'Diff'rent Strokes' Cast: Then & Now

Diff'rent Strokes was a popular sitcom that aired for eight seasons on NBC and ABC (1978-1986). It starred Conrad Bain as "Philip Drummond," a widower who adopts young brothers "Arnold" and "Willis Jackson," played by Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges.

The family comedy explored the misadventures in the family home, along with "Drummond" daughter "Kimberly" (Dana Plato) and a housemaid. Most of the main stars have passed on, some tragically young, but Bridges is still with us today, as is much of the supporting cast. In this gallery, learn what happened to the Diff'rent Strokes cast and where the surviving actors are now. Enjoy!

Diff'rent Strokes leading man "Philip Drummond" was played by popular TV star Conrad Bain. As "Mr. Drummond," he was the widowed father-of-one who adopted the "Jackson" brothers, "Arnold" and "Willis."

Earlier known for his role on Maude, Conrad Bain appeared in only a few more roles after Diff'rent Strokes concluded in 1986. Among them was as Chief of Staff "Charlie Ross" on Mr. President, a two-season Fox sitcom (1987-1988). He lived a long life, passing away at age 89 in 2013.

Gary Coleman, however, was the main attraction and breakout star on Diff'rent Strokes. The child actor played youngest brother "Arnold Jackson," famed for his catchphrase, "Whatcha talkin' 'bout Willis?" Along with "Mr. Drummond," he was the only other character to appear in all 181 episodes.

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After Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman made notable appearances on other TV shows and in films, but few were in main roles — save for as a voice actor on Waynehead. In later life, he had various financial, legal, and health problems. It's believed he dealt with kidney disease, heart issues, and seizures. Sadly, he died at the age of 42, in 2010, of natural causes following a fall in his home.

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Child actor Todd Bridges played the elder "Jackson" brother, "Willis," on Diff'rent Strokes. Known for his catchphrase — "Say what?" — he was a star on the show for the first seven seasons, until his role was reduced somewhat in the final season.

Today, Todd Bridges is 55 years old, and he's the last surviving actor from the main season 1 cast. Over the years, he's remained very active with film and TV acting work and as a commentator on World's Dumbest.

In 2006, he opened up in a book about the difficulties he endured dating back to his child acting days, touching on childhood sexual abuse, drug addiction, and legal troubles. But he's been sober since 1993 and has plenty of new work on the horizon in coming years.

Actress Dana Plato starred on Diff'rent Strokes as "Kimberly," the young daughter of "Mr. Drummond." Plato played the role until she got pregnant in 1984 and was written out of the show for the final seasons, save for a few guest appearances.

Like her Diff'rent Strokes youth co-stars, Plato also sadly experienced personal difficulties while on the sitcom and in its aftermath. She dealt with addictions and legal problems, while continuing her acting career primarily in films of the 1990s. Tragically, in 1999, she died at age 34 of a drug overdose, which was later ruled a suicide. Plato would have turned 55 years old in 2020.

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In the early seasons, actress Charlotte Rae played "Edna," the first of three maids to work in the "Drummond" home. She left in season 2 for the spin-off series The Facts of Life, where "Edna" moved to an all-girls boarding school.