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The Facts of My Life
Charlotte Rae's career spans more than seventy years, from the golden age of television to Shakespeare in the Park, the New York Cabaret scene of the late 1940's and 50's to her hit series, The Facts of Life and well beyond. Off stage and screen, Charlotte's life has been one of joy and challenge, raising an autistic son, coming to terms with alcoholism, the heartache of a broken marriage, the revelation of a gay husband and the sudden challenge of facing middle-age with financial and emotional uncertainties-an crisis she ultimately turned into the determination that brought her stardom. The Facts of My Life is the first opportunity for Charlotte fans to explore the fascinating story of her extraordinary life: poignant and hilarious, a story of courage and triumph, one that speaks for a generation of women breaking barriers, taking on challenges, overcoming personal tragedy, and paving the way for others.
266 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2015
13 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Rae
2 books1 followerBest known as a character actress in television, Rae also worked in theatre & film.
She co-wrote her autobiography The Facts of My Life in 2015 with her son, Larry Strauss. She also had another son, Andrew.
Miss Rae died in Los Angeles.
She co-wrote her autobiography The Facts of My Life in 2015 with her son, Larry Strauss. She also had another son, Andrew.
Miss Rae died in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 5, 2016
I would give this book a 4.5. As you can see by the title,Charlotte Rae was Mrs. Garrett in Facts of Life. I know the first thing I remember seeing her in was Diff'rent Strokes. Soon after she was given her own show Facts of Life. This is her memoir. She started her life in Wisconsin had a pretty good childhood growing up the middle of two sisters. Went to Northwestern university where she met other soon to be actors such as Cloris Leachman and Paul Lynde. Most of this book is about her very long career that started in New York City. she appeared in many plays and was in a few tv shows. she writes about her move to Los Angeles in the 1970s. The shows she was in and of course her work in Diff'rent Strokes and Facts of Life. Charlotte Rae has mostly nice things to say about the actors and actresses, directors, she has worked with.Many becoming close friends. she has very little negative things to say about co-workers.
In her private life she talks of her husband who she was married to for over 25 years and divorced when he told her he was bi-sexual. even though they divorced she remained friendly with him. She also writes of her two sons. Larry and Andy who was diagnosed as autistic, back when almost nothing was done for those who were diagnosed with autism.{ I relate to this }.
Charlotte Rae is very honest about her life. I found her to be a very nice person who wrote a well done memoir. For those who want to read this because they grew up watching Facts of Life, she does write some about her years on the show but this is a memoir of her whole life. I liked reading this memoir by Charlotte Rae. Those who are fans of hers may like this as well.I should add that Charlotte Rae wrote this book with her son Larry Strauss who encouraged her to write her memoir.
In her private life she talks of her husband who she was married to for over 25 years and divorced when he told her he was bi-sexual. even though they divorced she remained friendly with him. She also writes of her two sons. Larry and Andy who was diagnosed as autistic, back when almost nothing was done for those who were diagnosed with autism.{ I relate to this }.
Charlotte Rae is very honest about her life. I found her to be a very nice person who wrote a well done memoir. For those who want to read this because they grew up watching Facts of Life, she does write some about her years on the show but this is a memoir of her whole life. I liked reading this memoir by Charlotte Rae. Those who are fans of hers may like this as well.I should add that Charlotte Rae wrote this book with her son Larry Strauss who encouraged her to write her memoir.
April 28, 2021
I wanted to read this book particularly because I was a huge fan of the Facts of Life, if you grew up in the 80s-90s this was the show you watched. Reading about the Mother Hen (Charlotte Rae) was amazing, coming from humble beginnings to where she is today. We all can relate and also there is something encouraging when you read a biography about people who started from the bottom up. I must say I was disappointed when she left the show but the show had changed once the girls grew up. I honestly felt rather than her leaving the show, they should have kept her with a group of new girls.
If you love retro, biographies, and watched Webster or the Facts of life you will definitely enjoy this book!
I received his ARC from Netgalley, and all my views and opinions are my own.
If you love retro, biographies, and watched Webster or the Facts of life you will definitely enjoy this book!
I received his ARC from Netgalley, and all my views and opinions are my own.
April 4, 2016
I enjoyed this autobiography by actress Charlotte Rae. It is honest, entertaining, and at times, heartbreaking. Kudos to Ms. Rae on such an accomplished career, a beautiful family and a brave book. Definitely worth a read.
October 7, 2017
I've always loved Charlotte Rae from her appearances in Diff'rent Strokes, The Facts of Life and The Worst Witch, so when I found out that she had an autobiography, I was thrilled. The book was clearly dictated to her son because it reads as a conversation which doesn't necessarily make it bad. The book focuses a lot on her stage career and less about the Facts of Life which made me a bit sad. Charlotte is a very lovely woman who had some definite hardships when growing up. All in all, I'm glad I read this book but there were definitely parts that were slightly less interesting.
January 17, 2018
A Great Actress & Great Person
I of course knew Charlotte Rae from Different Strokes and The Facts Of Life But she is so much more than that. Now in her 90’s she has a career that goes back to the Golden Age of television as well as a wide variety of work in film and on stage. Like all of us her life has had many highs and lows. But she has made it through them all with a determined will and still has a positive outlook. She is an inspiring woman with an amazing story. So much heart and warmth. A truly beautiful person.
I of course knew Charlotte Rae from Different Strokes and The Facts Of Life But she is so much more than that. Now in her 90’s she has a career that goes back to the Golden Age of television as well as a wide variety of work in film and on stage. Like all of us her life has had many highs and lows. But she has made it through them all with a determined will and still has a positive outlook. She is an inspiring woman with an amazing story. So much heart and warmth. A truly beautiful person.
October 4, 2018
Written with her son, this book is full of fascinating stories, but not with too much detail. The chapters on Different Strokes and Facts of Life were short and did not take up much space in the book and that was a bit disappointing. Her theater exploits left me wanting more about her interactions and experiences. It was a bit disjointed, but thoroughly enjoyable.
September 14, 2018
I love Charlotte Rae, but the book was basically just listing the jobs she's had and a listing of all the people she has worked with over the years. My favorite parts were the more personal ones about growing up and her family. Take out the IMDB information and you get 20 pages of biography.
January 16, 2019
A very interesting ride through the life of Charlotte Rae. Amazing all she did, and how many people she worked with as she journeyed to become a successful actress. Triumphs, but also hurts and tragedy as well. Good read for sure.
January 2, 2024
I found Charlotte's struggles with her autistic son honest and relatable. This was the highlight of the book for me although there are plenty of other antidotes about her celebrity life. It seems Charlotte knew and worked with everyone on Broadway and in Hollywood.
May 23, 2017
Great autobiography of a great lady.
August 26, 2018
Wasn’t really what I expected and slow going.
September 10, 2018
Little disjointed in some places but still a nice read.
May 17, 2025
More of a 3.5 for me
August 22, 2017
This book reads like a conversation, like you're sitting down at a kitchen table across from the author with a cup of coffee while she tells you the story of her life. It's poignant and interesting and entertaining.
January 24, 2016
What a deadly dull book this is. It's too bad because Charlotte Rae has been in some interesting productions, so you would assume she had some great stories to tell about the A-listers and character actors that she has worked with. But instead she just sticks to the "facts"--literally--and has very few actual interesting stories to share. And everything is coated in a careful gloss to not offend anyone, especially family members. Since this is co-authored by her son they have made sure to not make anyone close to them look bad (except her late older sister who seems to be unnecessarily bashed often).
The first section of the book is sluggish as she talks about her upbringing in Milwaukee and college in Chicago. She and Paul Lynde did an act together and she spills very little about his notoriously bad mouth and lifestyle. When she gets to New York City and appears in theatrical shows at least there are some names dropped that we recognize (she roomed with Cloris Leachman!) but it's hard to follow all of the minor details of her career while she avoids giving us any dirt or substantive stories. Everyone she mentions is "generous" to her and almost every actor she works with is wonderful (with the exception of a couple of the less famous that are now departed but had publicly stated they disliked her).
We know her for two things: Car 54 and The Facts of Life. If you are looking for insight into her TV work you won't find it here. There's only a paragraph or two on Car 54 (which she basically got because her husband did the music for the show), and the few pages she devotes to Facts of Life make it sound like she really didn't care for the job. She says that she had little interaction with the girls, certainly wasn't their confidant off the set, and she couldn't wait to get out of her contract even though they offered her more money. She doesn't go into any depth about this, though it sounds like she thought she should have been more of the center of the plots instead of the girls getting all the attention. What a disappointment for fans looking to get great behind-the-scenes stories.
There is way too much in the book about her autistic son and way too little about her gay husband. She feels great guilt over her son, though it's obvious that she worked too often to really spend much time with him (at times rehearsing all day on one Broadway show while appearing every night in a different show). It must have been difficult for her to raise a son with disabilities, but she does herself no favor her admitting to wanting him to die or claiming innocence while abandoning him to various institutions.
As to her husband, she seems in denial that the guy was doing anything behind her back for almost 20 years and believes that he suddenly got interested in men. It's interesting that she admits to struggling with his choice. But much of the book is her expressing guilt over not being more progressive when she was younger. She comes across as very liberal today and seems to go out of her way to assuage the guilt of the past by taking very progressive stands. Her bashing of conservatives seems out of place and unnecessary.
This book is not worth reading unless you like someone who name drops stars she worked with, shows she performed in, and minor family issues. She states the facts, but they aren't that interesting.
The first section of the book is sluggish as she talks about her upbringing in Milwaukee and college in Chicago. She and Paul Lynde did an act together and she spills very little about his notoriously bad mouth and lifestyle. When she gets to New York City and appears in theatrical shows at least there are some names dropped that we recognize (she roomed with Cloris Leachman!) but it's hard to follow all of the minor details of her career while she avoids giving us any dirt or substantive stories. Everyone she mentions is "generous" to her and almost every actor she works with is wonderful (with the exception of a couple of the less famous that are now departed but had publicly stated they disliked her).
We know her for two things: Car 54 and The Facts of Life. If you are looking for insight into her TV work you won't find it here. There's only a paragraph or two on Car 54 (which she basically got because her husband did the music for the show), and the few pages she devotes to Facts of Life make it sound like she really didn't care for the job. She says that she had little interaction with the girls, certainly wasn't their confidant off the set, and she couldn't wait to get out of her contract even though they offered her more money. She doesn't go into any depth about this, though it sounds like she thought she should have been more of the center of the plots instead of the girls getting all the attention. What a disappointment for fans looking to get great behind-the-scenes stories.
There is way too much in the book about her autistic son and way too little about her gay husband. She feels great guilt over her son, though it's obvious that she worked too often to really spend much time with him (at times rehearsing all day on one Broadway show while appearing every night in a different show). It must have been difficult for her to raise a son with disabilities, but she does herself no favor her admitting to wanting him to die or claiming innocence while abandoning him to various institutions.
As to her husband, she seems in denial that the guy was doing anything behind her back for almost 20 years and believes that he suddenly got interested in men. It's interesting that she admits to struggling with his choice. But much of the book is her expressing guilt over not being more progressive when she was younger. She comes across as very liberal today and seems to go out of her way to assuage the guilt of the past by taking very progressive stands. Her bashing of conservatives seems out of place and unnecessary.
This book is not worth reading unless you like someone who name drops stars she worked with, shows she performed in, and minor family issues. She states the facts, but they aren't that interesting.
November 14, 2015
Written with her youngest son, actress Charlotte Rae tells her life story from her Jewish childhood in Milwaukee to her current life as a 89-year-old. There are lots of interesting stories about the plays, TV shows and movies she did, with lots of names of her fellow actors and how she felt about them. While the cover of the book shows The Facts Of Life cast, only a small part of the book is about that show, because only a small part of her life was spent as Mrs. Garrett. (Not that people don't still see her as Mrs. Garrett, and get all excited when they do see her! :) Ms. Rae has been on television for over 60 years.
Along with countless stories about her acting career, she also is not shy about talking about her personal life, including dealing with a drinking problem; dealing with a husband who made a startling confession one night; and dealing with her oldest son's autism, during a time period when the majority of people had never even heard the word "autistic". The actress tells how she was so relieved and happy when a specialist finally diagnosed her son as autistic, because she thought he said her son was different because he was "artistic". The doctor had to write the word down on a piece of paper to help her understand what he was saying.
What he was saying broke her heart, too, but Ms. Rae is not one to succumb to self-pity or stupor. Well, yes, she did drink a lot during many years of her life, but she overcame her drinking problem with the help of AA. Charlotte Rae has always overcome adversity one way or another. She's dedicated, she's happy, she's positive, she's thankful.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Along with countless stories about her acting career, she also is not shy about talking about her personal life, including dealing with a drinking problem; dealing with a husband who made a startling confession one night; and dealing with her oldest son's autism, during a time period when the majority of people had never even heard the word "autistic". The actress tells how she was so relieved and happy when a specialist finally diagnosed her son as autistic, because she thought he said her son was different because he was "artistic". The doctor had to write the word down on a piece of paper to help her understand what he was saying.
What he was saying broke her heart, too, but Ms. Rae is not one to succumb to self-pity or stupor. Well, yes, she did drink a lot during many years of her life, but she overcame her drinking problem with the help of AA. Charlotte Rae has always overcome adversity one way or another. She's dedicated, she's happy, she's positive, she's thankful.
(Note: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
February 14, 2016
I found this book overall to be painful to read because of the way the information was presented. I'm sure that there were large parts of Ms. Rae's professional career that would be highly interesting to the reader but they were presented in the same manner as the everything else in the book so there were no highlights. If you are simply interested in Mrs. Garrett from Diff'rent Strokes and The Facts of Life, you won't find much here as it was a very small part of Charlotte Rae's career and a role/job that she did not particularly enjoy.
The reason I gave this three stars instead of the two I usually would award to a book like this was because of the story of her son, Andy. Andy was born with autism during a time period when there were no supports for children with special needs or their families. It was heartbreaking to read about being told to institutionalize your child and how Andy did eventually end up in state facilities, despite the best efforts of his parents to keep him at home and in the community. Andy's story was full of sadness, joy, contentment, happiness and eventually, a preventable tragedy. For this part of the book, and this part alone, it is worth reading.
The reason I gave this three stars instead of the two I usually would award to a book like this was because of the story of her son, Andy. Andy was born with autism during a time period when there were no supports for children with special needs or their families. It was heartbreaking to read about being told to institutionalize your child and how Andy did eventually end up in state facilities, despite the best efforts of his parents to keep him at home and in the community. Andy's story was full of sadness, joy, contentment, happiness and eventually, a preventable tragedy. For this part of the book, and this part alone, it is worth reading.
October 22, 2015
While I only knew that Charlotte Rae was in The Facts of Life, I had no idea the list her repertoire encompassed. She worked with just about everybody in show business!
I really learned a lot about her while reading this book. She was a very generous woman who never let all the show business go to her head. For her, it was work and she was glad to have it. She was very candor in this book and very nice. She only said bad things about two people and what she said was not that bad.
I was really glad that I requested this book and was able to read about her long road to the top, her issues with her son and her husband and just what an overall nice person she was.
I enjoyed reading this book. More trivia for the brain that can't remember why I entered a room and to know that celebrities are just people as well.
Thanks BearManor Media and Net Galley for providing me this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. If your into celebrity bio's this one will amaze you with the number of celebs this woman has worked with and I recommend it.
I really learned a lot about her while reading this book. She was a very generous woman who never let all the show business go to her head. For her, it was work and she was glad to have it. She was very candor in this book and very nice. She only said bad things about two people and what she said was not that bad.
I was really glad that I requested this book and was able to read about her long road to the top, her issues with her son and her husband and just what an overall nice person she was.
I enjoyed reading this book. More trivia for the brain that can't remember why I entered a room and to know that celebrities are just people as well.
Thanks BearManor Media and Net Galley for providing me this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. If your into celebrity bio's this one will amaze you with the number of celebs this woman has worked with and I recommend it.
October 21, 2015
I was given an electronic copy by BearManor Media and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
From her beginnings as Charlotte Rae Lubotsky, her personal and professional struggles, and her successes as an actress, Charlotte Rae has tried to live by the notion that hard work pays off in the end. Known mostly as Edna Garrett, readers of The Facts of My Life will be surprised to learn that Charlotte has had a storied career spanning several decades. Her private life, however, was not as successful and many years of heartache resulted. Many years have passed since she made Edna Garrett the world's best housekeeper and confidant, but Charlotte Rae's impact on television history lives on. Reading The Facts of My Life was eye opening, as I definitely have more respect for Charlotte Rae as a person than ever before. This book is ideal for fans of The Facts of Life, as it is a good throwback to the past.
From her beginnings as Charlotte Rae Lubotsky, her personal and professional struggles, and her successes as an actress, Charlotte Rae has tried to live by the notion that hard work pays off in the end. Known mostly as Edna Garrett, readers of The Facts of My Life will be surprised to learn that Charlotte has had a storied career spanning several decades. Her private life, however, was not as successful and many years of heartache resulted. Many years have passed since she made Edna Garrett the world's best housekeeper and confidant, but Charlotte Rae's impact on television history lives on. Reading The Facts of My Life was eye opening, as I definitely have more respect for Charlotte Rae as a person than ever before. This book is ideal for fans of The Facts of Life, as it is a good throwback to the past.
April 5, 2016
I loved The Facts of Life tv show as a teen, but never realized Charlotte Rae had a life before that show. She is an incredibly talented actress that worked on Broadway long before The Facts of Life made her a household name.
I admire her honesty as she wrote the facts of her life. I don't want to give anything away, but her life has not been easy, she has had trouble with her children, husband and her health. Somehow she has remained an optimist and is still enjoying life to the fullest.
If you were a fan of The Facts off Life or are just looking for a great memoir, this is the book for you.
I admire her honesty as she wrote the facts of her life. I don't want to give anything away, but her life has not been easy, she has had trouble with her children, husband and her health. Somehow she has remained an optimist and is still enjoying life to the fullest.
If you were a fan of The Facts off Life or are just looking for a great memoir, this is the book for you.
September 2, 2019
When one thinks of Charlotte Rae, they immediately associate her with Mrs. Garrett from TV's Facts of Life...but as this book shows, she accomplished much more than that in her lifetime.
Whether its working on Broadway or on many films/tv shows, Charlotte shined in what she did.
This was in the face the end of her marriage and dealing with her son who was autistic.
A fantastic read on one of the past stars of stage and screen
Whether its working on Broadway or on many films/tv shows, Charlotte shined in what she did.
This was in the face the end of her marriage and dealing with her son who was autistic.
A fantastic read on one of the past stars of stage and screen
October 19, 2015
I received a copy of the ebook version of The Facts of My Life by Charlotte Rae through Netgalley. I grew up watching The Facts of Life and other shows starring the charming and talented Charlotte Rae. I just could not wait to read her biography. I loved it. Rae is a storyteller. You can see love and life in her words. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
November 21, 2015
Just the facts of life
What an amazing woman! She and her son (the author of the book)
did a great job on the book. She shared so many personal things. I felt like
I was right there with her experiencing with her. I laughed, cried and got mad with her. It is a must read. Especially if you grew up with Ms. Charlotte Rae.
What an amazing woman! She and her son (the author of the book)
did a great job on the book. She shared so many personal things. I felt like
I was right there with her experiencing with her. I laughed, cried and got mad with her. It is a must read. Especially if you grew up with Ms. Charlotte Rae.
November 25, 2016
Mrs. G is a survivor! She's conquered poverty, her son's dual diagnoses, her own health woes, the end of an enviable marriage and the slings and arrows of an unpredictable life in the arts. She's never stopped growing and being grateful -- and she's saltier than "Facts" fans might've guessed. This is a great American story for challenging times. But as Rae observes, aren't they all?
May 22, 2016
This was written by Charlotte and her son. What a cool lady, with such a positive attitude. Loved the early Broadway stories. Cried over the tales of her other son. The title has to do with the TV show most of us remember her from, but she is so much more than that.
April 2, 2017
Excellent autobiography. Charlotte is a fascinating lady or so much more than just one of the stars of The Facts of Life
September 16, 2019
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews