Different Strokes Cast Where Are They Now? Different Strokes Wiki, Summary, Cast and More

Different Strokes

"Diff'rent Strokes" is an American sitcom that aired on NBC from November 3, 1978, to May 4, 1985, and on ABC from September 27, 1985, to March 7, 1986. The show follows the story of two boys from Harlem, Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges), who are taken in by a wealthy businessman, Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain), and his daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato). Drummond becomes their guardian after their mother, who used to work for him, passes away.

During the first season and part of the second, Charlotte Rae starred as Mrs. Edna Garrett, the Drummonds' first housekeeper. She later spun off into her own sitcom, "The Facts of Life." The show addressed serious issues through its "very special episodes," including topics like racism, drug use, alcoholism, hitchhiking, kidnapping, and child sexual abuse.

The series, known for its catchy theme song "It Takes Diff'rent Strokes," ran for eight seasons and a total of 189 episodes. It played a significant role in making stars out of its main cast members, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato.

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Different Strokes Cast Where Are They Now?

Sure, here's a summary of where the cast of Diff'rent Strokes is now, based on the information available:

Gary Coleman (Arnold Jackson):

• Gary Coleman, born on February 8, 1968, gained fame as Arnold Jackson in Diff'rent Strokes.
• He became the highest-paid child actor of his time but faced challenges with his celebrity status.
• After the show ended, his acting career stalled, and he experienced health problems.
• Sadly, Gary Coleman passed away on May 28, 2010, at the age of 42 due to a brain hemorrhage.

Todd Bridges (Willis Jackson):

• Todd Bridges, born on May 27, 1965, played Arnold's older brother, Willis.
• Post the show, he faced legal issues and was tried and acquitted of attempted murder in 1988.
• Todd dealt with substance abuse problems, documented in his book, "Killing Willis."
• As of the information available, Todd Bridges is the last surviving main original cast member.

Conrad Bain (Phillip Drummond):

• Conrad Bain, born on February 4, 1923, played the patriarch, Phillip Drummond.
• Before Diff'rent Strokes, he had a long career in TV and film.
• Conrad passed away at the age of 89 on January 14, 2013, due to complications following a stroke.

Dana Plato (Kimberley Drummond):

• Dana Plato, born on November 7, 1964, portrayed Phillip's biological daughter, Kimberly Drummond.
• Known for playing a "goody-two-shoes," Dana expressed a desire for her character to do something rebellious.
• Off-screen, Dana faced personal struggles, leading to her being written off the show after season 6.
• Tragically, Dana Plato died of a drug overdose at the age of 34 on May 8, 1999.

In summary, the cast of Diff'rent Strokes has faced various challenges, including legal troubles, substance abuse, and health issues. Some members, like Gary Coleman, have passed away, while others, such as Todd Bridges, continue to navigate their lives.

Different Strokes Summary

"Diff'rent Strokes" tells the story of Phillip Drummond, a wealthy widowed Manhattan millionaire and president of Trans Allied Inc. His life takes a turn when he fulfills a promise to his late African American housekeeper, adopting her two sons from Harlem, 8-year-old Arnold and 12-year-old Willis. The boys, transitioning from a modest life to wealth overnight, become Drummond's sons. Alongside them are Drummond's daughter, Kimberly, and the no-nonsense housekeeper, Edna Garrett.

As the misadventures unfold, Mrs. Garrett leaves to become the housemother at the Eastland School for Girls, making room for other characters like the cantankerous Adelaide Brubaker and the charming Pearl Gallagher. The series features Arnold's friends, Willis' girlfriend Charlene, characters from "The Facts of Life," and Drummond's sister, Sophia. In 1984, Drummond finds love, marrying fitness instructor Maggie McKinney, who brings her 6-year-old son, Sam, into the family.

While the show often revolves around the typical lessons of growing up, it also addresses serious issues, including a frightening encounter with a child molester and a notable episode on drug abuse featuring First Lady Nancy Reagan. The series combines humor, heartwarming moments, and important life lessons as the blended family faces the challenges and joys of their unique journey.

Different Strokes Cast

The tabular column represents the cast for “Different Strokes”:

Where to Watch Different Strokes?

You can currently enjoy watching "Diff'rent Strokes" on Prime Video. This popular sitcom, featuring the misadventures of a wealthy Manhattan family who adopts two children from Harlem, is available for streaming on the Prime Video platform. Simply log in to your Prime Video account to revisit the classic moments and humor of the Drummond family as they navigate the challenges of their unique journey. Prime Video offers the convenience of streaming, allowing you to relive the laughter and life lessons from this beloved 80s TV show at your leisure.

Different Strokes Trailer

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