Kim Fields, Black Celebs React to Death of ‘Facts of Life’ Actress Charlotte Rae
By Paula Rogo ·
Actress Charlotte Rae, best known for her role as house mother Edna Garrett on the 1980’s NBC sitcom The Facts of Life, has died. She was 92. She passed away Sunday in her Los Angeles home after a battle with bone cancer, according to the Associated Press. Rae originated the character in 1978 for the NBC comedy Diff’rent Strokes and then went on to play her for seven seasons on the show’s spin-off, The Facts of Life. She was a two-time nominee for both the Tony and Emmy Awards. Rae’s former Facts of Life costar Kim Fields took to Twitter to express her sadness: “You all already know my heart is heavy yet…. sorry, no words at the moment just love and tears… and yeah, smiles…” she tweeted. Todd Bridges, who costarred with Rae on Diff’rent Strokes, also shared his sadness, adding that the actress was “loved by everyone.” Other Black celebrities—including comedian Larry Wilmore, actress Holly Robinson Pete and Broadway star Audra McDonald—also took to social media to give their condolences and express their love for Rae. Rest in peace.

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