Charlotte Rae

Date of Birth: April 22, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 5, 2018

Biography

Charlotte Rae was an American actress, comedian, and singer, best known for her iconic role as Edna Garrett in the popular sitcoms “Diff’rent Strokes” and its spin-off “The Facts of Life.” Born Charlotte Rae Lubotsky in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she grew up in a family with a rich cultural background, which heavily influenced her artistic pursuits. Rae attended Northwestern University, where she studied drama and met several future stars who would become lifelong friends. Her career began on the stages of Broadway, where she earned acclaim for her roles in various musicals and plays. Eventually, she transitioned to television, where her unique blend of warmth and wit won her legions of fans. Her portrayal of Mrs. Garrett became a beloved TV staple, and she was known for her ability to tackle serious social issues with both humor and empathy. Rae’s career spanned over six decades, and she worked in various mediums, including film, television, and theater. She was also an accomplished singer, releasing several albums throughout her career. Rae was celebrated not only for her talents but also for her resilience and positive outlook on life, even when facing personal challenges.

5 Interesting Facts about Charlotte Rae

1. Charlotte Rae was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in “The Facts of Life.”

2. She released a memoir in 2015 titled “The Facts of My Life,” co-written with her son Larry Strauss.

3. Rae had a recurring role on the popular TV series “Car 54, Where Are You?” in the early 1960s.

4. She overcame pancreatic cancer and continued acting well into her 80s.

5. Rae was a member of the first all-female comedy revue, “The Second City,” in Chicago.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charlotte Rae

1. “I want to tell everybody that I’ve had a wonderful life.”

2. “You can take the girl out of Milwaukee, but you can’t take Milwaukee out of the girl.”

3. “Don’t forget to laugh. Laughter is the best.”

4. “I always tried to be good, but I always got caught.”

5. “Life is all about change, and sometimes the changes are for the better.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Charlotte Rae’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million.

Children

Charlotte Rae had two sons with her ex-husband, composer John Strauss: Larry Strauss and Andrew Strauss. Andrew was diagnosed with autism, which Rae openly discussed to raise awareness about the condition.