Surprising Stories from the Set of The Facts of Life

When Cloris Leachman was approached to join The Facts of Life, she was hesitant about stepping into Charlotte Rae’s role as the show’s authority figure. Rae had been deeply beloved, and Leachman was aware she would be compared immediately.

Leachman ultimately agreed, but only after understanding the role would be different. Instead of copying Mrs. Garrett’s warmth, she played Beverly Ann as tougher and more sarcastic. The contrast helped ease the transition and allowed the show to evolve rather than simply replicate what had come before.