Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dana Plato’s Net Worth?
At the time of her death in May 1999, Dana Plato, the American actress best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond on the sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” had a reported net worth of approximately $1,000. This figure reflects the culmination of her earnings throughout her career, offset by financial difficulties and personal struggles that marked the later years of her life.
Dana Plato’s Early Career and Earnings
Dana Plato’s career began early in life, with appearances in over 100 television commercials by the age of seven. While specific financial details of her earnings from these commercials are not publicly available, such early exposure and experience would have laid the groundwork for her subsequent breakthrough role. In 1975, at the age of 10, Plato appeared in an episode of “The Six Million Dollar Man,” followed by roles in the TV movie “Beyond the Bermuda Triangle” (1975) and a minor role in “Exorcist II: The Heretic” (1977). These early roles, though varying in significance, contributed incrementally to her growing profile as a child actress. Her role as Evie Joe in the 1977 horror movie “Return to Boggy Creek,” as well as her appearance in Neil Simon’s “California Suite” (1978), which was nominated for a Golden Globe, raised her profile even further. These roles preceded her casting in “Diff’rent Strokes” and helped cement her place as a promising young talent in Hollywood.
“Diff’rent Strokes” and Peak Earning Years
The role of Kimberly Drummond on “Diff’rent Strokes” (1978–1986) was undoubtedly the most significant and financially rewarding period of Dana Plato’s career. She appeared in over 140 episodes of the series, which aired for eight seasons. While the exact salary figures from her “Diff’rent Strokes” tenure are not publicly available, it’s reasonable to infer that her income would have increased substantially over the show’s run. Child actors on successful sitcoms often receive incremental pay raises as their popularity grows and contracts are renegotiated. Considering the show’s success and Plato’s prominent role, it is likely that she earned a substantial amount during this period. Further boosting her income were appearances in three episodes of “Hello, Larry” and one episode of “The Facts of Life” in 1979, where she reprised her role as Kimberly. She also played herself in an episode of “CHiPs” in the same year, and in 1980, she played a character named Darla Richardson on “CHiPs.” These appearances likely came with additional compensation, contributing to her overall income during the height of her career.
Financial Mismanagement and Decline in Net Worth
Despite the potential for substantial earnings during her time on “Diff’rent Strokes,” Dana Plato’s financial situation deteriorated significantly in later years. A major turning point was the mismanagement of her funds by an accountant, to whom she had granted power of attorney. According to reports, this accountant absconded with a significant portion of her wealth, leaving her with less than $150,000. Plato claimed that the accountant stole over $11 million from various clients but was never apprehended or prosecuted. This financial setback severely impacted her net worth and contributed to her subsequent struggles. The loss of such a considerable sum would have been a devastating blow, particularly as Plato faced other personal challenges, including substance abuse issues and legal troubles. Her divorce from Lanny Lambert in March 1990 also resulted in the loss of custody of her son Tyler. These combined factors contributed to a downward spiral in her personal and financial life.
Later Career Ventures and Earnings
After “Diff’rent Strokes,” Dana Plato struggled to maintain a consistent acting career. She took on roles in various B-movies and projects, including posing for “Playboy” magazine in June 1989 and appearing in the film “Prime Suspect” in the same year. In 1992, she starred in the B-movies “Bikini Beach Race” and “The Sounds of Silence,” and she played the lead role in the Sega video game “Night Trap.” These ventures, while providing some income, did not generate the same level of financial success as her earlier work on “Diff’rent Strokes.” In the mid-1990s, Plato appeared in films such as “Compelling Evidence” (1995), “Lethal Cowboy” (1995), “Millennium Day” (1995), “Tiger” (1997), “Blade Boxer” (1997), “Desperation Boulevard” (1998), and “Silent Scream” (1999). She also starred in the erotic drama “Different Strokes: The Story of Jack and Jill…and Jill.” These roles likely provided some income, but the exact figures are not publicly available. Her final role was in the drama “Pacino Is Missing,” released three years after her death. Given the nature of these projects, it’s probable that Plato’s earnings during this period were modest and insufficient to significantly improve her overall financial situation.
Legal Troubles and Impact on Net Worth
Dana Plato’s legal troubles further exacerbated her financial difficulties. In February 1991, she was arrested for robbing a video store with a pellet gun. The clerk recognized her as the actress who played Kimberly on “Diff’rent Strokes.” Plato returned to the store approximately 15 minutes later and was arrested. Her bail was set at $13,000, which was paid by entertainer Wayne Newton. She was subsequently sentenced to five years’ probation. Less than a year later, Plato was arrested for forging a prescription for diazepam (Valium), which violated her probation, resulting in a 30-day jail sentence followed by rehab. These legal issues not only created negative publicity but also incurred legal fees and potential loss of income due to her inability to work consistently. Her move to Las Vegas, where she worked at a dry-cleaning business, indicated the extent of her financial struggles. All of these factors contributed to her dwindling net worth, ultimately resulting in a reported $1,000 at the time of her death.
