Who played Edna Garrett in the 2021 “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” special, recreating “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes”?

Ann Dowd, known as the intimidating Aunt Lydia in “A Handmaid’s Tale,” portrayed housekeeper turned housemother for boarding students Edna Garrett, the shared character of “The Facts of Life” and “Diff’rent Strokes,” on ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” special, Dec. 7, 2021. The special is now available on HULU._x000D_

What happened to the original Mrs. Garrett?

_x000D__x000D__x000D_Mrs. G was played by actress Charlotte Rae, who died from bone cancer at her home in Los Angeles, California, on Aug. 5, 2018. She was 92 years old.