Charlotte Rae Shared the Touching Reason She Loved Being on ‘The Facts of Life' 2 Years Before Her Death
Charlotte Rae, who played Edna Garrett on The Facts of Life, opened up about her favorite part of being on the iconic series just two years before her death.
Rae, who died at 92 in 2018, first played Edna Garrett on Diff'rent Strokes in 1978 before scoring her own spinoff, The Facts of Life, which she starred on from 1979 to 1986. The beloved series chronicled the ups and downs of the all-girls Eastland School and starred Rae alongside Nancy McKeon, Kim Fields, Mindy Cohn, and Lisa Whelchel. A staple of the decade, the show continued after Rae finished her run, but many fans consider those to be the best years.
In a revealing interview before her death, Rae opened up about what she loved most about appearing on the series.
"At the book signings, a lot of grown-ups were saying that they were latch-key kids and they really related to Mrs. Garrett," Rae said during an interview with the Television Academy Foundation. "She was who they really hung on to and clung to and loved. [She was] the mother that they wish that they had around and being there and all that. And so that makes me happy that I served some service."
Where is Nancy McKeon These Days?
Nancy McKeon skyrocketed to fame on the series as tough-talking Jo Polniaczek, and she recently celebrated her 60th birthday. The beloved '80s actress, who rose to international stardom as Jo, a student who transferred to the all-girls Eastland School, became a frequent face in TV movies. When the aughts hit, she starred for several years on the police series The Division. In 2018, she took a spin on the dance floor on Dancing With the Stars.
Kari Michaelsen, who starred on another classic '80s sitcom, Gimme a Break, took to Instagram to honor McKeon with a fun birthday post that featured a variety of hilarious throwback photos from the '80s. If you're a fan of wild hairdos that likely included lots of hairspray, this might be a fun one to browse.
"Please join me to wish Nancy McKeon a VERY "Happy Birthday" 🎈Nancy, SO many Fun Memories that I cherish!! 😊😊 Have a wonderful Birthday Celebration tomorrow!! XOXO 💖🎉💖," Michaelsen captioned the reel, which showed the duo hanging out with other '80s stars, like Family Ties actress Justine Bateman.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 8:32 AM.