Dana Plato was an American actress best remembered for her portrayal of Kimberly Drummond in the popular television sitcom Diff’rent Strokes. She entered the entertainment industry during her childhood, initially appearing in television commercials before gradually securing minor roles in various television programs. Her major breakthrough came when she was cast as Kimberly Drummond in Diff’rent Strokes, which brought her widespread recognition and established her as a familiar face on American television. After leaving the sitcom, however, Plato found it difficult to maintain her success in the entertainment industry. Despite pursuing various acting opportunities, she struggled to secure prominent roles and eventually appeared in smaller independent film projects and video games. Her career never regained the momentum she had achieved during her early television years. Plato’s personal life was also marked by several challenges. Born to an unmarried teenage mother, she was adopted at just seven months old by a businessman and his wife. Her adoptive parents separated when she was three, an experience that contributed to the difficulties of her childhood. As she grew older, she continued to face personal struggles. Her marriage ended after a relatively short period, and she battled substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol. Tragically, Dana Plato died in 1999 at the age of 34 from an overdose involving prescription medication.
Career of Dana Plato
Dana Plato began her journey in the entertainment industry during childhood, accompanying her mother to auditions. She went on to appear in more than 100 television commercials for well-known companies, including Atlantic Richfield, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Dole. Her television debut came in 1975 when she appeared in an episode of the science-fiction series The Six Million Dollar Man. She subsequently secured roles in several films, including Return to Boggy Creek, Exorcist II: The Heretic, and California Suite.
Her major breakthrough arrived in 1978 when she was cast in NBC’s popular sitcom Diff’rent Strokes. The series revolved around a wealthy white widower, Phillip Drummond, and his daughter, who welcome two African-American boys into their family through adoption. Plato portrayed Kimberly Drummond, Phillip’s daughter, and became widely recognized for the role.
In 1979, Plato made guest appearances in television sitcoms such as Hello, Larry and CHiPs. The following year, she appeared in episodes of Family and ABC Afterschool Specials. During the subsequent years, she continued working in television, taking part in projects such as the television movie High School U.S.A., as well as the series The Love Boat and Growing Pains.
As her mainstream acting opportunities became limited, Plato gradually moved toward independent productions and adult-oriented entertainment. She appeared in several films featuring nudity, including Prime Suspect (1989), Compelling Evidence (1995), and the erotic drama Different Strokes: The Story of Jack and Jill…and Jill (1998). She was also featured on the cover of Girlfriends, a magazine focused on lesbian lifestyle and culture.
In 1992, Plato expanded her work into video games by providing the voice of Kelly Medd in Night Trap. She also appeared as Deborah Nichols in the music video for the song The Sounds of Silence. During the later years of her career, she took roles in several independent films, including Blade Boxer, Desperation Boulevard, and Pacino Is Missing.
Family & Personal Life
Dana Plato was born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, United States. Her biological mother was Linda Strain, who was an unmarried teenager at the time of her birth. At approximately seven months old, Dana was adopted by Dean Plato, the owner of a trucking company, and his wife, Florine Plato. Her adoptive parents separated when she was three years old, after which she was primarily raised by her mother.
In 1984, Plato married Lanny Lambert. The couple welcomed a son named Tyler Edward Lambert. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1990, and Lambert was granted custody of their son. Plato was also briefly engaged to filmmaker Fred Potts, but their relationship eventually came to an end. She later became romantically involved with her manager, Robert Menchaca.
Drug Abuse, Legal Issues & Death
During her years in Diff’rent Strokes, Dana Plato struggled with substance abuse, including problems involving alcohol and drugs. She openly acknowledged using cocaine and marijuana and reportedly experienced a diazepam overdose when she was just 14 years old.
Her personal difficulties continued into adulthood and eventually led to legal troubles. In 1991, Plato was arrested in Las Vegas for robbing a video rental store. The following year, she faced another arrest after forging a prescription for diazepam. She subsequently served 30 days in prison for violating the conditions of her probation. Following her release, she also entered a rehabilitation facility to receive treatment for her substance abuse problems.
Dana Plato died on May 8, 1999, following an overdose involving Lortab, a prescription painkiller, and Soma, a muscle relaxant. Her death was officially classified as a suicide. She was 34 years old at the time of her passing.