Famous for Diff'rent Strokes

Dana Plato | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 16, 2024

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Who is Dana Plato?

Dana Plato was an American actress best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond on the popular NBC sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. Born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, she was adopted shortly after birth by Dean and Kay Plato. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, she began her career at a young age, appearing in commercials and television shows. Plato's charm and talent quickly gained her fame, propelling her into the limelight, but the pressures of stardom would soon take a toll on her life.

Her breakthrough came at the age of 13 when she landed the significant role on Diff'rent Strokes. Plato's character, Kimberly, became a beloved figure during the show's run, but her ascent to fame was marred by personal struggles. After becoming pregnant in 1984, she was let go from the series, which marked the beginning of a challenging phase in her life. Unfortunately, her attempts to reinvent her career in the industry were met with limited success, leading her to make controversial choices that included adult film appearances. Her downward spiral, compounded by addiction and personal loss, culminated in her tragic death from a drug overdose in 1999 at just 34 years old.

Early Life and Education

Dana Plato, born Dana Michelle Strain on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, was adopted by Dean and Kay Plato shortly after her birth. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Dana experienced an early introduction to the entertainment industry, largely influenced by her adoptive mother. By the age of seven, she was already making appearances in television commercials and films, showcasing her talent and ambition. In addition to her budding acting career, she trained as a figure skater, indicating her versatility and determination in pursuing creative outlets.

At the age of 13, Dana faced a significant decision between competing for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team or pursuing a promising role in a television sitcom. Opting for the latter, she secured her breakthrough role as Kimberly Drummond on the NBC hit show "Diff'rent Strokes" in 1977. This opportunity catapulted her into the limelight, introducing her to the challenges of fame at a young age. Despite her swift rise to stardom, the pressures associated with such success would later shape the trajectory of her personal and professional life, leading to a tumultuous journey that would define her later years.

Start of Career: Diff'rent Strokes

Dana Plato's journey into the limelight began when she landed a pivotal role in the NBC sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" at just 13 years old. Cast as Kimberly Drummond, the daughter of the show's main character, Mr. Drummond, Plato quickly became a beloved figure on television. The show, which also featured Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges, captured the hearts of audiences, offering a blend of comedy and heartfelt moments that resonated within American households during its run from 1978 to 1986.

The show's immense popularity propelled Plato and her co-stars into a whirlwind of fame. However, the pressures of stardom led them to indulge in a lifestyle filled with excess, including substance use. As her character developed and the series evolved, Plato faced a critical turning point in her life. After discovering she was pregnant in 1984, the network’s decision to cut her from the show profoundly impacted her career trajectory. This marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in her life, as she attempted to transition away from her role, ultimately facing significant challenges in her efforts to reshape her public image.

Career Challenges and Personal Tragedies

Dana Plato, born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, rose to fame as Kimberly Drummond on the popular NBC sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes". However, her career faced a significant downturn following her unplanned pregnancy in 1984, which led to her being released from the show as she no longer aligned with the network's wholesome image. Despite attempts to distance herself from her past role, including a Playboy shoot and cosmetic surgery, Plato struggled to find meaningful work, often resorting to appearing in B-movies and adult films to make ends meet.

Tragedy struck in Dana’s personal life as well, compounding her career challenges. The death of her mother in 1988 and the ensuing custody battle for her son, Tyler, exacerbated her issues with addiction. Her downward spiral included criminal activity, such as a botched robbery in Las Vegas that resulted in a brief stint in jail. Despite attending rehabilitation programs, Plato's struggles with drugs persisted. On May 8, 1999, she was found dead from an overdose, marking a tragic end to a life filled with potential that was overshadowed by personal tragedies and career difficulties.

Life after Fame and Final Years

Dana Plato, best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond on the television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, faced significant challenges in her life after fame. After her departure from the show in 1984 due to an unplanned pregnancy, Plato struggled to redefine her career. Despite her efforts to distance herself from the child star image, her transition into adult roles was met with limited success. She faced personal tragedies, including the loss of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, which profoundly affected her mental health and career trajectory. This challenging period marked the beginning of a downward spiral into addiction and financial hardship.

In the years following her exit from the limelight, Plato's life took a darker turn as she battled drug addiction and legal issues. She made headlines for a robbery incident in 1991, using a pellet gun to hold up a video store, which resulted in probation after her arrest. Despite brief attempts at rehabilitation, her struggles with substances and financial instability continued, culminating in her tragic overdose in 1999 at the age of 34. The heartbreak of her story continued even after her death, as her son Tyler followed a similar path, dying by suicide in 2010. Plato's life after fame serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties faced by child stars and the long-lasting impacts of early fame.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Dana Plato's personal life was marked by both love and tragedy. In 1984, at the height of her fame from the television show "Diff'rent Strokes," Plato discovered she was pregnant, a revelation that led to her departure from the show due to the network's concerns about maintaining a wholesome image. She married Lanny Lambert, the father of her child, in April of that year. Together, they welcomed a son named Tyler, but their relationship quickly deteriorated. The couple divorced shortly after the birth, with Lambert eventually gaining custody of Tyler, citing Plato's struggles with addiction as a primary reason.

Plato's tumultuous personal life was a significant factor in her struggles with addiction and eventual demise. Following her split from Lambert, she faced a series of hardships, including the death of her mother and her own battle with substance abuse. Her relationship with her son Tyler became strained after he was taken from her, a loss that compounded her challenges. Plato's efforts to restore her career and her family life were marred by her dependence on drugs, leading to her tragic end in 1999. Despite her attempts to find stability, the personal issues that plagued her continued to overshadow her once-promising career.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary details

Dana Plato, best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond on the hit sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, faced significant financial struggles throughout her life, particularly after the show's cancellation. Her earnings during her time on the series were substantial, with reports indicating that she earned around $25,000 per episode at her peak. However, following her departure from the show due to personal circumstances, including her unexpected pregnancy, her career waned. This decline, compounded by personal tragedies and struggles with addiction, significantly impacted her financial stability.

Later in her life, Plato attempted to revive her career by engaging in various projects, including appearing in B-movies and adult films, but these efforts did not yield significant financial success. Plato also faced financial mismanagement, with a former accountant reportedly embezzling her earnings, leaving her in a precarious financial situation. Throughout the 1990s, her financial and personal issues grew, leading to bankruptcy and a reliance on temporary jobs to make ends meet. Ultimately, her financial struggles reflected the tumultuous nature of her later life, marked by increased personal challenges and a retreat from the limelight that once promised great success.