According to Richard Irvin's "Spinning Laughter," the proposed series was written by three "Diff'rent Strokes" staff writers and concerned Catherine Armstrong (portrayed by Maureen McNamara), an inexperienced teacher who takes a job helping a group of first-generation immigrants from around the world prepare for their American citizenship test. She comes to LA to help out and is smitten with Jacks long suffering girlfriend who is also named Jill. #DifferentStrokes #CharlotteRae #FactsofLif. Another episode ("Skin Deep or True Blue") is about Kimberly's new boyfriend, Roger Morehouse (played by Grant Wilson), not allowing his sister, Emily (Melora Hardin), to go to their school's costume ball with Willis because he is black. Why Charlotte Rae left 'The Facts of Life' In the two part season 8 premiere, Mrs. Garrett reunited with Bruce Gaines (Robert Mandan), an old flame from her time in the Peace Corps. Im feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground. Charlotte Rae appeared as Edna Garrett in every first-season episode; the final broadcast episode of the first season, "The Girl's School", also known as "Garrett's Girls", sees her agreeing to accompany Kimberly to her private school, the fictional Eastland, in order to help with preparations for a play- in actuality, this episode acted as the backdoor pilot for the spin-off series The Facts of Life (Garrett's Girls being an early working title). The series served as a vehicle and landing place for two performers in need of work. 01/27 - Master of None - Season Three / The Complete Series Rae left the series in 1986 when Mrs. Garrett got married and she rejoined the Peace Corps with her new husband. According to the New York Times, his initial salary on "Diff'rent Strokes" was commensurate with his experience he earned $1,800 per episode. Rae got her start in the theater, eventually acting on Broadway. Post navigation. Shes been the voice of Velma in animated Scooby Doo projects since 2004. Well guess what happens next. In 2001, The Facts of Life Reunion movie brought Rae, Whelchel, Cohn, and Fields together again. NBC showed immediate interest and felt the format had potential; at their request the pitch was developed, with Coleman's character, Arnold, gaining an older brother, producers feeling Coleman would benefit from the addition of a second, slightly older child to interact with, and who could add a further dynamic to storylines.
