Lisa Whelchel Hosts Mini ‘Facts Of Life’ Reunion With Charlotte Rae


Lisa Whelchel kicked off a mini Facts of Life reunion this week, taking a selfie with Charlotte Rae, who played the kind-hearted Mrs. Garrett on the popular sitcom.

The ladies smiled together in the photo, which Whelchel posted on her Instagram page.

“Selfie with Charlotte Rae today at lunch,” Whelchel wrote. “She gave me some good advice.”

Lisa Whelchel has remained close to her Facts of Life co-star, and may even turn to her for some real-life advice. The 51-year-old actress has faced her share of challenges, including a stint on Survivor: Philippines that led to her hitting rock bottom.

During her time on the show, Whelchel got a visit from her younger brother, Justice Coleman. In an interview with People magazine, Coleman said he was shocked to see his sister’s condition:

“I wasn’t prepared to see her at that level of desperation. It was immediately obvious she had hit rock bottom. I wasn’t expecting her to be at the end of her rope. I almost didn’t recognize her. She looked absolutely ragged: physically and emotionally torn up. I was imagining a big smile on her face, since she was so deep into the game and doing so well, but she started crying so hard. I was legitimately concerned for her.”

Whelchel, who found work after Facts of Life as a Christian author and motivational speaker, has also endured personal difficulties. She revealed in 2012 that she split from her husband of 24 years, Pastor Steven Cauble. Then, just a few weeks later, she revealed to Twitter followers that she was battling a difficult diagnosis.

She tweeted: “Dr. just called with blood test results … I have West Nile. Ugh. I’m fine, just tired. Takes a year to recover.”

But things now seem much better for Lisa Whelchel, who used her stint on Survivor to kick-start a career revival of sorts.

The throwback picture posted this week isn’t the first time that Whelchel has gotten back with her Facts of Life castmates. They came together in 2001 for a television movie, The Facts of Life Reunion.

It won’t be the last time they’re together, either. Lisa Whelchel is set to star in an upcoming Hallmark Channel movie with former co-star Kim Fields.

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