Dana Plato was a well-known American actress and television personality who made a name for herself in the entertainment industry during the 1980s. Born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, Dana had a troubled childhood. Her parents divorced early on, leaving her feeling estranged from her mother and seeking solace in acting.
Despite her rocky start, Dana went on to achieve success in the field of acting and is best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond in the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes". However, her life was plagued by personal struggles, including drug and alcohol addiction, legal issues, and financial woes.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at Dana Plato's life, including her age, height, figure, and net worth. We'll also explore her rise to fame, her tumultuous personal life, and the tragic circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
"I never really believed that I was going to be a star, but I was going to give it my best shot."
- Dana Plato
Join us as we dive into the life and legacy of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars.
Dana Plato: A Biography
Dana Plato was an American actress, best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond on the popular television series "Diff'rent Strokes". Born on November 7, 1964 in Maywood, California, she was the daughter of Virginia and Dean Plato. Her childhood was marked by her parents' divorce and her mother's subsequent remarriage, which led Plato to feel neglected and rebellious.
Despite her difficult upbringing, Plato found success as an actress early on in life. She made her debut on the television series "The Gong Show" at the age of 13, and went on to appear in several films and TV shows throughout the 1980s.
Plato's personal life was marked by drug and alcohol abuse, as well as numerous legal troubles. She was arrested several times for charges like armed robbery and prescription fraud. Her struggles with addiction also affected her career, leading to her eventual departure from "Diff'rent Strokes" in 1984.
Tragically, Plato's life ended prematurely when she died of a drug overdose on May 8, 1999. She was only 34 years old at the time. Despite her struggles, Plato will always be remembered for her talent and the impact she had on popular culture.
| Dana Plato's Vital Information | |
|---|---|
| Birth Date: | November 7, 1964 |
| Height: | 5 feet 2 inches |
| Net Worth: | $1 thousand (at the time of her death) |
In conclusion, Dana Plato was a talented actress who brought joy to millions of fans around the world. She faced many challenges throughout her life, but her legacy lives on through her work and the memories of those who loved her.
Early Life and Career
Dana Plato, born Dana Michelle Strain, was an American actress who is best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond in the popular TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" in the 1980s. She was born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California to Linda Strain and her partner Dean Plato.
Plato grew up in a broken family, and her parents divorced when she was just three years old. She was raised by her mother in various parts of California and Nevada, and had a difficult childhood, often moving from place to place and school to school.
At the young age of seven, Plato started modeling and appeared in more than 100 commercials. She made her television debut in 1977 in the show "The Gong Show," and soon after, landed her breakthrough role in "Diff'rent Strokes."
During her time on the show, Plato became one of the most recognizable young actresses in Hollywood and appeared in various films and TV shows. However, her career took a turn for the worse as she struggled with substance abuse, legal issues, and financial problems.
Despite the challenges, Plato continued to work in the entertainment industry and even ventured into singing, releasing a single in 1984. However, her personal struggles continued to affect her life and career, and she tragically passed away at the age of 34 in 1999.
Personal Life and Struggles
Dana Plato's personal life was filled with struggles, both on and off-screen. Born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, she grew up in poverty and had a difficult childhood. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her grandmother. Despite her struggles, she always had a passion for acting and pursued it at a young age.
Plato's life took a dramatic turn when she landed the role of Kimberly Drummond on the hit TV show "Diff'rent Strokes." Despite the success and fame the show brought her, Plato struggled with addiction and legal issues throughout her career. In 1984, she was arrested for robbing a video store at gunpoint. She was later released and underwent rehab.
Plato's personal struggles continued and ultimately led to her tragic death on May 8, 1999. She died of a drug overdose at the age of 34. Her life and struggles serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health and fighting addiction.
Death and Legacy
Unfortunately, Dana Plato's life was tragically cut short. On May 8, 1999, she passed away at the young age of 34 due to a drug overdose.
Plato's legacy lives on, however, through her work in film and television. She will always be remembered for her iconic portrayal of Kimberly Drummond on the popular 80s sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes".
In addition to her acting career, Plato also had a tumultuous personal life that was often the subject of media scrutiny. Her struggles with addiction and financial difficulties were well-documented, and serve as a cautionary tale for those in the entertainment industry.
Despite her troubled past, Plato's contributions to the entertainment world cannot be overlooked. Her talent and charisma have left a lasting impression on audiences, and her memory continues to be honored by fans around the world.
Net Worth and Achievements
Dana Plato's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the time of her death. She had earned this fortune through her acting career and endorsements. Despite facing some financial problems in her later years, Plato had still managed to amass quite a substantial wealth.
Aside from her successful acting career, which included several television series and films, Plato also had some notable achievements in her personal life. She was a devoted mother to her son Tyler, and had also written a book titled "Different Strokes: The Story of Jack and Jill... and Jill", which was published in 1999. The book chronicled her struggles with addiction, as well as her experiences in the entertainment industry.
However, despite her accomplishments, Plato's life was also plagued with personal problems that eventually led to her tragic death at the young age of 34. Nevertheless, her legacy as an actress and writer continues to inspire many, and her contributions to the entertainment industry and as a mother should not be forgotten.
FAQ
What was Dana Plato's height?
Dana Plato was 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) tall.
What was Dana Plato's net worth?
At the time of her death in 1999, Dana Plato's net worth was estimated to be $50,000.
What was Dana Plato's figure like?
Dana Plato had a slim figure with measurements of 34-24-34 inches (86-61-86 cm).
What other movies and TV shows did Dana Plato star in?
In addition to her role on "Diff'rent Strokes", Dana Plato appeared in numerous TV shows and movies throughout her career. Some of her notable credits include "The Love Boat", "Family", "Bionic Woman", and "Return to Boggy Creek".
Did Dana Plato struggle with substance abuse?
Yes, Dana Plato had a history of substance abuse and legal troubles related to her addiction. She was arrested multiple times for charges such as armed robbery and forging prescriptions.
