The thing about Diff’rent Strokes
is there seems to be so many urban myths about it, this page is taking a look at some of those things taking a look at exactly
what is and what is not true.
- DANA PLATO BECAME A PORN STAR? FICTION
When Dana was down on her
luck acting, she appeared in a 1998 film titled “Different Strokes.” Despite featuring some erotic scenes and
nudity, this one off film could hardly be considered a move into this industry. Going by that argument, every actor who appears
in a similar film is a porn star.
- ALL 3 DIFF’RENT STROKES KIDS ATTEMPTED SUICIDE? FACT
At one point all three young stars of Diff’rent
Strokes attemped to kill themelves. According to IMDB, Gary Coleman took an overdose in 1993. Todd Bridges attempted to kill
himself while in prison awaiting murder charges and Dana Plato’s 1999 suicide attempt was what killed her.
- GARY COLEMAN WAS MUCH OLDER THAN THE PART HE PLAYED? FICTION
The press often claim that Coleman
was significantly older than his TV counterpart Arnold Jackson, but in reality he was just over 2 years older than his character
when the show began its run. He was 10 and his character was 8, although his Kidney disease made him look much younger than
he was.
- DIFF’RENT STROKES DID AN EPISODE ON CHILD MOLESTATION? FACT
In 1983 in the show’s 5th
season, a two part episode titled “The Bicycle Man” was made in which a local bicycle shop owner befriends Arnold
and Dudley and tries to eventually molest Dudley. The episode has become infamous being referenced in shows such as Family
Guy, although it has rarely been repeated since its first run- the last time being on TV Land in 2001. The show has never
shied away from serious issues- covering topics such as kidnapping, Bulimia, Racism, Smoking, Drinking and many more taboo
issues- these episodes often being some of the best made.
- YOU CAN BUY DIFF’RENT STROKES ON DVD? FACT
Sony Pictures have released the
first two seasons on R1 DVD in America. However sales have reportedly been below expectation and whether further seasons will
be released remains to be seen. It has not been released on R2 European DVD, nor are there any plans to do so.
More Fact VS Fictions to come!
