Dana Plato Age and Early Career
Dana Plato was born on October 7, 1964, and died on May 8, 1999, at age 34. She rose to fame as a child actress, with her most recognized role as Kimberly Drummond on the sitcom Different Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. Public records and industry databases consistently list her age at death as 34, based on her birth and death dates.
Her early career included television commercials and guest appearances before landing the role on Different Strokes. By her early teens she was one of the highest-profile child stars on American television, with recurring roles in family-oriented programming and consistent media coverage of her earnings and projects.
Career Earnings and Financial Profile
Plato's salary during the peak of Different Strokes placed her among the better-paid young performers of the era, though exact contract figures are not publicly disclosed. Industry estimates for child stars of that period suggest annual earnings in the low six figures adjusted for inflation, with additional income from merchandise and personal appearances.
After her television work, she pursued roles in film and television movies, and later worked in adult entertainment and retail. Publicly available financial profiles and media reports indicate that her net worth declined in later years due to legal issues, personal challenges, and limited high-profile work, though precise current valuation is not available because she passed away in 1999.
Legacy, Public Records, and Current References
Dana Plato's age and career are frequently referenced in entertainment retrospectives, biography databases, and financial overviews of former child stars. Her case is often cited in discussions about the financial outcomes of young performers, with data points drawn from public records, court documents, and archived media reports.
For current financial context on child-star earnings and long-term wealth outcomes, reports from Forbes and public filings referenced by SEC provide broader industry benchmarks. These sources help frame Plato's financial trajectory within the wider landscape of entertainment careers and post-career financial stability.