The Cost of Child Actor Fame | Dana Plato Case Analysis

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the case of Dana Plato?
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[@jeffha4057]

The people that called into the Howard Stern Show for her last interview were really cruel. Be kind to others because you never know what they're dealing with in their personal lives.

[@shmackedmuffins7948]

An alledge serial killer called into his show.

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

I remember Howard Stern glowing about that interview and calls..Then distanced himself from the glowing after Dana passed..

[@skepticusmaximus184]

@@shmackedmuffins7948 And like they told him, "Look son. Stabbing one packet of rice crispies, does not make you a serial killer." 😄

[@kwameadams1140]

and you know the sad thing is...ppl will be cruel till it happens to them on a personal level. We as humans are just ill.

[@ReaperCH90]

Better tell the truth than ensble people to live in their make-believe world

[@marygoff3332]

I used to ice skate with Dana Plato at the height of her fame at the Woodland Hills ice rink at the mall in California. Sweetest girl you'd ever meet. This is so tragic.

[@notimetodienttd1115]

Wow..Fun time together and childhood memories am sure you will always cherish...Rest in peace Dana..💕💕

[@thelocalmaladroit8873]

“they spend their life chasing something they can never get”. A lost childhood can never be recovered. The years spent growing and discovering and just being there are priceless. Growing up comes too soon for many. This is a sad, sad story of a life lived too fast and too serious. I pause a moment for Dana. Thank you, Dr Grande for your thoughts today.

[@Mama_Bear524]

So well said and so heartbreaking. You’re right, it’s so precious and we need to make sure kids get to have it.

[@stephendacey8761]

Just take a look at Michael Jackson. His father was very mean to Michael as a child, and just wanted his kids (The Jackson Five) to provide money for the family.

[@brittaolson6550]

Excellent point!

[@litgamer6205]

Live fast die young, that's the rock star life she lived, she had a privileged celebrity life some would die for a fraction of, so I can't feel too sorry for her

[@litgamer6205]

She didn't have it that bad, some kids are molested and physically abused and all sorts and end up responsible adults, she attained the celebrity you could only dream about, she had a good time, partied hard and that's it, you have to be thankful for whatever good, life gives you, I wouldn't waste too much of yourself on it, death comes for all of us sooner or later

[@corax2012]

He's spot on. I've worked with children with a variety of neglect and abuse for decades. Not having a stable childhood is incredibly destructive.

[@stephanied6711]

I agree

[@Je-Vette]

How can it not have a very negative effect

[@forreal245]

Agree. I am one of those children.

We put so much emphasis on raising children well, but parents trying to keep the wolf from their door often can't do that. Most people have kids without specific plans for parenthood and with people they are ill-suited for. They are exploited at work and find that the things their children need most are always rising in cost. They can't split with the bad match because they usually don't make enough and don't want to traumatize the kids, but they end up traumatizing the kids anyway because they can't stand the person they procreated with. It's no wonder most of us are fucked up.

[@SeattlePioneer]

@ The bottom line is that feminism and divorce are hugely destructive for children. Of course, the law is only interested in enabling reckless behavior by parents.

[@davidk6269]

Dana's life was so tragic. It is heartbreaking that she ended the way that she did, and that her own son ended so tragically not many years after her death. RIP, Dana.

[@harperstacey9604]

Dana Plato didn't have any real friends? From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@manolokonosko2868]

Her friends were all failed musicians who hoped to use HER as a way to gain fame.

[@lancefloray6930]

@@harperstacey9604 I'm almost certain that she kept good people away while letting weird drug people occupy her time and life. If she had lived longer I believe she would have learned to be better and do better. She did seem to have a lot of great qualities about her. Wasted potential

[@robertamirtha4242]

@@harperstacey9604 To begin with, she also didn't have any real parents.

[@user-to1mk2um3h]

@@lancefloray6930 She didn't have a Real Family and Parents. She needed Love and when she didn't get Love, she fell into Drugs and Alcohol 😢 🥺 She had unhappy Childhood and life. So sad 😢 It is so hard when you don't have the Love of a family 💔 😢 She died of Broken Heart. Efrat. Israel

[@cokedupgirlscout]

Dr. Grande I just wanted to comment how much your videos have inspired me. I’ve always been into crime and the psychology of criminals. I currently work on an inpatient psychiatric unit as an RN, but am excited to announce that I’m going back to school for forensic psychology. I start in the fall semester and I can’t wait!! Thank you for your videos and perspective on these cases. I don’t think I would’ve went back to school without you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@myrnab2022]

What a great career choice. I wish I had studied forensic psychology. Good luck with your career.

[@conorfitzmaurice8959]

Good for you

[@kimryan8574]

Hi all the best, 🌼

[@betterbee1304]

Good luck with your studies!!! I feel like I'm in the same boat! I'm in school getting my bachelor's degree in psychology and am applying to grad school programs for substance abuse counseling, which is ironic considering the video. I feel for her, it's a shame and waste of life. Addiction nearly destroyed my life until I got help. I'm grateful that I don't have to live like that anymore and I get to go to school! ❤️ And in between work and school I watch Dr. Grande lol

[@JennyTolios]

Wow...that it absolutely brilliant! I wish you all the luck in the world with your studies. I have no doubt you'll crush it...💖

[@jonaswhite5842]

A sad and tragic case. The Drummonds were a part of every household back then. Me and my little sis never missed it. Thanks for another introspective look, and thanks for the daily content

[@ObservationStation_77]

We never liked it or watched it , so….

[@megatherion2695]

@@ObservationStation_77 Compelling comment.

[@timfahey7127]

Saturday nights on NBC!!!

[@BackyardButcher]

Same. We never missed an episode 😢

[@vickicarnes6860]

What you talking about Willis?!

[@bluegreenglue6565]

Poor Dana. I really feel for her, trying to cope with a lifestyle with which she was enamored but for which she was not prepared.

[@Kimberly-Fredrick]

That guy that lived with her in her RV wasn't good for her either. He took a series of pictures of her while she lay unconscious & dying & sold them to the Hollywood rags. Poor sweet Dana didn't have anyone around her that really loved her when she needed someone the most. Her death broke my heart.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Holy crap! That’s terrible.

[@saintcreole9860]

He's a pig!

[@kevinmalone3210]

I read an article about her death in People magazine. It showed a picture of him in the article. He looked like a real low life.

[@user-ic9qm8mb4t]

@@shelleydunkle7867 OMG.......get a therapist immediately.

[@Kim-pq9sm]

Yes

[@kayleighgroenendal8473]

We aren't actually chasing that "first high". I thought I'd never do drugs again after my first high because I puked for the next 5 hours straight. Were chasing what we never had ... Stress free and satisfying days. You've all had a good day, you've felt excited by things. We just want one good day as well 🥺

[@eadweard.]

Puked? Was this an opiate?

[@kathrynturnbull990]

thanks for weighing in and reminding people that not everyone uses drugs for the same reasons.

[@pamabbey3057]

I hope you are having a good day now. God bless you. Sending good thoughts.

[@sarahholland2600]

Most addicts I've met were looking for a way to escape depression, trauma, grief or PTSD. No one really wants to lead a short, squalid life on drugs.

[@pamabbey3057]

@@sarahholland2600 How smart you are Sarah. Thanks for expressing the truth. Bravo.

[@carrieheffernan1685]

Dana sang a song once on the show. She had a beautiful voice. It's a shame she didn't do more with it.

[@DonnaBrooks]

Somehow, learning this makes this tragic story all the more tragic. All that talent wasted. All that potential lost. A life of loneliness, substance abuse, and financial problems, with seemingly no one to appreciate her or help ease her pain or give her opportunities, ending in an untimely death. My God, what a sad story. I'm so sorry, Dana.

[@frenchiegirlintheusa]

I miss Dana she was a great actress from a teenager's point of view at the time. After she left the show was never the same. I wish that she did come back so sad about what happened to her at the end RIP Dana 😢.

[@ROYALP100]

Dana Plato (Like many child actors) was pushed to become successful and unfortunately after the show she didn’t really know what to do with her life…it’s actually more common than we want to admit.

[@myrnab2022]

What a sad story. Drug and alcohol abuse too often lead to ruin and even death. That's why I never used any of those things.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Same. I’m lucky because I’m the youngest and saw what happened with my siblings so I learned from them. I was tempted once but my best friend at the time was in the hospital and I didn’t want her to be disappointed in me if she knew that while she was there I did drugs. But I understand that in many cases it’s not so simple.

[@brittaolson6550]

@@Mama_Bear524 That’s kind of you to say. A lot of kids are dealing with terrible abuse or other painful experiences, and have a weak moment, I’m in long term recovery, and I even know people who were forced to use drugs as part of the abuse, especially SA and trafficking (trying to not make the YT mad). I’ve been abused and got out, and worked with abuse victims in schools and shelters. Now I’m working on a credential in Addictions, so I can help people with that aspect. So many people judge, but they don’t know what others live. It sounds like you had some good influences and made good decisions. I’m so happy when people don’t have to deal with addiction. In an ideal world, nobody would. Science is finding out more about how drugs affect and truly take over the brain to a much greater degree than we even thought. For example, the electrical activity in the frontal area (where decision making and reasoning occur) is next to nothing and a significant amount of gray matter is lost in this area, in severe addiction. I’m hopeful that improving drug education will deter more people, especially in depth information for kids. As you probably know, the best way to bear addiction is not to start!

[@cathyosullivan718]

The Howard Stern Show was so sleezy and it seemed to send Dana over the edge. I heard his callers were so mean to Dana and then she was dead the next day. Emotional abuse can be much worse then physical. Her son was her double and then he also took his own life. So sad.

[@cathyosullivan718]

Yeah. He’s mentioned feeling bad about certain guests but I never heard him apologize for the way Dana was treated.

[@Coffeedrinker291]

Yeah I’ve never understood people like that who revel in meanness and trashing other people

[@cliveedwards2958]

@@cathyosullivan718 I dont like the bloke..Howard Stern is allways going for cheap laughs at the expense of whoever he has in his sights. He fakes empathy with people whilst mocking them. Nasty piece of work.

[@muthapaluka]

Stern is clueless & has no class;

[@cathyosullivan718]

I totally agree.

[@themajesticmagnificent386]

Diff’rent stokes really didn’t do any of the young cast any good..In fact it was terrible for them..Thank you Doctor Grande for a great video about Dana..Another sad tale from tinsel town.

[@harperstacey9604]

The young cast of diff'rent strokes made bad choices. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@Swansong321]

Oh God this is so sad..it's dreadful how far she fell

[@portlandsamber]

Nah. That's who she was before birth. Obviously her mother wasn't in a great situation, her adoptive dad left pretty much immediately, her adoptive mom turned her into a work horse and then the slightest bit of freedom allowed her to cave into her innate self. Then her son. THIS is why generational poverty & mental illness lead to generational drug use. So sad that we can't figure that out as a society.

[@shawngross5420]

It is really sad that Dana Plato's life ended up as it did. "Diff'rent Strokes" was my favorite show as a little kid. The child actors had such a hard time. I hope young actors today receive better support and mental health care.

[@JennyTolios]

Unfortunately if you look at the sad examples of Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, Corey Monteith, River Phoenix and countless others, it seems Hollywood still enjoys chewing up & spitting out young talent...😢

[@ReaperCH90]

I don't know if they do, but at least in the Harry Potter movies they looked after their child stars

[@shawngross5420]

@@JennyTolios , I know. So sad. And it goes way back, too. They had Judy Garland on stimulants and sedatives at such a young age. Tried to control her weight and relationships. Forced termination. It's no surprise she struggled with substance abuse as an adult.

[@Mama_Bear524]

@@shawngross5420 it really is so tragic. So many children have suffered needlessly. I think it’s somewhat better but far from where it needs to be.

[@prod.arcsyne2990]

we illegalized child labor in the states so many decades ago, yet we'll let parents overstress and overwork their kids for stardom...

[@reannabaker4]

There was a lot of tragedy for the child actors on Different Strokes. The death of Eric's sister on That 70s Show was also very tragic. Thanks for this video Dr. Grande.

[@Mama_Bear524]

It was and she reminded me of Dana.

[@RegisteredNurseL.A.]

Oh yeah. Lisa Robin Kelly

[@baneverything5580]

@Jessica Smith If I suddenly got a big paying job in an industry where you could buy the best of any type of drugs or alcohol on earth I`d be banned from Canada almost immediately. I don`t blame any of these people for trying to feel good and escape the insanity. But the addictions turn on you. At age 56 after a life playing music...weed makes me paranoid, stupid, and useless, cocaine makes me sick, beer does nothing but cause headaches, whiskey causes amnesia and a five day hangover, speed feels like rat poison, and opiates may or may not work at all...even for stopping pain. Nothing is fun anymore. We need digital drugs. I want a digital drug that makes me so goddamned happy that I immediately die from overwhelming joy. Speed was always dependable about a decade ago until I suddenly found myself being chased by a collection of demons, the Grim Reaper (looked like him!), John Lennon, a small green and yellow tiger, over 100 three ft tall angry protesters with pole vaulting equipment, and some sort of radioactive glowing high voltage butterfly type creatures far more dangerous than killer bees, black spirits, etc, then I shrunk down to the size of germs. I didn`t expect THAT! It was a wake up call when I was unable to light a cigarette for over 6 hours. I`ve done all sorts of mushrooms and LSD and NEVER went through anything like that! The only thing good to come from it was I`m one of the few people who understands what I`m looking at when I see a street video from Seattle of people talking to garbage cans and clawing at the sky. The bad thing though is that my psychiatrist has assured me that my prognosis is poor and my brain is permanently frozen at "level 4" whatever that means.

[@SamStone1964]

@@baneverything5580 Try meditating for around 15 minutes every morning. See where that leads.

[@baneverything5580]

@@SamStone1964 I`m waiting on people to get off my lot so I can move. Until then I have to put up with extremely rude, noisy, oblivious people. Nine times out of ten they wake me up when I try to sleep. My nephew who lives next door has a hobby of slamming all his car doors, hood, and trunk on his car every time he looks at it, and he parks it outside my window. I counted one day...he slammed the hood and doors 87 times. He brings his endlessly barking dog over here, right outside my window, several times per day so we`re the ones who step in dog poop when we check the mail, not him. He randomly comes inside our house, even at 2am, and slams the door as hard as possible. His son has autism, so they bring him over to play only feet from my window. If I don`t die from frayed nerves and lack of sleep before I move then perhaps I`ll be ok?

[@pennsydude9723]

I was always heart broken by Dana's death. I was a avid fan of the show during the height of its showing. I had just been adopted myself but not to a billionaire. The show had plenty of guest stars appearing on it like Janet Jackson and Mr.T and Ali. Just to name a few. I even had a small crush on Dana including Janet as well but I was much younger than Dana. She was at least 8 yrs my senior during the time she was a teenager on the show. I was probably 8 or 10 . But yeah even Gary and Todd had issues as teen celebrities the two that played the adopted sons to Mr. Drummond the billionaire. Todd had his own drug issues and Gary had issues with his parents stealing his money and he ended up suing them in the later years. I heard about Dana's struggles later after the show ended. Such a beautiful girl whose life ended so tragicly. Very sad indeed. They were great on the show. Who knew their real life was not so glamorous after all.

[@TrainSounds]

Could you also do the Corey Haim case as well?

[@SamwiseGamgy47]

I was an “extra” on Different Strokes 3 times when I was a kid. Talked this girl many times. She was nice. That dude Todd what’s-his-name beat her up one time. They had to heavily make-up her face for the TV taping.

[@juneyshu6197]

Wondered ifbthey got along.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭

[@rachelwyatt6030]

Wow!! That’s awful

[@SamwiseGamgy47]

@Jessica Smith back then he was around 16 or 17. He got a new convertible BMW and he drove like a lunatic around the Universal Studios backlot and pissing everyone off. And yeah he threw her down some stairs and she sprained her wrist. She’s wearing it in the episode.

[@Seeker0fTruth]

@@SamwiseGamgy47 I remember that episode!

[@pafarmgirl9519]

Such a sad and lonely life. Sounds like the adults around her, failed her, then she failed herself by her terrible choices 💔

[@elinorlee1539]

How did adults fail her?? She had a good life till she made her own choices

[@ember1794]

@@elinorlee1539 For one, by being a pushing Tiger mother, it's also a form of abuse, in my opinion

[@elinorlee1539]

@@ember1794we don't really have any indication that they pushed her into anything

[@ember1794]

@@elinorlee1539 "developing a pronounced interest in her career" (I take it the good Doctor is being euphemistic), taking her to numerous auditions which resulted in more than a hundred advertising spots or something, at the same time(!) "encouraging her to be a figure skater" (at olympic level!) - sure, "encouraging" - and then deciding for her daughter that she is to leave figure skating for acting - if what Dr. Grande says is true, it sure sounds like she was the active/pushing part, not allowing her daughter to develop her own identity and wishes (intrinsically), which turned out to be a problem - overbearing at the very least

[@blitzphantom9488]

Can’t blame everything on everyone else.

[@memyself4431]

I think this is sad. Her life was sad! She didn’t know any different and it is even sadder about her son.

[@whalesong999]

The conditioning of pressuring parents and environment don't allow much in the way of accepting one's personal sorrow, they keep trying to push it into denial. That's a poison to the soul.

[@garypiatt4666]

How can you say “she didn’t know any better.” I was born in October, 1954, and remember, starting in 7th grade, schools were teaching students about the dangers of drug use. The news programs reported on the dangers of drug use. As a teenage in the late 60’s and early 70’s, I already knew of people who had thrown their lives away, on drugs, and some who had died as a result of drug use. I venture to say everyone my age or younger knew someone, or knew of someone, who had done the same. With very, very, very little exception, those who use drugs, began by knowingly ingesting drugs. So, I argue that she did know different. She did know drugs were dangerous. She did choose to be a drug addict.

[@memyself4431]

@@garypiatt4666 I said she didn’t know any different please reread the comment before getting aggressive

[@memyself4431]

Oh I didn’t read your whole entire passage before replying! You were not famous and you didn’t begin a career in the spotlight in Hollywood! You cannot compare to her life with yours!! Most people in America have experimented with some form of drugs especially as a teen or young adult! Not saying it ok but most realize it isn’t right and don’t do it anymore. Her life was in the fast lane and you don’t know anything about how it goes in Hollywood to even comment unless you are famous or know famous people! If you really look most of them in Hollywood are drugged up and plastic and miserable and have problems

[@garypiatt4666]

@@memyself4431 Excuse my horrible mistake! I quoted you as saying “better” as opposed to saying “different!” Okay, I apologize. So, what difference would “different” make, as opposed to my “better?” I believe either word would mean the same here. Also, how was my reply aggressive in any way?

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

Most insightful final thoughts- “this case was a matter of timing, Dana and fame could never get on the same page, in a sense they always had different strokes.” That’s a very accurate summary of this sad story. Thank you for the lovely review Dr. Grande. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.❤️

[@bthomson]

With all the other examples of child stars having hard lives (Judy Garland comes to mind) you would think that a parent would take extra care. Dana's mom had some responsibility imo.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@bthomson I agree! Dana had way too much responsibility for a child. Really sad ending.

[@bthomson]

Another pit fall of celebrity is that you really can't just get a regular job once you have been famous.

[@rejaneoliveira5019]

@@bthomson That’s a good point. The inability to settle with another job is not even related to the job itself or the compensation but more so to the attention, fame and recognition that comes from being an actor/actress. It’s more difficult to get this type of fame in most professions.

[@LDiamondz]

@@bthomson Amazing. As I was watching this video, I thought I'd ask Dr.Grande to do a video of Judy Garland, as her Hollywood story was so tragic. And there you are! Commenting the same thing! Birds of a feather, my friend. 😉

[@pembrokelove]

I would love to see you doing more cases like this one. One case that has always bothered me is the Edward furlong. I feel his childhood fame definitely took a toll, and the other thing with him is that when he was 15 he was dating his 28 year old teacher from the set, and everyone was just cool with that. Like people talked about it like it was just such a great love story, not the child molestation case that it was. And then we’re all surprised that he ended up having so many problems. Who wouldn’t be surprised? Dr. Grande. Dr. Grande knows that that was only going to lead to disaster.

[@LMCEK]

Me too! I loved American History X and Edward Furlong. Last time I looked him up on IG he was trying very hard to get his account verified. It was kinda weird. He looks nothing like the young man I remember

[@JennyTolios]

Oh wow...I didn't know that about Edward Furlong. That is truly messed up.

[@An__-]

I would also be interested in Edward Furlong. Fame can be cruel to kids.

[@trayccox8223]

Never heard of him either but blimey sounds like the French president macron who married his teacher..but then they have a different attitude to girls and their teachers 🤔 so would be interesting to hear Edwards story

[@1chienandalou]

@@trayccox8223 not really the same story when someone marries someone older vs a minor being with their much older teacher. But yeah Furlong’s career was short and after a while I heard were issues with drugs and the law. I always thought being a child actor seems often associated with serious issues in life.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

Dana was a sweet girl. I met her when she 1st moved to Las Vegas. I even helped her move her bed 🛌 in and other boxes and furniture. My parents met her . She had a lot of bad influences in her life. I have nothing but good things to say about her 😌 I don't think she killed her self. Her manager /husband said that you are worth more dead than alive!

[@gils100games]

Her husband actually said that to her!?

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@gils100games Yes just before she did Howard Stern. And it was overheard by 3 people that's why he went back home and left her to do his show by herself. I wish she was with me. And she would've been still alive.

[@souldesire5932]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 Wow that makes sense bc supposedly he recorded her last moments and tried to somehow push or sell it I think I came across..But if he said that to her, why didn't she leave? That's a pretty alarming, how can you stay with someone saying that? Do you think he manipulated the medication somehow? I guess it's tough to know exactly.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@souldesire5932 She didn't have any other place to call home. So thats why she returned to the house.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@gils100games Yes that bastard 😤

[@maureeningleston1501]

There's nothing better on a Saturday night, than a glass of wine and a dose of Dr Grande's speculation. :)

[@trace9657]

I can recall reading some time before she died that she was working in a dry cleaners. As sad as that is, it is still honest work. I believe that it is very hard work, I remember thinking she must be trying to pull her life together... I didn't know her son committed suicide as well.

[@maryfuller8598]

Some dry cleaners are just drop offs where the clothes are sent to another place where the hard work is done cleaning the clothes. I worked at a drop off site and it was boring 12 hour shifts barely doing anything. Low pay.

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

My parents heavily curtailed our tv viewing back then, so we kids missed this one, but as adults saw the tradgedies. Bless you Dana, we were born in the same year! Thanx again Dr. Grande.

[@Mama_Bear524]

What was their issue with this one?

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

@@Mama_Bear524 The did not like ANY television, but took us to tons of movies instead.

[@catherinefisher8534]

"This movie has been voted one of the worst in history, which somehow seems to fail to capture how bad it was" 🤭 That was magnificent Dr. Grande...your comedic timing and genius really helps relieve the pain of hearing the tragic life this young woman lived ~ thank you for your analysis

[@FungusMossGnosis]

Disappointed to hear his normie, conventional slander of John Boorman's brilliant, poetic *_Exorcist II: The Heretic_* which Martin Scorsese accurately called head and shoulders above the original. This canard is low-hanging fruit, as stale and false as the conventional "wisdom" that _Casablanca_ is one of the best movies of all time.

[@FungusMossGnosis]

@@Unwise- The zingers are good insofar as when he knows what he's talking about. Here it's just empty pat repeating of popular falsehoods.

[@hitenpatel3317]

Exactly, she was attractive and had some talent outside of acting (figure skating) but her childhood was full of trauma and she had no other identity due toa toxic upbringing.

[@lleaha]

I never knew she was a pretty girl until I seen her skating on Charlie's Angels.

[@DonnaBrooks]

Another comment on this page said she sang on the show once and had a lovely voice.

[@helpyourcattodrive]

I’m in recovery, so this means a lot to me. It explains her plight so well. Between you, me, and the wall, I saw Gary in a bunch of anger management meetings he’d been mandated to. He would get up to share and proceed to tell us how sorry he felt for us. I was there of my own volition bc my anger was out of control after growing up in a chaotic environment. My mother allowed my brothers to harm her w words and damage her home. She kind of caused them to do that, I learned in therapy. But the outcome of that for me was if someone/significant other violated me back then, I’d think revenge was appropriate. I’d think, “You hurt me. Now I’m gonna hurt you worse. You’ll never forget me.” It was insane. Luckily, I had foresight and don’t like jail. Seriously. I looked to therapy. I knew I needed it. I’ll never forget seeing Gary there. I live in la, so running into entertainment industry people is common. He’s gone. That’s the only reason I’m outing him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t.

[@LDiamondz]

Glad it helped you. It didn't seem to work for Gary. Most likely because it was mandated. You have to want to change.

[@jorgelucasperez1783]

I know that talking about other people gives more audience to content creators, and sometimes it could be interesting, but some of us miss your videos in which you explained psychological concepts or research analysis.

[@lnc-to4ku]

Your analysis gave me chills. I've always found it so horribly sad how- 1st, their parent pushes their vulnerable little child into such a cold business, and then that business uses them, and discards them so quickly, leaving them so psychologically damaged. There are too many of these tragic stories!

[@zelloyello6303]

Maybe chasing the abandonment of her parents, then it does not seem her adoptive father left and her adoptive mother had her own issues. Generational trauma seen here.

[@erinthesystem9608]

Yes! Love must have also felt conditional, dependent on career success; that might have been even scarier with an adoptive parent. She must have felt miserably stressed, probably without much room to be a fallible human, being growing up.

[@victorialockwoodspencer2491]

Yesss!! All of this generational trauma is truly becoming more and more serious. It was always around, in so many different ways, but no one seemed to realize that it was really a generational issue until much later on. Thank God for all the psychological counselors and/or psych nurses, for identifying such patterns, in order to figure out different treatments for these patients.

[@Thurston86]

Generational trauma is no joke. One has to only look at the “Indian” reservation I grew up on to see the effects in full force. I’m glad it’s more talked about these days. Hopefully, we’ll one day figure out how to heal and break the cycle, so we won’t lose so many of our young people to drug overdose and suicide.

[@vanessadoravhill9321]

@@Thurston86 May I ask what tribe are you from?my tribe is Tuscarora.

[@Thurston86]

@@vanessadoravhill9321 I’m a Mohawk. Hello, fellow Iroquois! 👋

[@eveapple4928]

RIP Dana. Haters gonna hate. You did the best you could with the hand dealt you. A little more love and kindness in your life would have helped a great deal xx

[@angelarch5352]

Each child actor from Different Strokes needs their own episode here... and for that matter, maybe every child actor in Hollywood needs analysis here too try to see what went wrong.

[@mj9949]

I agree

[@A.Krispy]

don’t forget Erin Moran from Happy Days; she played Joanie. Lovely voice of hers when she sang.

[@jennsjourneys1]

Thank you for posting something from my Era. I was born in 1967. I grew up with this show and so sad what happened to all the child actors.

[@jeromeburdine966]

So sad. This is what happens when people feel rejected again and again by others. She referred to herself as "P.I.T.A." (pain in the ass). She felt like a burden to others and felt as if she had no value.

[@gregorygant4242]

I agree. Many people feel this way , rejected again and again and again if not by society then by their so-called loved ones. You see, society says if you're not successful, wealthy , made , then you're a nobody in life. Even worse , when your own loved ones feel this way then you are made to feel like trash , garbage , and that life just isn't worth it any more. She probably felt this way , poor girl , RIP.

[@DonnaBrooks]

OMG, the more details I learn, the more tragic this story becomes.

[@user-lk8bz7hg2b]

@@gregorygant4242 absolutely agree. As a species we are a disaster. Money fame and greed orientated! What a difference the world would be if we could all have empathy responsibility and love for each and everyone of us! It's a horrid cruel world, and it's rare to find people who genuinely care and want to protect others. I used to think that we could actually achieve this decades ago when I was young. At seventeen I had high hopes, now forty years and many life experiences later I realise it was just a hopeless fantasy

[@kevinconnor3187]

Im sure most Millennials have never even heard of the show, but it was an absolute blockbuster at the time for NBC.

[@chocolatethunder192]

I'm a Millennial, and I've heard of it! I've seen the reruns (also, keep in mind, we Millennials are getting up there -- the oldest are 41!).

[@Mama_Bear524]

I’m a millennial at 40. Not all of us are in our 20’s.

[@chocolatethunder192]

@Jessica Smith I loved watching Facts of Life!

[@DonnaBrooks]

@@chocolatethunder192 I really liked The Facts of Life, too! I was not as big a fan of Diff'rent Strokes, but I had a crush on Dana & was saddened to hear of her death years later from (apparently) substance abuse.

[@DMalltheway]

Same with Miami Vice

[@sierracallihan969]

This is not relevant to the video but, while watching, I noticed your channel has surpassed one million subscribers; I just want to share my genuine excitement for you and say congratulations. Just over two years ago, a toxic individual began wreaking havoc in my life when she was hired by my former employer. While desperately searching the internet for answers, I came across your videos on narcissism and gained both comfort and confidence through your generously shared wisdom. I have been watching your content ever since and have been continuously impressed by your intellect, discernment, and commitment to quality. I work in education and have been a better educator -- and a better human -- because of what you have shared. Of all the channels I watch, I cant think of another that is more deserving of continued growth than yours. Thank you for sharing so much with us, Dr. Grande!

[@NickvonZ]

A tragic life for that poor girl.

[@thequickbrowndog]

We had "Different Strokes" in the UK and would watch it regularly. I confess a teenage crush on Dana Plato but had no idea of the pain she was going through. A sad realisation that while the show was wholesome and optimistic, the reality was tragically ...well ... different.

[@deboracopeland6356]

Poor Tyler he fought so hard to have his mother’s death declared a homicide. RIP. Tyler.

[@ilovemickyandhelove1]

@Jessica Smith this may sound mean, but Dana was not worth murdering at the time of her death. RIP Dana and Tyler.

[@ilovemickyandhelove1]

I like to think Dana’s life would have turn out differently if her father had not walk out on her at the age of three and if her mother had not been terminally ill which caused her to be in the hospital all the time. No wonder Dana suffered from abandonment issue.

[@harperstacey9604]

@@ilovemickyandhelove1 Dana Plato would be alive now if she hadn't gone into show business. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@ilovemickyandhelove1]

@@harperstacey9604 well by that logic, the four girls from the facts of life should be dead too. But they are alive and well beacuse unlike the different strokes kids, they had stable home lives, why do think ron Howard turned out okay? A stable home life, with two loving parents.

[@DonnaBrooks]

​@@ilovemickyandhelove1 Good point! IDK what happened to the actresses that played Natalie & Tootie (sp?), but I know Lisa Welchel & Nancy McKeown (sp?) seem to be doing fine. I've seen some of Nancy's TV movies here on YT. Also, Ron Howard is another great example. Dana had such a tragic early life, with the loss of her parents. I saw someone said her dad left when she was just a wee child and her mom was terminally ill. A hospital is no place for a child to grow up. Then to go from there into a career that exposed her to the fickleness of public opinion. Her story was tragic from beginning to end and her time on Diff'rent Strokes seems to be the ONLY relatively happy & stable time in her life. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.

[@beeimaginative]

In an industry that encourages people to be someone other than who they are it is not a shock that a child who is being pushed would potentially have problems. She did not have a chance to develop herself and that is a shame.

[@edanya]

Pimping out children is child abuse.

[@beeimaginative]

@@edanya It seems to be an industry of lost souls sometimes. I think even adults have a problem holding onto their own identities as actors. What chance does an impressionable child have?

[@edanya]

@@beeimaginative none. Its glorified prostitution. "Do what i want".

[@bthomson]

Reading many Hollywood star biographies, often their parents divorce when they are young.

[@Mama_Bear524]

@@bthomson divorce is common for all of us. It’s not the issue. The issue is unstable childhoods and money hungry parents. The child actors who still had to be real kids at home (chores, school, regular life) and parents who were rocks fare well.

[@zenawarrior7442]

Such a sad outcome for her. She had so much more potential in a cutthroat industry. Great points, thanks Dr G😊💙💙

[@garmtpug]

I was just reading about Judy Garland who also was plagued with drugs and alcohol addiction as well as being a famous child actor. Another talented person who found that the world is fickle and ended their life after years of unhappiness!

[@garmtpug]

@@AisforAlibi1 Very true!

[@thespartan8476]

It's awful how Dana was able to reach out and connect with millions of people, like everybody know her name and she was part of every household. [ guest star Nancy Reagan on set in 1983 ] Yet, people like Howard Stern on her last interview were just awful to her and there's no excuse for that behaviour, indeed. Dana deserved better and it was obvious she deserved a chance. RIP Tyler, Dana Plato. Love from Australia. On November 7, 2019, on what would have been Plato's 55th birthday, Bridges commented on Twitter about their friendship, leaving a tribute to Plato: "You were the one person I could always talk to. You were one of my best friends. I will never forget you and love you forever. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dana Plato R.I.P you are free my friend.

[@BucketHeadianHagg]

I was on The Gong Show!! Me, mom, auntie and we sang, but didnt win. I wish i could find the episode. It was so fun!

[@purewonka]

She was a decent actress, but once she gained a reputation for being a lunatic her career as an actress was pretty much over. I never understand parents who encourage their kids to be actors in Hollywood. The statistics are overwhelmingly bad for child actors. One nice exception is the kid who played Charlie in Willy Wonka. He became a veterinarian and is living a happy life with his family far away from Hollywood.

[@Mama_Bear524]

I think there are other examples but you’re right, there are very few. I understand the allure decades ago. But with what we know now there’s no excuse to push kids into it. A side gig where they can still be regular kids mostly and parents not treat them like stars, also monitor them at the studios, sure. But not where it’s a main source of income.

[@psychedelicpayroll5412]

Or the guy who played Bobby in the Brady bunch. He had a drinking problem and realized it was Hollywood that made him so depressed since his mother pushed him into the industry as legal child labor. He of course shows up for reunions but other then that he is happy away from Hollywood. As I got older I realized Hollywood is a soulless pit and only a few get out with their sanity in check.

[@psychedelicpayroll5412]

@@Mama_Bear524 The parents do monitor them when they work. The abuse happens when they invite the kids to events without the parents. Elijah Wood was only able to say that his mother shielded him from those events. He knew though if he said anything else he would get blacklisted.

[@peggypeggy4137]

The only person that I know of who did well was--Ron Howard who played Opie on The Andy of Mayberry Show. That was a good show and Ron's parents were around a lot. A wholesome environment.

[@istateyourname4710]

Jodi Foster was also a child star 🌟 who was successful in adulthood as well.

[@ShanKatOD]

So glad you did a video about the tragic life of Dana Plato, Dr Grande 🌵 She was another sad case of a little girl who was too young to decide for herself whether she wanted to pursue a career in show business…unfortunately parents who push their children into auditions and acting are making choices that can affect the trajectories of their kids’ lives in ways that can rob them of normal lives. Dana sadly never seems like she ever even had a chance…and she was so sweet. Another young girl sacrificed to the entertainment gods. Rest in peace Dana…great as always Dr Grande :)

[@JasonPatrick-tj4xj]

I liked her on the tv show Different Strokes

[@SKY-wt2pp]

This one cuts a little personally for me. I had a crush on Dana when I was a kid. She seemed like a great person, just had some real problems in the background. 🥺😕😥

[@bobburnitt5389]

So few of these former child actors end up with a sane adult life. So many die very young and live a very sad life just like this young woman. A lot of them are pushed by PARENTS that don't have a stable life themselves and the child is a meal ticket for them. It happens so much it make her life loof TYPICAL as an outcome for a child actor / actress.

[@brittaolson6550]

I can definitely relate to this. I had a stage mom and 3 agents, as a kid, did figure skating, gymnastics, and dance, and went to a theater conservatory school with kids who were in movies and on TV. It’s crazy, because Dana Plato personified everything I wanted to be, and it turns out she just like I was…lonely, insecure, and longing for love and attention. Not all of us were as successful, but we all worked the long hours and were expected to be little professionals. It’s a very stressful way to grow up. A lot of us ended up running the streets, having addictions, and doing crazy things to be noticed, more than at my regular inner city schools, and that’s a lot. I feel like childhood should just be play and practice and learning things everyone needs to know, and we can try to stand out later, if it’s still important. How sad that not only Dana, but her son, both took their lives, or supposedly she did. I’m not sure if it was suicide because I’m in long term recovery, and I took insane amounts of drugs when I was using. One time I decided to take a whole bottle of MS Contin on the plane to treatment because I realized they would take it away when I got there. I look back and wonder how I survived, but at the time it did not occur to me how dangerous it was…my tolerance was so high. I feel lucky, every day, to have made it out with my life, and still don’t take it for granted, as some health effects catch up to you later. I just want to help others get off the streets and off drugs, because it was the best thing a counselor ever did for me. I’ve worked in shelters, but am training in psychology now, so I can give better support, not just service referrals. I wish Dana had met a good counselor or sponsor or someone to accept her until she could accept herself. P.S. Forgot to mention 4 people were arrested and one incarcerated for CSA during my time at the conservatory…so it makes you wonder…

[@judymorrise]

I agree with everything you said and wonder also if you were an only child? I think siblings help and give a person someone to talk to that can relate to their specific upbringing. Having had 4 kids I'm guessing that single child homes would be more seen doing this since it gets impossible to monitor kids in all these activities if you have more than one. I felt bad my oldest did not start swimming lessens till she was 9! No worries they all became life guards later in HS. Hope your training has progressed well!

[@mguarin912]

Broke my heart to learn of her story years ago. I grew up infatuated with her on Difficult Strokes. She was so cool.

[@roscluaran]

How very sad and tragic.

[@Lex41710]

Unfortunately there are 3 places those of us with the "ism" end up. Dead, institutionalized or sober. I thank God I was given the last option but it sure as hell wasn't easy and as a result many simply never gain freedom. This case and so many others do help those that are sober or trying to get there to realize this isn't a game and we aren't invincible. It makes me sad but also fills me with hope. Good analysis Dr. Grande

[@Deer548]

My uncle Bernie Kukoff created Different Strokes and I met Dana in the early 80s at the Fountainbluea Hotel on Miami Beach. We hung out together at the pool one afternoon and had a blast. We were about 14/15 at the time and she was the sweetest, most down to earth girl. And just gorgeous with tons of freckles! Two kids were playing frisbee on the premises and she leapt into the air and caught it midair. I’ve never seen anyone leap that high! I’ll always remember that day. So tragic how her life turned out. 😭

[@Taureanfitness]

Youre absolutely right about her childhood affecting her development. It's really sad that the media & society just wouldn't let her move on or give her a chance, but ultimately her addiction played a huge role in her downfall.

[@notrocketscience1950]

nice summary , i never had a stress free time to develop as a child after the age of 12 and it impacted me terribly in terms of knowing who i was.

[@LMCEK]

Thank you for this video. I have a suggestion for a similar case, actress Amanda Peterson, who co starred with Patrick Dempsey in the movie Can't Buy Me Love. Since I heard about Amanda's death last year it has really troubled me. She got heavily into drugs. I did some deep dives and apparently her mom initially thought her death was NOT drug related, as regular drug tests were a requirement for visits with her children. Her family spoke about a r@pe at age 15; her dad also alluded to "serious bipolar problems" in an interview. I think a video on Amanda Peterson would go over very well, as a lot of people remember her very well from her 80s movies and may not know what happened to her. I don't even know what happened and I did a lot of internet snooping. The official cause of death was accidental death but I suspect suicide.

[@Mama_Bear524]

Omg I just looked her up. That mugshot holy f!!! Poor soul.

[@LMCEK]

@@Mama_Bear524 I know 😢 She is virtually unrecognizable in her mug shots. Her situation really troubles me for some reason. She passed away in 2015, I heard about it in 2021 so the situation is fresh in my mind. Whatever happened to her to end up in such a state. Heartbreaking.

[@jgarofalo8813]

I didn’t know she died!

[@austin1fiddler]

Dana WAS very coordinated. I never knew she was a serious ice skater. She actually appeared in Circus of the Stars in 1981 where she stands on trotting horse doing acrobatics and what not.

[@duvessa2003]

“Chasing the first high” is a good way to explain what happened in Dana’s life. Definitely seems that rarely is the life of a child star healthy.

[@ronque23]

We watched that show religiously when I was a kid. I always thought she was so cute. It was so sad when she became an addict. I wanted to see her in more than shows. It must be very hard being a child actor hit hard times and then realize the industry has moved on from you.

[@missyskye_sea_land9424]

What a sad story for Dana and her son💔

[@Decountest]

I think this is one of Dr. G's best analysis. "Fame gave her everything, but she wasn't ready, and when she was it denied her re-entry". Masterfully said.

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Just a terribly sad story all the way around…. I worked a bit with unwed teenaged mothers. One of the most common things they would say about getting pregnant is “Ill have someone who will always love me”.

[@emilyreilhan]

i knew about her death but i never knew about her son's. what a horrible series of events.

[@antonydrossos5719]

Almost every actor from "Different Strokes" had tragedy. It's just horrific.

[@harperstacey9604]

Todd Bridges who played Willis, is now clean and sober. He is doing well. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@harrietthespy2119]

The pain caused by unresolved trauma (including loss of a parent and too much pressure to perform) can be healed, but so many self-medicate until it takes everything including their life😢

[@Georgeanne17]

When I heard what was going on with Dana, it was terribly sad, she needed support and help but was dealt cards that took her further down a path of pain. Please be kind and helpful when others are down. It matters! May she Rest In God’s Peace.

[@godisfake78]

Okay where did this come from? This is the second time I've heard Dana Platos name come up in the past couple days.

[@berlintanker]

Someone was going through some old dirty porn mags…..🧤

[@epicsseven7686]

Your assessments are very similar to my own. The conclusion of her overwhelming childhood pressure from her parents to be a star and her chasing her first high are the same conclusions that I'd came to. It's the same for an sex addict. Their body first orgasm isn't the same the body is now use to it. But they're constantly trying to find that first time sexual high. I know someone like this. Also. Todd Bridge's was introduced to drugs my Dana. That's what he'd told the media. At the end of the day. It's a sad tragedy.

[@KAli-dk6on]

Hi Dr. Grande, I never missed Different Strokes. One of my favourites growing up. I watched it for Dana, I was literally crushed when I found out she passed away. Such a tragic, short life. Thank you for covering her story, I always thought she was so beautiful. 😔

[@annalisegiovanni7032]

Good afternoon Dr. Grande🥰 Thank You For The New Video!! I got REALLY REALLYYYYY EXCITED when I got the alert for this video BC not only do I get overly excited literally every single time you upload, however I haven't yet gotten the opportunity to watch the latest video you posted right before this one. So now I get to watch TWO in a row!! I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, AS YOU SURE DO DESERVE IT!! MUCH LOVE❤️💖❤️💖❤️

[@reelmermaid8844]

Thank you Dr. G. for another intelligent, yet compassionate case study. Thank you also for the incredible amount of content you've been putting out, I commend your tireless work ethic. Cheers and best wishes from Canada.

[@helpyourcattodrive]

Such a great analysis and overview. So insightful. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

[@ZYX84]

Truly Dr. Grande,young ladies in that era particularly, were fed cross tops or beans or diet pills… A lot of ice skaters mothers insist they stay wafer thin.. Getting a 11 year old hooked on speed isn’t cool.. You know she never developed mentally past the age of 12 or thereabouts. I always thought her to be an authentic spirit, so very tragic for such a bright girl. Thank you Dr. Grande for your analysis. So lovely to see you on this spring day!

[@michaelglenn367]

Dana was a figure skater but she was never training for the Olympics, though she did do competitions. Also very surprised that you did not speak of Dana's adoptive mothers death and the somewhat disappointing reunion with her biological mother. There was MORE to this story. ...also, I remember her giving an interview in 1989 and years later about her accountants stealing her money and they were in jail. Years later she said the same. Her story did not change.

[@RegisteredNurseL.A.]

I remember that Howard Stern episode. I had a boyfriend that likes to listen to him, but I couldn’t stand him and to be a guest on that show one would have to be really thick skinned. I felt bad for her. She got roasted at a time in her life where she probably felt defeated and saw no other way out.

[@MyFatherIsTryingToKillMe]

I had a huge crush on her case a kid 😔 Hope she is in peace right now ❤️

[@vajee5]

Always informative and interesting. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

[@jimc6687]

Just amazing to me as a layman......how Dr. G just naturally seems to pick up on situations and analysis of people and situations and deliver such great thought-provoking reports that we can all use to look deeply into our own lives and hopefully benefit. All three of these child actors sadly suffered from sudden fame and lecherous parents and managers. Jim C.

[@rayross997]

Please cover the famous Sam Sheppard case from 1954 & the Starkweather & Fugate case? Thanks Dr. Grande.

[@calendarpage]

Starkweather & Fugate - yes!

[@anneparsley8739]

...I recall the Howard Stern interview and her death shortly there after. Heartbreaking really. It didn't seem likely that her story would end well unfortunately based on the interview as I remember

[@shayb413]

What a tragic story of a beautiful soul who deserved better. Children are so beautiful and innocent, a time to be protected, encouraged, and still believe the world is a big beautiful place with endless possibilities. Very sad! However Dr. Grande's Analysis and thoughts were incredible as always!! ❤️ Love Dr. G, can't help but be just a little obsessed! 🤓🥰🌵❤️

[@bridgetamato6182]

This is the first time I’m hearing about what happened to her. Many children never get over the fact they were given up for adoption. I think it’s incredible Kimberly was so successful in both areas ice skating and acting. I would think 💭 since she had experience and success with Different Strokes someone would give her a shot at another role unfortunately, drugs destroy a person’s life for sure. RIP Dana

[@roselyncampisi822]

It is so sad she turned out the way she did. I really liked her.

[@ember1794]

"Her identity had not been established" This sums it all up 😢

[@patriciaseier2800]

You are so intelligent and really analyze cases thoroughly. Thanks!!

[@ChantalOfTheNorth]

Oooof awesome pick for a topic. Excellent as usual. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@amandayoung8615]

"...which somehow fails to capture how bad it is." Boom! Classic Dr. Grande.

[@RealmCenter40]

Whatchu talkin’ bout, Grande?

[@cassandraespinosa2223]

🤣😆👏

[@judem1359]

It’s so so sad. I remember watching the show when I was a child. The image and reality so very different and she was so young. Just awful for her. Rest In Peace Dana ….. and her son. Absolutely tragic……

[@STR82DVD]

It's kind of sad when your life is a cautionary tale. Thanks for the critique Doc. Spring has officially sprung in Ottawa Doc as it's only -3C at night now. I survived yet another winter. 👍

[@kcindc5539]

I met Dana the week I moved to Vegas - at the dry cleaner. I recognized her but didn’t say anything to that effect - I was more fixated on the fact I’d just handed her my dirty America West Airlines uniform as I didn’t yet have one of their special drawstring bags. She was very sweet and despite looking a bit tired she had absolutely killer eyes and smile. A few days later she botched that robbery at the video store. My colleagues were convinced my grungy uniform drove her to a life of crime…. jeeez

[@leslieleslie6590]

Thank you Dr. Grande for this excellent analysis of Dana Plato. I didn't know anything about what happened to her son Tyler before. How horrible.

[@gabe-po9yi]

I think her saying she didn’t learn life skills is actually very insightful. Child actors who work steadily aren’t exposed to real world situations, so how could they learn to function independently. Their world revolves around the make-believe, they’re told what to do, how to look, how to present themselves, almost every aspect of their life is controlled. Think of Judy Garland, who grew up on a vaudeville stage and then a movie lot and had one of the worst stage mothers any child could have. One of Judy’s daughters stated that her mother had never been taught life or coping skills, causing her an inability to function in the real world.

[@candigaler1845]

Dr grande I love listening to your channel when I go to bed and it makes me sleep your voice is so relaxing and calming thank you dr grande