'Facts of Life' Star Charlotte Rae Diagnosed With Bone Cancer

Charlotte Rae has been diagnosed with bone cancer.

The actress – who just turned 91 last weekend – is best known for playing Edna Garrett on The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes. She has also made appearances on Girl Meets World and Pretty Little Liars.

“Last Monday, I found out I have bone cancer,” she told People. “About seven years ago, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer – which is a miracle that they found it because usually it’s too late. My mother, sister and my uncle died of pancreatic cancer. After six months of chemotherapy, I was cancer-free. I lost my hair, but I had beautiful wigs. Nobody even knew.”

“So now, at the age of 91, I have to make up my mind,” Charlotte went on. “I’m not in any pain right now. I’m feeling so terrific and so glad to be above ground. Now I have to figure out whether I want to go have treatment again to opt for life. I love life. I’ve had a wonderful one already. I have this decision to make. … I think I’m going to go for [treatment]. The side effects were not too bad when I did it originally. I’ve had a great life, but I have so many wonderful things happening. I’d like to choose life. I’m grateful for the life I’ve already had.”

“At 91, every day is a birthday,” she added. “[In my book, "The Facts of My Life,"] I want to tell everybody to celebrate every day, to savor the day and be good to yourself, love yourself, and then you can be good to others and be of service to others.”