Today would have been "Diff'rent Strokes" star GARY COLEMAN's 43rd Birthday, whom left the World of disheartening reruns back in June.. The sad story of disease and legal troubles plagued Coleman's life as tragedy shaped many of the lives of th "Diff'rent Strokes" kids... COLEMAN though took much of it in stride and even ran for California State Governor in 2003..
The show "Diff'rent Strokes", which ran on NBC from 1978 to 1985 then to ABC for the final season was groundbreaking in it's own right.. The show dealt with the issues of racism, classism, drug addiction, child molestation among others.. Sadly, life imitated art for the children of the cast as Todd Bridges had faced addiction to crack cocaine and other legal troubles following the show.. Dana Plato's life reached a tragic end in 1999 amidst an addiction to prescription drugs.. There were even rumors that there was a "Diff'rent Strokes Curse"..
On a more positive note, "Diff'rent Strokes" helped to reinvigorate the career of Charlotte Rae, who went on to star in her own sitcom, "The Facts of Life" (which was a "Diff'rent Strokes" spin off) and helped to shape the future stardom of the Jackson sister, Janet..
The Episode entitled "The Spanking" was the 5th episode of the series and aired during the First Season..
OTHER FAMOUS PEOPLE BORN TODAY: Actor Seth Green, Motley Crue frontman, Vince Neil, ABC Nightline anchor, Ted Koppel, comedian, Robert Klein, "Star Wars" composer, John Williams, actor, Nick Nolte..
POSTHUMOUSLY: "Honeymooners" star Audrey Meadows, "Rebel Without a Cause", James Dean, actor Jack Lemmon, "Peyton Place" star Lana Turner..
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