Behind The Camera The Unauthorized Story Of Diff Rent Strokes
Introduction
"Diff'rent Strokes" was an American sitcom that aired on NBC from 1978 to 1985. It was about two African American kids from Harlem who were adopted by a wealthy white man and moved to a Park Avenue penthouse in Manhattan. The show was a hit and made stars out of the young actors Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges and Dana Plato. However, behind the scenes, there was a lot of drama and controversy. The unauthorized story of "Diff'rent Strokes" takes us behind the camera and reveals some shocking secrets.
The Cast
Gary Coleman played Arnold Jackson, the younger of the two adopted brothers. He was a precocious and lovable character who quickly became a fan favorite. However, Coleman's life was far from easy. He suffered from a congenital kidney disease that stunted his growth and required him to have a kidney transplant at age 14. He also had a difficult relationship with his parents and was involved in several legal battles over money and his career.
Todd Bridges played Willis Jackson, the older brother. Bridges had a troubled childhood and was already a seasoned actor by the time he landed the role on "Diff'rent Strokes." However, he struggled with drug addiction and legal troubles throughout his adult life. He was arrested multiple times and spent time in prison before turning his life around and becoming an advocate for addiction recovery.
Dana Plato played Kimberly Drummond, the daughter of the wealthy white man who adopted the brothers. Plato was a talented actress but had personal demons that would eventually lead to her tragic death. She struggled with addiction and financial problems after leaving the show and died of a drug overdose in 1999 at the age of 34.
The Controversies
Behind the scenes, there were several controversies that plagued the show. One of the most infamous was the fact that Gary Coleman's parents sued the show for mismanaging his earnings. They alleged that the show had set up a trust fund for Coleman's earnings but had not properly accounted for the money. The case was settled out of court, but it was just the beginning of the legal troubles that would follow the show.
Another controversy was the fact that Todd Bridges was accused of a serious crime. In 1989, he was charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting a drug dealer. He was acquitted of the charges, but the incident tarnished his reputation and made it difficult for him to find work in Hollywood.
Dana Plato also had her share of controversies. She posed for Playboy and starred in several B-movies after leaving the show, which did not sit well with the conservative producers of "Diff'rent Strokes." She was eventually fired from the show after becoming pregnant out of wedlock, which was considered scandalous at the time.
The Legacy
Despite the controversies, "Diff'rent Strokes" left a lasting legacy on American television. It tackled issues of race, adoption, and class in a way that was groundbreaking at the time. It also launched the careers of several talented actors who would go on to become household names. And, of course, it gave us the iconic catchphrase, "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?"
The show has been syndicated around the world and is still beloved by fans today. However, its legacy is bittersweet, as we now know that the young stars who brought it to life struggled with personal demons and tragic endings. Nevertheless, "Diff'rent Strokes" will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of television.
Conclusion
The unauthorized story of "Diff'rent Strokes" takes us behind the camera and reveals some shocking secrets about one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 1980s. The show may have been a hit, but the lives of its stars were far from easy. Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato all struggled with personal demons and legal troubles that would eventually lead to their untimely deaths. Nevertheless, their legacy lives on and "Diff'rent Strokes" will always be remembered as a groundbreaking show that tackled important issues and gave us some unforgettable catchphrases.