Charlotte Rae

Charlotte Rae Lubotsky (April 22, 1926 – August 5, 2018) was a celebrated American actress and singer, best recognized for her iconic role as Edna Garrett in the beloved sitcoms Diff'rent Strokes and its successful spin-off, The Facts of Life.

Born to Russian Jewish immigrants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rae was the daughter of Esther Ottenstein, a childhood friend of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, and Meyer Lubotsky, who owned a tire retail business. She grew up with two sisters, Miriam and Beverly, who passed away in 1998.

Rae's artistic journey began early; she graduated from Shorewood High School in 1944 and immersed herself in theater and radio work, including involvement with the Wauwatosa Children's Theatre. Her passion for performance led her to Northwestern University, where she crossed paths with future stars and producers, albeit without completing her degree. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Charlotte Rae.

In 1948, she relocated to New York City, where her career blossomed in theater and nightclubs, including the Village Vanguard and the Blue Angel, sharing the stage with emerging talents like Barbra Streisand. In 1974, Rae made the move to Los Angeles, continuing to leave her mark on television and film.

Throughout her career, Rae received numerous accolades and left an indelible legacy in the entertainment industry, celebrated not just for her performances but also for her warmth and kindness.