Who Is Dana Plato? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Dana Plato was born on November 7, 1964, in Maywood, California, USA. She became a prominent actress during the late 1970s and 1980s, gaining fame for her portrayal of Kimberly Drummond on the beloved television series "Diff’rent Strokes." Despite her early success, Plato faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including struggles with substance abuse and personal controversies. She tragically passed away in 1999 at the age of 34, leaving behind a complex legacy in Hollywood. As of 2025, she would have been 61 years old.
| Occupation | Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1964 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Birth Place | Huntington Park, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 May, 1999 |
| Died Place | Moore, Oklahoma, U.S. |
Popularity
Dana Plato's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dana Plato had an enchanting presence during her acting career. Her reported height was approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm), with a weight that fluctuated throughout her life but was typically around 120 pounds (54 kg). Though not extensively documented, she had striking features, often highlighted by her captivating blonde hair and expressive blue eyes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dana Plato's personal life was often under the spotlight. She was married twice, first to Lanny Lambert (1984-1989) and then to a man named Robert, who was part of her life before her tragic passing. Throughout her life, Dana faced several relationship challenges and was known to have dated a few celebrities, though the details about these relationships are often vague.
As of 2025, much of her dating life remains a topic of interest, especially with nostalgic fans who remember her performances and personal struggles.
Her birth mother was Linda Strain, a teenager who was already caring for an 18-month-old child. In June 1965, the seven-month-old Dana was adopted by Dean Plato, who owned a trucking company, and his wife Florine "Kay" Plato. She was raised in the San Fernando Valley. When she was three, her adoptive parents divorced and she lived with her mother.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Dana Plato's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million to $2 million, mostly accrued from her successful career in television and occasional film roles. In 2025, given her longstanding influence in pop culture, her estate may have gained additional value through various posthumous projects, including documentaries and tributes.
Career, Business and Investments
Dana Plato's career began in the late 1970s, but it skyrocketed during the run of "Diff’rent Strokes" from 1978 to 1986. Despite facing significant setbacks, including a decline in her career after the show ended, she continued to pursue acting in various television films and guest appearances.
In her later years, she tried her hand at entrepreneurship but faced various challenges. Since her passing, there have been several efforts to commemorate her life, including merchandise and memorabilia that have been well-received by fans.
She was raised in the San Fernando Valley and trained in figure skating before acting. Her acting career began with numerous commercial appearances, and her television debut came at the age of ten with a brief appearance on the television series The Six Million Dollar Man (1975).
She then appeared in the horror film Return to Boggy Creek (1977) and the Oscar–winning film California Suite (1978). In recognition for her tenure on Diff'rent Strokes, she received nominations for a Young Artist Award and two TV Land Awards.
Following the show, she worked sporadically in independent films and B movies, and appeared in the video game Night Trap (1992).
Social Network
Though Dana Plato did not have social media during her lifetime, her influence has continued to be felt online through fan pages and tribute sites. Various platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have active communities that remember and celebrate her legacy with posts about her life, career, and contributions to entertainment.
Toward the end of her career, Plato chose roles that were erotic; she appeared nude in Prime Suspect (1989) and Compelling Evidence (1995), and in the softcore erotic drama Different Strokes: The Story of Jack and Jill...and Jill (1998), the title of which was changed after filming in order to tie it to Plato's past.
In the same year, following her appearance in the film, Plato appeared in a cover story of the lesbian lifestyle-magazine Girlfriends.
Education
Dana Plato attended high school in California. However, her acting career took off at a young age, which meant she was more focused on her television and film career than academic pursuits. She often recounted her early experiences in the industry, which contributed to the impressive yet tumultuous life she led.
On May 7, 1999, the day before she died, Plato appeared on The Howard Stern Show. She spoke about her life, discussing her financial problems and past run-ins with the law.
She admitted to being a recovering alcoholic and drug addict, but claimed she had been sober for more than ten years and was not using any drugs, with the exception of prescribed painkillers due to the recent extraction of her wisdom teeth.
Many callers to the show insulted Plato and questioned her sobriety, which angered and provoked her, and she defiantly offered to take a drug test on the air. Some callers, as well as host Howard Stern, came to Plato's defense, though Stern also referred to himself as "an enabler" and sarcastically offered Plato drugs.
Although she allowed a hair to be cut for the test, Stern later claimed she asked for it back after the interview.
