From TV Star to Tragedy: Dana Plato's Downfall

Dana Plato, a beloved teen idol from the 1970s and 1980s, known for her roles in "Diff'rent Strokes" and "California Suite," lived a life shadowed by significant personal struggles. From a young age, Plato battled addiction to drugs and alcohol, reportedly experimenting with cannabis and cocaine and overdosing on Valium at 14. Her erratic behavior led to difficulties on the set of "Diff'rent Strokes." Her personal life was further complicated by a pregnancy at 18, leading to her marriage to rock musician Lanny Lambert. The couple divorced, and Lambert gained custody of their son, leaving Plato with only visitation rights. Adding to her difficulties, a fraudulent accountant stole the majority of the inheritance left by her late mother, leaving her with a fraction of its value. Later, she was arrested for robbing a convenience store, though she received probation with help from entertainer Wayne Newton. In 1999, Plato stated she was sober on "The Howard Stern Show," attributing her use of painkillers to a wisdom tooth extraction. Tragically, she passed away in her sleep the following day after an accidental overdose of mixed painkillers and a muscle relaxant, a death later ruled a suicide.