all those years ago when she first found Mindy in an actual girls' school. She said with a wink to Rae for being the kind of star who saw something special in Cohn and lifted her up to find her life's purpose, "I will talk about her to everyone. I will always make time to listen to somebody who wants to tell me a story about her, which happens literally every time I am part of a company or in the audience of a theater in New York. And I will, of course, thank her when I win my Golden Globe."

-

'Facts of Life' co-stars Kim Fields and Mindy Cohn reunite for Charlotte Rae's memorial service (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/facts-life-co-stars-kim-fields-mindy-cohn-reunite-charlotte-raes-funeral-175452039.html)

Suzy Byrne
Editor, Yahoo Entertainment
Yahoo TV
August 13, 2018

As young stars of The Facts of Life, Mindy Cohn and Kim Fields learned early that “you take the good” and “you take the bad” in life. That was certainly in effect over the weekend as they said goodbye to their den mom and friend, Charlotte Rae, while leaning on each other.

The stars of the show, which ran from 1979 to 1988, were together again for Rae’s memorial service on Sunday — a week after she passed away at the age of 92. Held at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in L.A., the service was presided over by Rabbi Cantor Didi Thomas. Rae’s publicist, Harlan Boll, tells Yahoo Entertainment that there were five Facts of Life cast members there in total — also Geri Jewell, Mackenzie Astin, and Julie Piekarski — as well as the director John Bowab. Cohn and Fields spoke about Rae, who played Mrs. Garrett on the hit show, during the ceremony and Fields read notes from Lisa Whelchel as well as Todd Bridges, who worked with Rae on Diff’rent Strokes before she got the spin-off. The ceremony concluded with attendees paying tribute to Rae with the song “Unforgettable.” On Instagram, Cohn, 52, called it a “great send-off,” adding, “Happy homecoming, Char.” There are plans for a service in N.Y. in October.

Cohn made it clear that she “couldn’t have gotten thru today without” her longtime pal and former co-star Fields, 49, by her side. “Love you sis,” she wrote on a photo of them together.

Cohn, who played Natalie Green, and Fields, who portrayed Tootie Ramsey, have remained close and made a whole day of hanging out together. Despite the somber occasion, they found laughs were they could — including over the Facts of Life reboot that’s in the works, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jessica Biel producing. They even suggested their own reboot, “Women in Black.”

Fields later brought Cohn along as a surprise guest to Yvette Nicole Brown‘s birthday party at The Grove. Cohn popped out from behind Fields and gave the shocked birthday girl a big hug.

Fields and Cohn have remained tight long after The Facts of Life ended. In 2012, they appeared together on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, where they dished on working with a then-unknown George Clooney. A year before, they were with Rae, Jewell, Whelchel, and Nancy McKeon as they accepted the Pop Culture Award at the 2011 TV Land Awards show.

You’d like to think Mrs. G enjoyed their reunion at the memorial service on Sunday.

Kim Fields And Mindy Cohn Reunite For Memorial Service For ‘Facts Of Life’ Co-Star Charlotte Rae (https://www.inquisitr.com/5028729/kim-fields-and-mindy-cohn-reunite-for-memorial-service-for-facts-of-life-co-star-charlotte-rae/)

The former child stars delivered eulogies while wearing scarves belonging to their late mentor and friend.

Facts of Life stars Kim Fields and Mindy Cohn have reunited to say goodbye to their longtime co-star, Charlotte Rae. The former child stars delivered eulogies at the memorial service for the 92-year-old actress who played Mrs. Garrett on the NBC sitcom from 1979 to 1986.

One week after Charlotte Rae passed away from cardiac arrest, Kim Fields and Mindy Cohn attended a memorial service for the beloved Facts of Life star held in Los Angeles. Rae’s memorial service was presided over by Rabbi Cantor Didi Thomas and it concluded with attendees at the service singing the song “Unforgettable” in tribute to the late star, Yahoo Entertainment reports.

Cohn and Fields were reportedly the only original Facts of Life co-stars in attendance at the service. Both women delivered eulogies for their TV housemother. Cohn, who played Eastland School student Natalie Green on the NBC hit, posted a portion of her eulogy to Instagram, describing it as her “final love letter to Charlotte.”

“It was more emotional than anticipated” Cohn wrote. “I’m wearing a scarf that was Char’s. We were all gifted one from the family before the services started.”

Fields, who played Tootie Ramsey on the show, also posted a video of her remarks at Rae’s “glorious” memorial service while wearing one of the late star’s favorite scarves. You can see the Facts of Life stars as they pay tribute to Charlotte Rae.

There was reportedly no mention of fellow Facts of Life co-stars Lisa Whelchel or Nancy McKeon at the memorial service, but in an essay for the Hollywood Reporter, Whelchel, who played rich girl Blair Warner on the NBC sitcom, revealed that she had reached out to her former co-stars following Charlotte Rae’s passing.

“What was most meaningful to me in processing this is realizing that we were a little family. Especially when you grow up together — and she was such a big part of those growing-up years — we need each other right now to process this,” Whelchel wrote. ” We will make an effort to reunite. I’m doing my best to make it to the memorial service. Hopefully, the others will, too. But we’ve also talked about that, if we can’t, we can get together on our own and memorialize her from our little Hollywood-stage-family perspective.”

A few days before Charlotte Rae’s death, talk of a surprising Facts of Life reboot produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jessica Biel began making headlines. But Mindy Cohn and Kim Fields lightened up their somber day by posing together after Charlotte Rae’s memorial service to propose a new series of their own: Women in Black.

Charlotte's unfortunate passing has caused a major influx of FOL traffic on YouTube videos. My Facts videos received 139,000 views just this last week. Clearly, there is still a huge fanbase out there who loved Charlotte.

According to this Yahoo article (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/facts-life-co-stars-kim-fields-mindy-cohn-reunite-charlotte-raes-funeral-175452039.html), five Facts cast members attended the memorial service:


The stars of the show, which ran from 1979 to 1988, were together again for Rae’s memorial service on Sunday — a week after she passed away at the age of 92 (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/charlotte-rae-mrs-garrett-facts-021958457.html). Held at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary in L.A., the service was presided over by Rabbi Cantor Didi Thomas. Rae’s publicist, Harlan Boll, tells Yahoo Entertainment that there were five Facts of Life cast members there in total — also Geri Jewell, Mackenzie Astin, and Julie Piekarski — as well as the director John Bowab. Cohn and Fields spoke about Rae, who played Mrs. Garrett on the hit show, during the ceremony and Fields read notes from Lisa Whelchel as well as Todd Bridges, who worked with Rae on Diff’rent Strokes before she got the spin-off. The ceremony concluded with attendees paying tribute to Rae with the song “Unforgettable.” On Instagram, Cohn, 52, called it a “great send-off,” adding, “Happy homecoming, Char.” There are plans for a service in N.Y. in October.

According to this Yahoo article (https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/facts-life-co-stars-kim-fields-mindy-cohn-reunite-charlotte-raes-funeral-175452039.html), five Facts cast members attended the memorial service:

But why didn't all the cast members attend?

But why didn't all the cast members attend?

I don't know. There might have been enough notice. I'm a bit gutted that Lisa and Nancy didn't attend, but it's so cool that Geri and Julie did. There will be a memorial in October, and since that's with plenty of notice, I expect to see every Eastland girl and boy in attendance. Or there will be expulsions! :lol:

I don't know. There might have been enough notice. I'm a bit gutted that Lisa and Nancy didn't attend, but it's so cool that Geri and Julie did. There will be a memorial in October, and since that's with plenty of notice, I expect to see every Eastland girl and boy in attendance. Or there will be expulsions! :lol:

At least Lisa should've attended.

https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39301871_2297268893635150_7249207885664616448_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=790c91a4f43ba6e250f77794a410b732&oe=5C04CFEB


Mindy, Mackenzie, Kim's Aunt Pat, Kim, and Julie reunited once more. :)

Mindy and Kim look great!

Mindy and Kim look great!

I think they all look great!

It's also really nice to see Aunt Pat, who Kim discusses in her book. There would be no Tootie without Aunt Pat.

Three Eastland gals!

I think they all look great!

It's also really nice to see Aunt Pat, who Kim discusses in her book. There would be no Tootie without Aunt Pat.

And is that an original Eastland girl I see? ;)

And is that an original Eastland girl I see? ;)

That's right! Julie played Sue Ann.

That's right! Julie played Sue Ann.

And she looks great too!

And she looks great too!
She does! For a second, her scarf there reminded me a little bit of the little scarf she "picked up in Bergdorf's". But that scarf wasn't actually a leopard print.

She does! For a second, her scarf there reminded me a little bit of the little scarf she "picked up in Bergdorf's". But that scarf wasn't actually a leopard print.

I dig Kim's hair as well.

I dig Kim's hair as well.

Kim has often favored outrageous hairstyles. I'd say it's one of her trademarks! The red is very flattering on her.

Kim has often favored outrageous hairstyles. I'd say it's one of her trademarks! The red is very flattering on her.

Hmm... I wonder if she’s ever done it in rainbow.

Mindy, Mackenzie, Kim's Aunt Pat, Kim, and Julie reunited once more. :)


Get "Aunt Pat" outta there, and it's all good, lol :)

Nothing actually against "Aunt Pat", haha, I just mean photo-wise I prefer to see pics of Facts-only people.

Three Eastland gals!

"Natalie", "Tootie", and "Sue Ann"!

Let's remember a scene with only those three:

"You shouldn't have been there---but as long as you were, what were they saying??"

:D

I dig Kim's hair as well.

Kim has often favored outrageous hairstyles. I'd say it's one of her trademarks! The red is very flattering on her.

I disagree. I don't like these kinds of outrageous colors in people's hair. And I don't think that color looks good on her. But, c'est la vie, que sera sera...

But I do think the style looks good.

Get "Aunt Pat" outta there, and it's all good, lol :)

Nothing actually against "Aunt Pat", haha, I just mean photo-wise I prefer to see pics of Facts-only people.

But Aunt Pat is a Facts person! It was Aunt Pat who drove Kim in to the studio every day. It was Aunt Pat who fed Kim her lines. It was Aunt Pat there in the audience every week. Chip Fields was performing in NYC a the time, so Aunt Pat was Kim's guardian, and the person who was keeping her grounded on the sets of "Facts". Without Aunt Pat, there would have been no Tootie on FOL. Without Aunt Pat, Kim might have gone the road of the Diff'rent Strokes cast, who were, after all, in the very same studio.

"Natalie", "Tootie", and "Sue Ann"!

Let's remember a scene with only those three:

"You shouldn't have been there---but as long as you were, what were they saying??"

:D

I believe the line is: "You had no right to eavesdrop, or even to be there. But as long as you were, what else did they say?"

But yes! :lol:

But Aunt Pat is a Facts person! It was Aunt Pat who drove Kim in to the studio every day. It was Aunt Pat who fed Kim her lines. It was Aunt Pat there in the audience every week. Chip Fields was performing in NYC a the time, so Aunt Pat was Kim's guardian, and the person who was keeping her grounded on the sets of "Facts". Without Aunt Pat, there would have been no Tootie on FOL. Without Aunt Pat, Kim might have gone the road of the Diff'rent Strokes cast, who were, after all, in the very same studio.

I can (and do) appreciate that, but when I say "Facts-only people", I mean cast members. I don't want her in the pic! :lol: Or, at least, if they could have taken another pic without her so they would also have a cast members-only photo.

By the way: that's McKenzie?!? :eek: Wow! He looks so different! (and taller! lol)

I can (and do) appreciate that, but when I say "Facts-only people", I mean cast members. I don't want her in the pic!

Well, then, here you go: Aunt Pat Fields deleted from history:

By the way: that's McKenzie?!? :eek: Wow! He looks so different! (and taller! lol)

Haha, well, he was, like, 12 when he was on FOL...

Well, then, here you go: Aunt Pat Fields deleted from history:


Hahaha, great doctoring! Okay, "Aunt Pat" can stay in that original pic now that we have a cast members-only pic. ;)

Haha, well, he was, like, 12 when he was on FOL...

But he was so small! He always seems so "underdeveloped" to me when I see him on the show, lol; maybe partly because he seemed short for a boy his age, and also, I probably felt he was like 13 or so when he first came on.

Thanks to Google, I see that he did actually develop into an average-sized man. He's apparently 5 foot 10, which is practically the average height for the American male.

I believe the line is: "You had no right to eavesdrop, or even to be there. But as long as you were, what else did they say?"

But yes! :lol:

Haha you're correct!

Haha you're correct!

No he's not! But he's close, lol. The first part of the line we quoted (there's another part she says first), which I just looked up, is actually: "You had no right to be eavesdropping, or even to be there!"

We always need to remember to check:

:typing:

re-check:

:read:

and check again!

:typing:

:lol:

But he was so small! He always seems so "underdeveloped" to me when I see him on the show, lol; maybe partly because he seemed short for a boy his age, and also, I probably felt he was like 13 or so when he first came on.

Well, you're not far off: Mack was 12 in the summer of 1985, when he was brought on board. He would have turned 16 just after the show ended.


Thanks to Google, I see that he did actually develop into an average-sized man. He's apparently 5 foot 10, which is practically the average height for the American male.

And just one inch shorter than his dad.

Well, you're not far off: Mack was 12 in the summer of 1985, when he was brought on board. He would have turned 16 just after the show ended.

Yeah, he always seemed to me he was playing at least 13, maybe 14, but he looked so "runty"; no wonder, if he was only 12.

He shot up past his brother, though; Sean's only 5'7"! (nothing against short guys, I'm just stating my surprise at little Andy from back in the day having grown taller than his brother)

Even though she had some health issues near the end, Charlotte made it to a nice age.

She will go on, to infinity, as the comforting and kind Mrs. G./Edna Garrett. RIP.

I can (and do) appreciate that, but when I say "Facts-only people", I mean cast members. I don't want her in the pic! :lol:

I like seeing Aunt Pat in the picture. The only person I wouldn't want in that picture is Warren "ten, twelve girls" Littlefield. :lol:

She will go on, to infinity, as the comforting and kind Mrs. G./Edna Garrett. RIP.

She will indeed. As long as we have the episodes to watch, we'll always have a little piece of Charlotte.

I like seeing Aunt Pat in the picture. The only person I wouldn't want in that picture is Warren "ten, twelve girls" Littlefield. :lol:

Hahaha! :lol: Not unless he was a fire-breathing Warren Littlefield? With multiple heads? lol

I get why you like seeing Aunt Pat in the picture; you know her. In the sense that you got to know her through Kim's book, anyway. I did not know her at all when I saw the pic. I was like, "Who is this woman in the middle of my Facts cast members??? And why is she here???" lol

Hahaha! :lol: Not unless he was a fire-breathing Warren Littlefield? With multiple heads? lol

Not even then!


I get why you like seeing Aunt Pat in the picture; you know her. In the sense that you got to know her through Kim's book, anyway. I did not know her at all when I saw the pic. I was like, "Who is this woman in the middle of my Facts cast members??? And why is she here???" lol

One more reason to read Kim's book... ;)

Not even then!

:lol:

I think we should start sending Christmas cards to Warren Littlemath to the NBC studios, always wishing him a "Happy 10, 12 Days of Christmas" ;)


One more reason to read Kim's book... ;)

Yeah, I'm waiting till I come across so it so I can skim through it for Facts parts:

-

:lol:
I think we should start sending Christmas cards to Warren Littlemath to the NBC studios, always wishing him a "Happy 10, 12 Days of Christmas" ;)

Haha!


Yeah, I'm waiting till I come across so it so I can skim through it for Facts parts:
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You won't have to skim for bits and pieces; there's plenty of FOL in there (about four chapters full of stuff, much of which we did not know).

You won't have to skim for bits and pieces; there's plenty of FOL in there (about four chapters full of stuff, much of which we did not know).

Yeah, Lisa's was totally a skim. It's good to know Kim was much more generous with the Facts memories. Then again, Lisa's book was a pretty small book; hopefully one day she will revisit all her memories and pen them down on paper. I look forward to "Chapter 3 - The Lost Girls" :)

Yeah, Lisa's was totally a skim. It's good to know Kim was much more generous with the Facts memories. Then again, Lisa's book was a pretty small book; hopefully one day she will revisit all her memories and pen them down on paper. I look forward to "Chapter 3 - The Lost Girls" :)

Not much Julie Anne or Molly, there, but good Felice and Julie stories.

Not much Julie Anne or Molly, there, but good Felice and Julie stories.

Oh, I was musing on Lisa's future Facts book if she wrote one, lol.

Too bad Kim skimps on my Cindy and Molly, oh well...

Not much Julie Anne or Molly, there, but good Felice and Julie stories.

Oooh nice! Hope you can paraphrase a bit of them ;)

Oooh nice! Hope you can paraphrase a bit of them ;)

I'll start a different thread so that people don't get spoiled in this one.

I'll start a different thread so that people don't get spoiled in this one.

Please do! I havn't read her book yet because financially it's not looking like a possible idea for me right now. It would be totally cool to start a Kim Field's book spoiler thread. I can't wait until you do!

I also heard that her and Nancy Mckeon used to be really close back then.

Please do! I havn't read her book yet because financially it's not looking like a possible idea for me right now. It would be totally cool to start a Kim Field's book spoiler thread. I can't wait until you do!

Okay, that thread is here (http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=374878).


I also heard that her and Nancy Mckeon used to be really close back then.

I'll include that as well.

Thanks to Gemini_89 and MikaelaArsenault for sharing in another thread Nancy's thoughts from Instagram via her hair dresser/best friend:

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Thanks to Gemini_89 and MikaelaArsenault for sharing in another thread Nancy's thoughts from Instagram via her hair dresser/best friend:

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Glad I could help.

Thanks to Gemini_89 and MikaelaArsenault for sharing in another thread Nancy's thoughts from Instagram via her hair dresser/best friend:

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So sad!

I'm glad she wrote something somewhere, even if it was from her hairdresser's best friend's roommate's cousin's Instagram account.

So sad!

I'm glad she wrote something somewhere, even if it was from her hairdresser's best friend's roommate's cousin's Instagram account.

It is sad, but her legacy will never be never be forgotten and will always live on.

I'm glad she wrote something somewhere, even if it was from her hairdresser's best friend's roommate's cousin's Instagram account.

I really am too. That makes all 4 (post-season 1) of "Mrs. Garrett's charges" accounted for. Which is only fitting.

I really am too. That makes all 4 (post-season 1) of "Mrs. Garrett's charges" accounted for. Which is only fitting.

Me three.

This is a nice picture of her from 2012.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/Charlotte_Rae_2012.jpg/533px-Charlotte_Rae_2012.jpg

Here was a bittersweet photo from Felice after Charlotte's passing (and it's even "liked' by "Cindy"...[sniff]). What a very sweet photo. Such guidance, such advice, such support for an insecure girl. I don't think you could perhaps find any other photo that truly says "Mrs. Garrett" more than this one.

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Here was a bittersweet photo from Felice after Charlotte's passing (and it's even "liked' by "Cindy"...[sniff]). What a very sweet photo. Such guidance, such advice, such support for an insecure girl. I don't think you could perhaps find any other photo that truly says "Mrs. Garrett" more than this one.

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Aww how sweet

Felice was so young, there. And so cool that it was liked by Julie Anne. :heart::heart::heart::heart:

Charlotte was truly a class act.

She will be missed.