Main Cast and Roles
The original series cast of Diff'rent Strokes centered on the fictional Drummond family and their live-in housekeeper. Conrad Bain played Philip Drummond, a wealthy widower who adopts two boys from Harlem. Gary Coleman starred as Arnold Drummond, the younger adopted son known for his catchphrase "Whatchagonnado." Diff'rent Strokes Wikipedia page lists the full main and recurring cast.
Dana Plato portrayed Kimberly Drummond, the elder adopted daughter, while Todd Bridges played Willis Drummond, the older adopted son. Charlotte Rae starred as Mrs. Garrett, the housekeeper, and later her spin-off series focused on her character. IMDb cast and crew page for Diff'rent Strokes provides the complete episode-by-episode cast listing.
Cast Earnings and Financial History
Gary Coleman became one of the highest-paid child actors in the 1980s, earning an estimated total of around $100 million across the series and related ventures. His salary per episode rose from roughly $1,000 in early seasons to over $100,000 by the later seasons. Forbes coverage of Gary Coleman's earnings details his contract disputes and financial outcomes.
Dana Plato faced financial struggles later in life and filed for bankruptcy in 1999, with reported debts exceeding $60,000. Todd Bridges also dealt with significant legal and financial issues, including a bankruptcy filing and multiple lawsuits. SEC EDGAR search for public company filings can be used to research any business entities associated with the cast.
Current Careers and Net Worth
Conrad Bain passed away in 2013, while Gary Coleman died in 2010. Charlotte Rae died in 2018. Dana Plato died in 1999, and Todd Bridges remains active in entertainment and public commentary. Forbes actor net worth estimates provides updated net worth figures for surviving cast members where available.
Todd Bridges has worked as a motivational speaker and appeared on reality TV shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! His estimated net worth has been reported in the low millions. Todd Bridges Wikipedia page summarizes his career after Diff'rent Strokes and current public activities.