Charlotte Rae says "it's wonderful" that her Facts of Life costar Geri Jewell has come out as lesbian, reports website TooFab.

"Her coming out as a lesbian, well, it's a healthy time to come out, everybody is very open about it, which is wonderful, absolutely wonderful," Rae says. Jewell reveals she is lesbian in her forthcoming memoir I'm Walking As Straight As I Can.

"I'm just very amazed at Geri Jewell, the struggles she's had, the joys she's given to so many people, the inspiration she's been to all of us."

Rae starred as the housemother, Mrs. Garrett, on the long running sitcom from 1979-86. Jewell, born with cerebral palsy, frequently guest starred as Blair Warner's cousin Geri.

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