Diff'rent Strokes Poster

Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)

TV Series  -  TV_PG 30 min  -  Comedy | Family
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The misadventures of a rich Manhattan family who adopted the children of their late African American maid.

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Season:

8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1

Year:

1986 | 1985 | 1984 | 1983 | 1982 | 1981 | 1980 | 1979 | 1978
2 wins & 30 nominations See more awards »

Related Videos

Diff'rent Strokes: :  -- In the late 1970s, there were few prime time television programs geared towards children and teens.  Diff'rent Strokes set out to change that.
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Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Conrad Bain Conrad Bain ...
Philip Drummond (179 episodes, 1978-1986)
Gary Coleman ...
Arnold Jackson (174 episodes, 1978-1986)
Todd Bridges ...
Willis Jackson (159 episodes, 1978-1986)
Dana Plato ...
Kimberly Drummond (132 episodes, 1978-1986)
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Storyline

Phillip Drummond, a widowed Manhattan millionaire and president of the mega-firm Trans Allied Inc., adopts two orphaned black brothers from Harlem 8-year-old Arnold and 12-year-old Willis. Drummond had made a promise to their dying mother, his housekeeper that he would care for the boys after she passes on; their father had died years earlier. The boys, whom Drummond always introduced as his two sons, went from rags to riches literally overnight. At first, Willis was a bit skeptical of their new-found wealth, but eventually, both he and Arnold felt right at home in their new-found surroundings. Also part of the family were Drummond's beautiful daughter, 13-year-old Kimberly; and his current housekeeper, Edna Garrett. As the years passed, Mrs. Garrett left to become house-mother at the Eastland School for Girls; she was replaced by the cantankerous Adelaide Brubaker and still later, charming Pearl Gallagher... Written by Brian Rathjen <briguy_52732@yahoo.com>  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

African American | Millionaire | Widower | New York | Adoption  | See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Blanco y negro See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

 | USA: (189 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The name of Arnold's pet goldfish was Abraham. See more »

Quotes

Willis Jackson: [Arnold refuses to fight the school bully] Alright, Arnold. Then I'll just tell Mr. Drummond what a coward you are. He'll talk some sense into you. Think he wants a coward for a son?
Arnold Jackson: Awww Willis, please don't say anything to him.
Willis Jackson: Well, somebody's gotta make a man outta you.
Arnold Jackson: What's the rush? I'm barely outta toilet-training.
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Soundtracks

"Diff'rent Strokes"
(Theme Song)
Written by Alan Thicke, Al Burton and Gloria Loring
Performed by Alan Thicke See more »