Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986)

The misadventures of a rich Manhattan family who adopted the children of their late African American maid.

Creators:

Dick Bensfield, Perry Grant, Jeff Harris, Bernie Kukoff

Stars:

Conrad Bain, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges

2 wins & 30 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Conrad Bain	...	Philip Drummond (180 episodes, 1978-1986)
Gary Coleman	...	Arnold Jackson (175 episodes, 1978-1986)
Todd Bridges	...	Willis Jackson (160 episodes, 1978-1986)
Dana Plato	...	Kimberly Drummond (133 episodes, 1978-1986)

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. Arnold's friends, Dudley and Robbie (and later, Charlie); Willis' girlfriend, ...

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Plot Keywords:

widower | african american | millionaire | child actor | cult tv | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 November 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

45 Minutes from Harlem

Filming Locations:

5746 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Embassy Pictures Corporation, Embassy Television, Norman Lear/Tandem Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (189 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mary Ann Mobley played Conrad Bain's love interest twice: first she played Arnold's teacher Ms Osbourne, who dates Mr Drummond in the 2nd season; then she replaced Dixie Carter as Maggie Drummond towards the end of the series.

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Quotes

Philip Drummond: Why are you still in bed, Arnold?
Arnold Jackson: I'm studying.
Philip Drummond: Superman is studying?
Arnold Jackson: I'm too young for Wonderwoman.

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Connections

Featured in 50 Pills (2006)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

25th Anniversary--What You Talkin' About?

It's hard to believe, but 2003 marks 25 years since Gary Coleman asked Willis what he was talking about.

Norman Lear, who broke a lot of ground heretofore with All in the Family, Maude, The Jeffersons, and Good Times, continued his magic touch with Diff'rent Strokes. A 25th anniversary marathon on any given television station would be a great way to remember this show, notwithstanding that Miss Dana Plato is no longer of this earth.

This show made Gary Coleman Gary Coleman, and he truly made the show what it was.