In episode 11 of Kilophornia Dreaming, I told you the sad story of the troubled life and tragic death of Dana Plato.

One of the three main child stars of the late 70s and early 80s hit television sitcom Different Strokes.

As a bonus, I wanted to tell you guys a little bit more about Dana's co-stars, Gary Coleman, and Todd Bridges,

both of whom also experienced difficulties and challenges as they themselves transitioned from children to teenagers and

into adults and all the things that happen in their lives post different

strokes.

Gary Wayne Coleman was born February 8th 1968 in Zion, Illinois.

Gary was adopted at the age of one day old by parents W. G. Coleman, a pharmaceutical

representative, and Ed Monina Sue Coleman, a nurse practitioner.

When he was born, Gary was diagnosed with several health issues,

including a congenital kidney defect known as nephritis, a condition which would require many

surgeries and lifelong dialysis. Gary had his first kidney transplant at

the age of five and then a second one at the age of

17. Because of the two failed kidney transplants, Gary would have to depend on dialysis for the

duration of his life. Also as a result of the

medical conditions he struggled with and the fact that he had to take such strong

medications to treat his conditions, Gary's height became stunted, topping off at a diminutive

four foot eight inches tall. His condition also caused his face to keep quite an adorable childlike

appearance well into his teenage and young adult ears. Gary started modeling at the age of five. years. Harris Bank. In 1974 he appeared on a TV show for the very first time on an

episode of Medical Center. Shortly after that and with some good luck

Gary was spotted by some Talent Scouts working under Norman Lear, a television writer and producer who produced such 1970 sitcoms as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The

Jefferson's Good Times, and Maud.

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