Diff’rent Strokes cast: Where are the stars of the classic NBC sitcom now? Details revealed 

It’s been almost 40 years since Diff’rent Strokes waved goodbye. The NBC sitcom still has a solid anchor in American pop culture. It debuted in 1978 and ran for eight phenomenal seasons, becoming one of the most widely known mainstream sitcoms. The show combined family humor with social issues, making its young stars household names and even continuing the legacy with another hit spinoff, The Facts of Life.

Though the show brought success and opportunity, the years after its finale have left fans wondering about the beloved cast and where they are now. Some are defined by continuing success, others by deeply tragic endings. Here is where the stars of Diff’rent Strokes ended up, 40 years after the series concluded.

Where are the stars of the classic NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes?

Todd Bridges as Willis Jackson

Bridges played Arnold's older brother Willis Jackson in all eight seasons of the series. Bridges has defied the odds, unlike many other child actors of his generation, making appearances in shows including The Young and the Restless and Everybody Hates Chris.

In recent years, Bridges has opened up about his struggles and recovery, revealing in 2025 that he has been clean and sober for over 30 years. In December 2024, he branched out into podcasting with the launch of Dang! together with his spouse, Bettijo B. Hirschi, signaling a new chapter beyond acting.

Conrad Bain as Phillip Drummond

Bain was featured in Diff’rent Strokes as the adoptive father. Bain was already an established actor from previous notable roles in Maude and Dark Shadows prior to the sitcom. He also starred in the one-season Mr. President after Diff’rent Strokes, before retreating from public life.

Bain died on January 14, 2013, at the age of 89. Even family members would later say his personality in real life was not too dissimilar to the graciousness and reliability he brought to Phillip Drummond.

Dana Plato as Kimberly Drummond

Dana Plato was Phillip’s biological daughter, Kimberly Drummond, and the caring elder sister of Arnold and Willis. She was a core cast member for the first six seasons and then went on to recur after becoming pregnant.

Plato had a life of difficulties off-screen, including legal troubles and drug abuse. She was arrested in the early 1990s. Plato’s life ended in tragedy on May 8, 1999, when she died from a drug overdose, later ruled a suicide. She was 34 years old at the time.

Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson

Gary Coleman’s character became the clear standout on the cast of Diff’rent Strokes as someone sharp-tongued. His catchphrase, “What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” became one of the staples of 1980s pop culture.

Coleman still kept busy after the show, at least occasionally, mostly with guest spots on other series and reality shows like Married… with Children, The Drew Carey Show, and The Simpsons. In 2007, Coleman wed Shannon Price, but the pair divorced the following year. The actor died at the age of 42 on May 28, 2010, due to a brain hemorrhage.

The rest of the Diff’rent Strokes family includes more faces who made memorable appearances, even if brief ones. Charlotte Rae, who earned fame as sassy housekeeper Edna Garrett on both Diff’rent Strokes and The Facts of Life, before heading to the 2017 comedy reunion Raisins & Almonds, left her mark on the hearts of fans. Melanie Watson, who played Kathy Gordon in a few Season 3 episodes, was also unforgettable and passed away on December 26 at age 57.

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The passing of many Diff’rent Strokes actors is just the latest reflection of the bittersweet reality of the passage of time, a reality that the show itself often touched upon.

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