Dana Plato

Biography

Dana Michelle Plato (née Strain; November 7, 1964 – May 8, 1999) was an American actress best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond on the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. Recognized as a prominent teen idol of the late 1970s and early 1980s, she was named one of VH1's "100 Greatest Kid Stars." Born in 1964 and adopted shortly thereafter, Plato began her career with commercials and made her television debut at age 10. She gained further recognition through films such as California Suite (1978) and appeared in various independent projects and video games later in her career. Plato faced personal challenges, including substance abuse and mental health issues, which garnered media attention. She died from an overdose at the age of 34, ruled a suicide. Her son, Tyler, also tragically took his life in 2010.