Dana Michelle Plato (November 7, 1964 – May 8, 1999) was an American actress. She rose to fame for playing Kimberly Drummond on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes (1978–1986), which established her as a teen idol of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Kimberly was portrayed as warm, caring, and a bit of a “big sister” figure to Arnold and Willis. The show often used her character to explore issues faced by teen girls in the 1980s—body image, dating, and peer pressure. Plato’s natural charm and expressive face made her one of the show’s most relatable characters.
During the early 1980s, Dana became a teen idol, appearing in teen magazines and talk shows. She had a wholesome, all-American look: long blonde hair, soft makeup, and stylish 1980s outfits like sweaters, skirts, and jeans that matched the decade’s preppy trends. Her gentle voice and shy smile became part of her signature screen presence.
Off-screen, life was more difficult. Plato faced personal challenges as she transitioned from child stardom to adulthood. She left Diff’rent Strokes in 1984 after becoming pregnant, though she returned for a few guest appearances later in the series. After leaving the show, her acting opportunities became more limited, and she struggled with finances and substance issues, a sadly common story among former child stars.
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