Overview
Charlotte Rae (born Charlotte Rae Lubotsky; April 22, 1926 – August 5, 2018) was an American actress, comedian, singer, and dancer. Her career spanned six decades, during which she made significant contributions to television, film, and theater. Rae was best known for her portrayal of Edna Garrett in the sitcoms *Diff’rent Strokes* and its spin-off, *The Facts of Life*, where she starred from 1979 to 1986. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy in 1982 for her role in *The Facts of Life*. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Russian Jewish immigrant parents, Rae’s mother was a childhood friend of Golda Meir. She began her career as a stage actress and transitioned to television, appearing in numerous shows before landing her iconic role as Mrs. Garrett. She also voiced characters in animated series and appeared in films, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Charlotte Rae passed away on August 5, 2018, in Los Angeles, California, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved entertainer.