All posts tagged: Diffrent

The heartbreaking story of Diff’rent Strokes star and 70s & 80s icon Dana Plato

The heartbreaking story of Diff’rent Strokes star and 70s & 80s icon Dana Plato

Published by Daniella Wilson

Dana Plato was one of the major teen idols of the 1970s and 1980s, with major roles in the likes of Diff’rent Strokes, California Suite and Return to Boggy Creek. Her acting abilities were widely recognised, and the star earned Young Artist Award nominations, but behind closed doors, Dana ended up living a troubled life. The star was addicted to drugs and alcohol from a young age, had money left to her by her late mother stolen by a fraudulent accountant, and at her lowest point, she even robbed a convenience store. Here’s what happened to one of Hollywood’s brightest talents… © Getty ImagesDana was a promising young actress Dana’s tragic story As a teenager, Dana ended up taking drugs and drinking alcohol, with the star regularly taking cannabis and cocaine, and reportedly overdosing on Valium when she was just 14 years of age. At 15, she started showing up on the set of Diff’rent Strokes drunk, with the show’s creative supervisor Al Burton recalling: “She would show up in a daze, in a funk.” Although …

Diff’rent Strokes actress Melanie Watson dies aged 57

Diff’rent Strokes actress Melanie Watson dies aged 57

Published by Daniella Wilson

Melanie Watson, the former child actress best known for her role on Diff’rent Strokes, has died. She was 57. Melanie passed away on Friday, December 26, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, according to TMZ. Her brother, Robert Watson, told the outlet she had been hospitalised and that her condition deteriorated. © NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesMelanie with Gary Coleman on set Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta – a genetic condition also known as brittle bone syndrome – Melanie used a wheelchair throughout her life. The disorder affects connective tissue and causes bones to fracture easily. Melanie appeared in four episodes of Diff’rent Strokes, playing Kathy Gordon, a character introduced in the sitcom’s third season. Her storyline was considered groundbreaking at the time for its portrayal of disability on network television. Diff’rent Strokes was one of the most culturally significant American sitcoms of its era, quietly reshaping what diversity looked like on prime-time television.  © NBCUniversal via Getty ImagesMelanie and cast members in the “Count Your Blessings” Episode Airing from 1978 to 1986, the show followed two Black brothers …