Did you grow up watching Diffrent Strokes?
It was one of the most popular American sitcoms which not only brought laughs but also had
the occasional important message thrown in.
It ran from 1978 to 1986 and still remains one of the most iconic American sitcoms of
all time.
It had a unique premise of showing a single man raising his biological daughter as well
as his two adopted African-American children.
It showed the importance of family and indeed had a lot of warmth and kindness.
The show was a success due to its excellent writing and direction but what made the show
a success was its great cast.
Sadly, some of the main cast members have passed away.
Join FactsVerse to learn about how each Diff’rent Strokes cast member died and about their fascinating
yet troubled lives and careers…
CONRAD BAIN
Conrad Bain was a Canadian-American actor who enjoyed a long and successful career in
both theater and television.
He was born on February 4, 1923, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Following his service in the Canadian Army after the Second World War, he moved to the
United States to study acting.
Conrad Bain's career spanned several decades, but he is perhaps best known for his role
as Phillip Drummond on the hit sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986.
He played the wealthy and compassionate adopted father to Arnold and Willis Jackson and to
his own daughter Kimberly.
Diff'rent Strokes dealt with important social issues such as racism, drug abuse, and class
disparity, and Conrad Bain's character played a pivotal role in addressing these topics
with sensitivity and understanding.
In some episodes, he addressed the audience before the episode to discuss the theme of
the show.
In a sense, he became a father figure to millions of American children.
His chemistry with the young actors and his ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments
contributed to the show's immense popularity.
Before Diff'rent Strokes, he had already established himself as a versatile actor.
He appeared in various television shows and theater productions, including the critically
acclaimed Broadway play "Advise and Consent."
His talent and charisma earned him a reputation as a versatile and talented performer.
While these were more serious roles, his biggest impact was when he won the role of Phillip
Drummond.
After Diff'rent Strokes ended, Bain continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing
in guest roles on television shows such as The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, and The
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
He also lent his voice to animated series like The Simpsons and Captain Planet and the
Planeteers.
He was so lauded for his role as Phillip Drummond, however, that he once made a cameo alongside
Gary Coleman in one episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Conrad Bain's death on January 14, 2013, at the age of 89, marked the end of an era.
He passed away peacefully in Livermore, California and left behind a great legacy.
The news of his death saddened fans and colleagues alike, who remembered him as a talented actor
and more importantly, a genuinely kind-hearted individual.
His contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized posthumously, with tributes
pouring in from fellow actors and fans.
His work on Diff'rent Strokes, in particular, continues to resonate with audiences, serving
as a reminder of the show's enduring legacy and its ability to address important social
issues.
DANA PLATO
Dana Plato was best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond in Diff'rent Strokes.
She was born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, and began her acting career at
a young age – eventually appearing in over 100 TV commercials.
As a child, her parents divorced and she was raised by her single mother.
This breakdown in her family caused a huge effect on her personal life and would trouble
her until her final days
Dana Plato's breakthrough came when she was cast as Kimberly Drummond, the teenage daughter
of Phillip Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes.
This would remain the role that she was best known for and most of us can’t even think
of another role of hers apart from Kimberly.
Her role on the show was both a blessing and a curse for her.
Dana Plato's character provided a relatable and grounded presence on the show, and her
performances were adored by viewers.
She won praise for her portrayal of Kimberly, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast,
particularly Gary Coleman, who played her on-screen brother Arnold.
There were many episodes, most notably “The Hitch Hiker” which prominently featured
the duo.
However, behind the scenes, Dana Plato faced a series of difficulties.
As Diff'rent Strokes came to an end, Plato struggled to find success in her acting career.
She was typecast in the role and wasn’t taken too seriously as an actress.
But that was just the start of her troubles.
She battled with personal issues, including substance abuse and financial troubles.
Plato's life took a tragic turn, and her struggles became public knowledge.
In fact, she once robbed a video store and then the clerk called the police to state
he was robbed by ‘the girl from Diff’rent Strokes!”
On May 8, 1999, Dana Plato's life was cut short when she tragically passed away at the
age of 34.
She died from a drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy marred by personal demons.
Sadly, the tragedy of her life is often remembered more than her career achievements.
While Dana Plato's life was marked by personal struggles, it is important to remember her
contributions to the entertainment industry.
Her role as Kimberly Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes endeared her to audiences and showcased
her acting abilities.
Her performance on the show resonated with viewers who related to her character's experiences
and struggles.
A mention should be made for her other roles.
She appeared in various television shows and movies, including Exorcist II: The Heretic,
The Sounds of Silence and Return to Boggy Creek.
She also sought opportunities to reinvent herself and revive her acting career, but
sadly, her demons overshadowed her aspirations.
She also appeared on shows such as The Arsenio Hall Show and Howard Stern’s show to discuss
her life and career.
Her fame from Diff’rent Strokes did lead a few B-grade filmmakers to cast her.
But acting in B-movies such as Bikini Beach Race didn’t revive her career.
She was even exploited and acted in an adult film also titled ‘Diff’rent Strokes.’
The legacy of Dana Plato is a horrific reminder of the highs and lows of fame.
Her life ended tragically and she couldn’t revive or continue her career after Diff’rent
Strokes ended.
She had one son out of marriage and her son committed suicide by gunshot at the age of
25.
Her character, Kimberly, had many troubles on the show but she was always saved at the
end of the episode.
Unfortunately, such was not the case in real life.
GARY COLEMAN
Gary Coleman was born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois, Coleman's journey in the
entertainment industry began at a young age, ultimately making him a household name and
an iconic figure of 1980s television.
His short stature and loud mouth made him perfect for many guest appearances – especially
as Gary in a few episodes of Good Times.
But his breakthrough came in 1978 when he was cast as Arnold Jackson, one of the two
brothers adopted by wealthy businessman Phillip Drummond on Diff'rent Strokes.
As Arnold Jackson, Coleman captured the hearts of audiences with his adorable charm, witty
one-liners, and impeccable comedic timing.
In fact, for many, he was the star of the show.
His catchphrase, "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?"
remains an iconic part of pop culture.
Without a doubt, he was one of the greatest child stars of all time.
And this was the reason for his rise and the reason for his downfall.
While Diff'rent Strokes brought Coleman fame and recognition, his personal life was not
without challenges.
As an adult, he faced financial difficulties and legal issues.
He accused his parents of exploiting him and spending his money.
He even sued his parents at one point.
He also couldn’t get out of his Arnold image and struggled to find great roles after the
show ended.
He even had a short lived marriage to Shannon Price and within a few months of their marriage,
they were already discussing divorce and appeared on the TV show Divorce Court.
They divorced after only one year of marriage.
He also was arrested a few times for offences such as disorderly driving and assault, even
spending a night in jail and having fines shoved in his face.
As one could expect, these troubles took a toll on his career and personal well-being.
Tragically, Gary Coleman's life was cut short when he passed away on May 28, 2010, at the
age of 42.
He died as a result of a brain hemorrhage after suffering a fall at his home.
Despite the personal struggles he faced, Gary Coleman's impact on television cannot be overstated.
Diff'rent Strokes remains a significant part of television history, and his portrayal of
Arnold Jackson remains one of the best child performances of all time.
As we can see, only Conrad Bain lived a long and fruitful life.
Both Dana Plato and Gary Coleman had troubled lives and careers.
Todd Bridges, who played Willis, also had many troubles throughout his life and struggled
to maintain his career following the show.
However, he has managed to turn his life around for the better.
While we laugh at the wonderful episodes of Diff’rent Strokes, we must also remember
the sadness behind the camera.
Now, let’s hear from you:
Are you a fan of Diff’rent Strokes?
Did you grow up watching the show and wonder what Willis was talkin’ about?
Here’s what we’d like to know from you:
Do you think that today’s sitcoms do a great job at tackling serious issues?
Or is this considered passe and many sitcoms don’t want to go the Diff’rent Strokes
way and use humor to deal with dark themes?