Dana Michelle Plato was born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, to Linda Strain, a 16-year-old single mother. Plato’s father, Keith Strain, was never involved in her life. Plato was mostly raised by her mother and grandmother, Virginia Cook. Plato began her acting career at age 12 when she landed the role of Kimberly Drummond on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986). Plato played the older sister and caretaker of two young African-American boys who were adopted by a wealthy white man. The show was a huge success and made Plato a household name.
Plato’s career took a turn in 1988 when she was arrested for robbing a video store with a fake gun. She pleaded no contest and was sentenced to probation and community service. The following year, Plato was arrested again for forging a prescription for Valium. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 days in jail and ordered to undergo drug rehabilitation.
Plato’s career never recovered from her legal troubles and she struggled with drug addiction for the rest of her life. In 1999, she was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and spent four months in jail. In 2000, Plato died of an accidental drug overdose at the age of 35.
General Info
Full Name
Dana Plato
Date Of Birth
November 7, 1964
Died
May 8, 1999, Moore, Oklahoma, United States
Height
1.57 m
Education
William Howard Taft Charter High School
Nationality
American
Family
Spouse
Lanny Lambert
Children
Tyler Lambert
Parents
Florine Plato, Linda Strain, Dean Plato
Siblings
Heidi Plato
Accomplishments
Nominations
TV Land Quintessential Non-Traditional Family Award
I wanted this to have as wide an audience as possible. I didn't want to get an X rating, because in my opinion once that happens you X-out everyone else.
2
I'm open-minded. I don't consider myself gay or hetero, I just am. I've had experiences all over the planet but it always comes down to just me, but I think at this point if I had an ongoing relationship I believe it would be with a man.
3
Nobody knows what a woman feels or experiences but another woman. We are the nurturers and there are times when we need to be nurtured.
4
I'm okay in my skin, you know... I'm okay with who I am.
5
With women and women, I think there's an understanding. Nobody knows what a woman feels or experiences but another woman. We are the nurturers, and there are times when we need to be nurtured.
6
I'd hopefully work through all my issues with men first so then I'd be okay being with a woman.
7
I like to go with the energy because when you ignore it that's when you start doing things wrong.
8
I have been sober for the longest time. Oh, it's over a decade now. No joke.
9
People have an awful lot of problems that society has put on them and a lot to work through because of it.
10
If it feels right and I'm not going against any energy in myself or the situation, there would be no limit.
11
I've got to be honest, there's no pleasure when you're working.
12
I'm learning to play by the rules. I sort of hate to think of it that way, but that's how it is. I'm really learning to function out there and in such a way that I don't need to drink.
13
All that money stuff was so strange; all it ever meant to me was freedom from worry. I'm happier now than I've ever been but I still wish I had that money.
14
In my opinion it's not about gay or straight or bi, we're attracted to spirits, whatever body they're in. There are other reasons too, but that's how I see it.
15
I've learned through experience that life is never that bad. The secret is just paying attention to how you feel and not letting anyone else dictate what in your heart you know is right.
16
Growing up, all I did was work and vacation, but I loved it, no one pushed me into anything. The thing was I developed no special skills. I don't have any resentment because I am a performer and I've always felt that, but it did take its toll socially.
17
I'm tired of defending my character. I am what I am. What you see is what you get.
18
I think the whole nerves thing comes into play when we worry about what other people and society will think.
Mother of Tyler Lambert. Lambert committed suicide via a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on May 6, 2010, two days before the 11th anniversary of his mother's death.
Won the part of Violet in the movie Pretty Baby (1978), but turned it down, so she wouldn't be typecast in this type of role. Brooke Shields ended up playing the part.
8
Had breast implants done in 1994 in hopes of landing better film roles.
9
Childhood dream was to be an Olympic figure skater.
10
Was fired from Diff'rent Strokes (1978) at the end of the 1983-1984 season due to her pregnancy. The producers were unwilling to write the pregnancy into the show, but she was able to return for guest appearances after her son was born.
