An American actress who rose to fame as a child star on the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" and struggled with personal demons and addiction later in life.
Dana Plato, the beloved American actress, is best known for her iconic role as Kimberly Drummond on the popular 1970s sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. With a career spanning over two decades, Plato's personal struggles with substance abuse and tumultuous life events often overshadowed her remarkable talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Born Dana Michelle Strain on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, Plato was adopted by Dean and Florine Kay Plato when she was just seven months old. Raised in the San Fernando Valley, she developed a passion for figure skating, becoming a skilled athlete before pursuing a career in acting.
Plato's acting career began with numerous commercial appearances, followed by her television debut in 1975 on the popular series The Six Million Dollar Man. Her breakout role came in 1978 when she landed the part of Kimberly Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes, a sitcom that catapulted her to fame and earned her two Young Artist Award nominations and two TV Land Award nominations.
After Diff'rent Strokes, Plato worked sporadically in independent films and B-movies, including appearances in the horror films Exorcist II: The Heretic and Return to Boggy Creek. Her struggles with substance abuse and personal demons led to a series of arrests, including a 1991 robbery conviction and a 1992 arrest for forging a prescription.
Plato married twice, first to guitarist Lanny Lambert, with whom she had a son in 1984. Her personal struggles ultimately led to her untimely death on May 8, 1999, when she was found dead in her motor home at the age of 34. Initially ruled as an accidental overdose, her death was later confirmed as a suicide.
Despite her tumultuous life and tragic demise, Dana Plato's legacy lives on as an iconic figure of the 1970s and 1980s. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly her memorable portrayal of Kimberly Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes, continue to inspire new generations of actors and fans alike.
Dana Plato's story serves as a poignant reminder of the often-blurred lines between fame, talent, and personal struggles. Her life may have been marked by tragedy, but her impact on popular culture and the entertainment industry remains an enduring testament to her remarkable talent and enduring legacy.
58 Years Old
Child star of the 1980s sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," playing Arnold Jackson, a lovable and wise-beyond-his-years youngster. He became a cultural icon of the era.
61 Years Old
Child star of the 1970s-80s sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," known for his role as Willis Jackson and his tumultuous personal life.
Born in 1923
A beloved TV dad, starring in the popular sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" as Philip Drummond, a wealthy businessman who adopts two African American children. He brought laughter and heart to many American households.
Born in 1926
An American actress and singer, best known for her iconic role as Edna Garrett in the popular 1980s sitcom "The Facts of Life" and its spin-off "Diff'rent Strokes".
50 Years Old
American actor and musician known for voicing characters in popular animated TV shows and films, such as Stewie Griffin in Family Guy and Monty in Revenge of the Nerds.
