The Only Main Actors Still Alive From Diff’rent Strokes

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The Only Main Actors Still Alive From Diff'rent Strokes

As a huge fan of “Diff’rent Strokes,” I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and sadness when I reflect on the lives of its cast members. The show was such an integral part of my childhood, and it’s hard to believe that so many of its stars have passed away, leaving only a few survivors like Todd Bridges, Mary Jo Catlett, and Danny Cooksey.

In 1978, “Diff’rent Strokes” debuted and quickly became a significant success in the realm of sitcoms. The series centered around Arnold and Willis, portrayed by Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges, who were adopted by a wealthy white man named Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain), following their mother’s passing. The show gained immense popularity, resulting in the creation of a memorable catchphrase that no ’80s sitcom could afford to miss out on. Young Arnold, known for asking frequently, “What are you talking about?”

The beloved sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” which ran for eight seasons between 1978 and 1986, is not particularly ancient. However, it has faced an unfortunate string of personal losses. Tragically, several of its stars died young. Dana Plato, who played one of the main characters, passed away in 1999 at the age of 34 due to an overdose after a long battle with substance abuse. Gary Coleman, another prominent cast member, suffered health issues throughout his life and died in 2010 following a fall down the stairs, possibly related to a seizure. As a result of these untimely deaths and the passing of some elderly cast members, there are surprisingly few original stars from “Diff’rent Strokes” still alive today.

Todd Bridges (Willis)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From Diff'rent Strokes

Todd Bridges portrayed the eldest Jackson brother, Willis, in the television series “Diff’rent Strokes.” Doting sibling to Arnold, Willis demonstrated maturity at times beyond his years, but often found himself in predicaments (the development and accountability of his character varied depending on the specific demands of each episode). Bridges commenced his TV career three years prior to “Diff’rent Strokes,” when he was only 10 years old. He graced the screens of shows such as “The Waltons,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Barney Miller,” and “Roots,” among others, but it was the character of Willis that marked his major breakthrough.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the actor’s journey into adulthood wasn’t an easy one. He faced challenges in transitioning his career and dealt with substance abuse issues during the late 80s and early 90s. Consequentially, I saw him getting into legal troubles multiple times due to these struggles. However, in 1993, he managed to turn things around and has remained sober ever since. The actor’s career took a downturn throughout the 90s, but he made a comeback in the 2000s with a recurring role on “Everybody Hates Chris” from 2007 to 2009. Additionally, he has found success on reality TV shows such as “World’s Dumbest” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”

Mary Jo Catlett (Pearl)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From Diff'rent Strokes

Philip Drummond’s residence, much like that of any affluent individual, was graced with a team of domestic help. However, their tenure under his employment often proved transient. Mary Jo Catlett entered the scene in the fifth year as Pearl Gallagher, the third housekeeper portrayed on the show, a position she held until its conclusion. By the time she became a regular cast member of “Diff’rent Strokes,” she had already amassed extensive television experience. Catlett began her career in 1975 on “The Bob Newhart Show.” Her acting resume continued to expand with roles on “The Waltons,” “M*A*S*H,” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

After “Diff’rent Strokes” concluded, she didn’t miss a beat and continued making TV appearances frequently. In the 1990s and 2000s, she made guest appearances on several popular children’s shows such as “Rugrats,” “That’s So Raven,” and “Kim Possible.” Her career has since soared, with recent roles on successful series like “Glee,” “2 Broke Girls,” and “Modern Family.” However, if you grew up in the late 1990s, you might be more familiar with her voice than her face. Since 1999, she has lent her voice to the iconic character of Mrs. Puff on “Spongebob Squarepants” and its related productions.

Danny Cooksey (Sam)

The Only Main Actors Still Alive From Diff'rent Strokes

Danny Cooksey made a significant mark on television as the young stepson Sam in “Diff’rent Strokes” during its last three seasons. Following the show’s end in 1989, Cooksey gained widespread recognition for his roles on Nickelodeon. He graced shows like “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” “Hey Arnold,” “The Wild Thornberrys,” and notably as Bobby Budnick in “Salute Your Shorts” and Montana “Monty” Max in “Tiny Toon Adventures.” In addition to television, Cooksey also left an impression in films with appearances in “Mac and Me” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”

I’ve managed to carve out a successful niche for myself as a voice actor these days, with notable roles in productions such as “The Lorax,” “Regular Show,” and the lead character in “Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil.” In my spare time, I’m passionate about music. Over the years, I’ve fronted several bands, including “Bad4Good,” “Arbuckle,” and “Shelter Dogs.” Additionally, I had the pleasure of lending my background vocals to Rilo Kiley, a band featuring my former “Salute Your Shorts” colleague Blake Sennett.

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2024-07-13 19:00