Diff'rent Strokes

Diff'rent Strokes was a sitcom about two young boys (Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges) from Harlem who are adopted by a rich widower named Philip Drummond. Living in the Penthouse with Drummond's daughter (Dana Plato) and the family's maid, the two boys are forced to adjust to their new life of wealth and luxury. The show was a ratings hit and helped make many of the actors stars, although many of the actors went on to have personal troubles after the show was canceled.

Cast

Conrad Bain - Phillip Drummond
Gary Coleman - Arnold Jackson
Todd Bridges - Willis Jackson
Dana Plato - Kimberly Drummond
Charlotte Rae - Mrs. Edna Garrett

Troubled Stars

While the show made many of the actors stars, many of them had trouble adjusting to post-fame life. Dana Plato ended up performing in softcore pornography, Jeff Bridges dealt with sever drug problems and arrests, and Gary Coleman filed for bankruptcy.