I just recently began reading up on Dana Plato after I caught about 10 minutes
of her biography. I'm really surprised no one has done a book or movie about her
life. It has everything Hollywood loves: sex, drugs, a failing performing arts
career, armed robbery, skydiving, wealth and poverty, and even a tragic death. I
would be really interested in finding out what her life was really all about
from the people who really knew her.

I read and listened to the book and CD titled Dana Plato's Last Breath. I think
it was really just another sensationalized piece trying to capitalize on her
fame. I have to admit she really sounded desperate on those tracks. However, I
would not recommend it to anyone trying to get any real information about this
girl. In my opinion, you'll learn a lot more from reading the People magazine
articles.

I agree, it's hard to believe nobody has yet written an honest and genuine
biography about Dana. No-one seems interested in the positive side of Dana, only
the scandal, the seedy side of her life. We need to expose her kind nature. Get
some truth and get behind those psychological barriers that haunted her career
and personal life. And discover how she REALLY died. See her as the real,
beautiful person she was. Dana's memory deserves this. And we, her loyal fans,
owe her this.
I live in hope that somebody will write that much needed book very soon.

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "sandrakeeley42"
<sandrakeeley42@...> wrote:
>
> I agree, it's hard to believe nobody has yet written an honest and genuine
biography about Dana. No-one seems interested in the positive side of Dana, only
the scandal, the seedy side of her life. We need to expose her kind nature. Get
some truth and get behind those psychological barriers that haunted her career
and personal life. And discover how she REALLY died. See her as the real,
beautiful person she was. Dana's memory deserves this. And we, her loyal fans,
owe her this.
> I live in hope that somebody will write that much needed book very soon.
>

It would seem her ex-husband would be the only person left that can really shed
some light on her life. Her divorce and mother's death seemed to be the big
turning point. Her TV and commercial career should have earned her about 4
million dollars by the end of Different Strokes (and that would have been in
1970's and 80's dollars). What happen to all those millions? She was working at
a Dry Cleaners within a few years of the show's end and broke. That's
impossible!

It would seem her ex-husband would be the only person left that can really shed
some light on her life. Her divorce and mother's death seemed to be the big
turning point. Her TV and commercial career should have earned her about 4
million dollars by the end of Different Strokes (and that would have been in
1970's and 80's dollars). What happen to all those millions? She was working at
a Dry Cleaners within a few years of the show's end and broke. That's
impossible!

I totally agree it hard to understand why Dana has no book written about
her. It would have to include all the gossip etc, but there is a
loving/beautiful person who rise and sad untimely passing needs to be
told.

In this these days of technology it should be possible. I think perhaps
maybe Tyler or Danny   Lambert would be well placed, though I guess
there is some pain and maybe some truth's that may need to come out
before this can happen.

There are often rumours of a book, but I believe that most are just
fantasy. If you want to do something enough one will. I would happily
contribute, but off course I have never met Dana.
--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "sandrakeeley42"
<sandrakeeley42@...> wrote:
>
> I agree, it's hard to believe nobody has yet written an honest and
genuine biography about Dana. No-one seems interested in the positive
side of Dana, only the scandal, the seedy side of her life. We need to
expose her kind nature. Get some truth and get behind those
psychological barriers that haunted her career and personal life. And
discover how she REALLY died. See her as the real, beautiful person she
was. Dana's memory deserves this. And we, her loyal fans, owe her this.
> I live in hope that somebody will write that much needed book very
soon.
>

Exactly - what happened to all of the money Dana earned from Diff'rent Strokes?
Maybe drugs and alcohol. Or, more likely, she got in with the wrong people and
certain 'friends' she trusted exploited her earnings. I heard Tyler was going to
re-open the death case because he was certain Robert Menchaca murdered Dana. Or
was this just a rumour? He must know/remember things that he would love to bring
to light. I'd write a book myself if I could! I guess the only person who could
ever tell the real story is dear Dana herself. What a great pity she never kept
a diary ...

----- Original Message -----

From: sandrakeeley42

To: rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 9:14 AM

Subject: [Remembering Dana Plato] Dana book

Exactly - what happened to all of the money Dana earned from Diff'rent Strokes? Maybe drugs and alcohol. Or, more likely, she got in with the wrong people and certain 'friends' she trusted exploited her earnings. I heard Tyler was going to re-open the death case because he was certain Robert Menchaca murdered Dana. Or was this just a rumour? He must know/remember things that he would love to bring to light. I'd write a book myself if I could! I guess the only person who could ever tell the real story is dear Dana herself. What a great pity she never kept a diary ...

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "sandrakeeley42"
<sandrakeeley42@...> wrote:
>
> Exactly - what happened to all of the money Dana earned from Diff'rent
Strokes? Maybe drugs and alcohol. Or, more likely, she got in with the wrong
people and certain 'friends' she trusted exploited her earnings. I heard Tyler
was going to re-open the death case because he was certain Robert Menchaca
murdered Dana. Or was this just a rumour? He must know/remember things that he
would love to bring to light. I'd write a book myself if I could! I guess the
only person who could ever tell the real story is dear Dana herself. What a
great pity she never kept a diary ...
>

It looks like her son did file a lawsuit. I found a story on TMZ with a link to
the actual court filing. Below is a link to the TMZ story if you're interested.

http://www.tmz.com/2006/09/12/dana-platos-son-files-wrongful-death-suit/

If anyone is interested:


The Truth Behind the Sitcom Scandals


"Gilligan's Island & Diff'rent Strokes"
Tuesday, June 16 @ 11 pm ET
Rated: TVPG L
Running Time: 60 Minutes
Genre:
Closed Captions: Yes
Upcoming Showings:
Tuesday, June 16 @ 11 pm ET
Wednesday, June 17 @ 3 am ET

Our new series delves deep inside the best sitcoms of all time, as cast members
recount the stories you've never heard before. First we'll travel on the SS
Minnow to Gilligan's Island, the classic 60's comedy about seven castaways
shipwrecked on an uncharted tropical island. And next, we'll look
behind-the-scenes at Diff'rent Strokes, the popular 80's sitcom that tackled
many social issues successfully with humor, despite the real-life troubles of
its three young stars.

Dana Plato's Last Breath can be heard at

http://www.derekerdman.com/ilovemilkshakes/october2008/modern_spazz_quartet/Dana\
%20Platos%20Last%20Breath/last_b.htm

Does anyone know if Dana ever visited the UK?

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "sandrakeeley42"
<sandrakeeley42@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone know if Dana ever visited the UK?

Sandra, I'm not sure but I don't think so. Other than that cruise she did for
Norwegian Cruise Lines (I believe it went to the Bahamas) and
a performance with a "small regional (theatre) company in Sackville, New
Brunswick (Canada)" in August of 1995, Dana appears to have stayed in the U.S.
It is always possible that she may have made brief trips to Mexico; it used to
be popular for people in the southern U.S. "border states" of California,
Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to take "day trips" across the border. Of course
this was many years ago, before Mexico became such a dangerous place to visit.

Regards, Chris in Texas.

Thanks for that info, Chris. I'm just curious because Diff'rent Strokes was, and
still is, so popular in the UK, especially England, and I thought Dana may have
visited here at the height of her fame. Would be great to know she'd graced our
shores! But, I had my doubts. Cheers, all the same!

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "chrisk0529" <chrisk529@...> wrote:
>
> --- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "sandrakeeley42"
<sandrakeeley42@> wrote:
> >
> > Does anyone know if Dana ever visited the UK?
>
> Sandra, I'm not sure but I don't think so. Other than that cruise she did for
Norwegian Cruise Lines (I believe it went to the Bahamas) and
> a performance with a "small regional (theatre) company in Sackville, New
Brunswick (Canada)" in August of 1995, Dana appears to have stayed in the U.S.
It is always possible that she may have made brief trips to Mexico; it used to
be popular for people in the southern U.S. "border states" of California,
Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to take "day trips" across the border. Of course
this was many years ago, before Mexico became such a dangerous place to visit.
>
> Regards, Chris in Texas.
>

----- Original Message -----

From: sandrakeeley42

To: rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2009 9:55 AM

Subject: [Remembering Dana Plato] Dana in the UK

Does anyone know if Dana ever visited the UK?

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "rc_design2000" <rc_design2000@...>
wrote:
>
> If anyone is interested:
>
>
> The Truth Behind the Sitcom Scandals
>
>
> "Gilligan's Island & Diff'rent Strokes"
> Tuesday, June 16 @ 11 pm ET
> Rated: TVPG L
> Running Time: 60 Minutes
> Genre:
> Closed Captions: Yes
> Upcoming Showings:
> Tuesday, June 16 @ 11 pm ET
> Wednesday, June 17 @ 3 am ET
>
> Our new series delves deep inside the best sitcoms of all time, as cast
members recount the stories you've never heard before. First we'll travel on the
SS Minnow to Gilligan's Island, the classic 60's comedy about seven castaways
shipwrecked on an uncharted tropical island. And next, we'll look
behind-the-scenes at Diff'rent Strokes, the popular 80's sitcom that tackled
many social issues successfully with humor, despite the real-life troubles of
its three young stars.
>



If you missed it don't worry, it was terrible. The show was just another bunch
of re-cuts from old interviews without an in-depth review of any one subject.
They probably wanted to copy a cheap tabloid format.

I think it was Charlotte Rae that said Dana would come on the set with bruises
from her stormy relationships. What does that mean? Why wouldn't you ask a
follow up to a statement like that?

For those that haven't seen them:

Biography has a lot of Different Strokes bios coming up. I believe they are all
ET, but you should verify your own cable times.



Tuesday, July 7 9:00pm Biography: Diff'rent Strokes What do a softcore porn
star-turned-armed robber, a rehabilitated coke addict, and a bankrupt 4'8"
40-year-old have in common? They were the child stars of Diff'rent Strokes, the
popular NBC/ABC sitcom that aired from the late '70s to the mid '80s. From what
happened behind the scenes to what went wrong after the cameras stopped rolling,
we'll find out what the gang was really talkin' about when Gary Coleman would
ask, "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

Wednesday, July 8 1:00am Biography: Diff'rent Strokes What do a softcore porn
star-turned-armed robber, a rehabilitated coke addict, and a bankrupt 4'8"
40-year-old have in common? They were the child stars of Diff'rent Strokes, the
popular NBC/ABC sitcom that aired from the late '70s to the mid '80s. From what
happened behind the scenes to what went wrong after the cameras stopped rolling,
we'll find out what the gang was really talkin' about when Gary Coleman would
ask, "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

Tuesday, July 7 8:00pm Biography: Dana Plato Chronicles the tragic life of the
Diff'rent Strokes star who died of a drug overdose at 35. Born to an unwed,
teenage mother, Plato was put up for adoption. She appeared in her first TV ad
when she was just 7, and at age 14 she was hired for Diff'rent Strokes. Six
years later she was forced to leave the show when she became pregnant. Plato
then languished in the world of B-movies and even soft core pornography, all the
while struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Plato's
rise and fall continues to have a haunting effect on the culture of child
celebrity in Hollywood.

Wednesday, July 8 12:00am Biography: Dana Plato Chronicles the tragic life of
the Diff'rent Strokes star who died of a drug overdose at 35. Born to an unwed,
teenage mother, Plato was put up for adoption. She appeared in her first TV ad
when she was just 7, and at age 14 she was hired for Diff'rent Strokes. Six
years later she was forced to leave the show when she became pregnant. Plato
then languished in the world of B-movies and even soft core pornography, all the
while struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Plato's
rise and fall continues to have a haunting effect on the culture of child
celebrity in Hollywood.

Friday, June 26 8:00am Biography: Gary Coleman. Profile of the actor who soared
to stardom as the cute little kid on the TV series Diff'rent Strokes, but whose
career has fizzled out in adulthood. We look at how Gary has kept busy in recent
years - reading palms, building model planes, shooting guns, chasing women, and
running for governor of California - and go with him to auditions and visits to
casting directors to get counseling on how to jump-start his career.

Friday, June 26 2:00pm Biography: Gary Coleman. Profile of the actor who soared
to stardom as the cute little kid on the TV series Diff'rent Strokes, but whose
career has fizzled out in adulthood. We look at how Gary has kept busy in recent
years - reading palms, building model planes, shooting guns, chasing women, and
running for governor of California - and go with him to auditions and visits to
casting directors to get counseling on how to jump-start his career.

You're so lucky there in the USA! The only programme about Diff'rent Strokes
here in England was a documentary on the E Channel about the curse of Diff'rent
Strokes. It had interviews with Dana, Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges and a few other
members of the cast and crew. It went through the usual stories of Dana and her
drugs, porn films, robbing the video store, etc. Very interesting but nothing
new. I don't think there is anything new we can say about Dana. We all know she
was a beautiful person, inside and out, so we should let her spirit rest in
peace and respect the feelings of her friends and family who probably just want
to forget the painful past and are tired of being hounded with the same old
questions. A nice, cheerful tribute to Dana would be much better, celebrating
her work and her happy times. But, I guess people will be forever curious in
knowing the truth behind her death. Whatever, nothing will bring her back, so
let's just appreciate her memory and the good things she left us with to remind
us of her ... I think she'll be smiling down on us for the love and devotion we
genuine fans show her.

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "rc_design2000" <rc_design2000@...>
wrote:
>
> For those that haven't seen them:
>
> Biography has a lot of Different Strokes bios coming up. I believe they are
all ET, but you should verify your own cable times.
>
>
>
> Tuesday, July 7 9:00pm Biography: Diff'rent Strokes What do a softcore porn
star-turned-armed robber, a rehabilitated coke addict, and a bankrupt 4'8"
40-year-old have in common? They were the child stars of Diff'rent Strokes, the
popular NBC/ABC sitcom that aired from the late '70s to the mid '80s. From what
happened behind the scenes to what went wrong after the cameras stopped rolling,
we'll find out what the gang was really talkin' about when Gary Coleman would
ask, "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"
>
> Wednesday, July 8 1:00am Biography: Diff'rent Strokes What do a softcore porn
star-turned-armed robber, a rehabilitated coke addict, and a bankrupt 4'8"
40-year-old have in common? They were the child stars of Diff'rent Strokes, the
popular NBC/ABC sitcom that aired from the late '70s to the mid '80s. From what
happened behind the scenes to what went wrong after the cameras stopped rolling,
we'll find out what the gang was really talkin' about when Gary Coleman would
ask, "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"
>
> Tuesday, July 7 8:00pm Biography: Dana Plato Chronicles the tragic life of the
Diff'rent Strokes star who died of a drug overdose at 35. Born to an unwed,
teenage mother, Plato was put up for adoption. She appeared in her first TV ad
when she was just 7, and at age 14 she was hired for Diff'rent Strokes. Six
years later she was forced to leave the show when she became pregnant. Plato
then languished in the world of B-movies and even soft core pornography, all the
while struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Plato's
rise and fall continues to have a haunting effect on the culture of child
celebrity in Hollywood.
>
> Wednesday, July 8 12:00am Biography: Dana Plato Chronicles the tragic life of
the Diff'rent Strokes star who died of a drug overdose at 35. Born to an unwed,
teenage mother, Plato was put up for adoption. She appeared in her first TV ad
when she was just 7, and at age 14 she was hired for Diff'rent Strokes. Six
years later she was forced to leave the show when she became pregnant. Plato
then languished in the world of B-movies and even soft core pornography, all the
while struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol. Plato's
rise and fall continues to have a haunting effect on the culture of child
celebrity in Hollywood.
>
> Friday, June 26 8:00am Biography: Gary Coleman. Profile of the actor who
soared to stardom as the cute little kid on the TV series Diff'rent Strokes, but
whose career has fizzled out in adulthood. We look at how Gary has kept busy in
recent years - reading palms, building model planes, shooting guns, chasing
women, and running for governor of California - and go with him to auditions and
visits to casting directors to get counseling on how to jump-start his career.
>
> Friday, June 26 2:00pm Biography: Gary Coleman. Profile of the actor who
soared to stardom as the cute little kid on the TV series Diff'rent Strokes, but
whose career has fizzled out in adulthood. We look at how Gary has kept busy in
recent years - reading palms, building model planes, shooting guns, chasing
women, and running for governor of California - and go with him to auditions and
visits to casting directors to get counseling on how to jump-start his career.
>

Dana was sadly lost to us because of her loss of childhood. Jacko has suffered
the same effects.
Dana didn't experience life as she deserved, not knowing who too trust, who her
friends were. She suffered the pain and had to mask it with presriptions. Jacko
similarly.
My thoughts go out to Dana as ever and Jacko too.

The Biography Channel's bio on Dana was excellent. This was the first time I had
a chance to see it. Almost all of the information in the program was provided by
her friends and family. Todd Bridges, her ex-mother in-law, and her son provided
the majority of the interview time. Dana was very troubled from the beginning of
her career on Different Strokes. Drugs and alcohol abuse always leads people
down a bad path. However, I believe treatment is a better choice than jail. Dana
went through both and neither seemed to work for her. Tears For Fears said it
best with "we are paid from those who learn from our mistakes." If you haven't
seen it yet, watch this biography when it is replayed in the future.

It looks like danaplato.net has vanished. It's fortunate that
www.sitcomsonline.com/danaplato.html is still available. Does anyone know of any
other good sites with comprehensive information on Dana?

----- Original Message -----

From: rc_design2000

To: rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:56 PM

Subject: [Remembering Dana Plato] Shrinking World

It looks like danaplato.net has vanished. It's fortunate that www.sitcomsonline.com/danaplato.html is still available. Does anyone know of any other good sites with comprehensive information on Dana?

----- Original Message -----

From: Pierre Coyle

To: rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:24 PM

Subject: [Remembering Dana Plato] Re: Donate to "The Dana Plato Memorial Fund"

I bet I know where all the donations went to this fictitious fund. The same place where all the money you took for your fictitious DVD auctions on Ebay. If only Dana were alive to see what you are doing in her name!

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, Jonathan Brown <jbrasc2004@...> wrote:
>
> http://danaplatoforever.com/donations.html
>
> FAQ:
>
> Q: When and who created "The Dana Plato Memorial Fund"?
>
> A: The Dana Plato Memorial Fund was created on December 6, 2005 by DanaPlatoForever.com webmaster Jonathan Brown.
>
> Q: What is the purpose of this fund?
>
> A: The purpose of this fund is to raise money to distribute 3 different ways. 33.3% will go to A Minor Consideration, which is a non-profit organization that helps past, present, and future child stars stay financially stable when they make the transition from childhood to adulthood. They also put an emphasis on education to make sure that not only are the young stars financially stable, but that they are also well-educated. 33.3% will go to A Substance Abuse Program, which of course is a rehab treatment center for people that have either an alcohol problem or a drug problem. The other 33.3% will be held in a separate account for a future project. That future project being setting up a halfway house in Dana's memory. ALL MONEY RAISED WILL BE GIVEN OUT IN DANA'S MEMORY, NOT MINE. ALSO 100% OF THE MONEY WILL BE USED FOR THE CHARITIES AND HALFWAY HOUSE AND NOTHING WILL BE PROFIT FOR ME.
>
> Q: How can I make a donation?
>
> A: You can either make a donation in one of three ways.
> 1) PayPal by going to this website.
> 2) Mail either a check or money order (Please email for where to send donation)
> 3) Go to your nearest Wachovia and deposit there (Please email for Deposit Details)
>
> Q: If I make a donation, is it tax deductible?
>
> A: Absolutely. If you plan on using this for tax purposes please let me know and I will provide you with a receipt and Tax ID number.
>
> Q: How is money going to be raised?
>
> A: Money will be raised in a number of different ways. The most notable would be donations. However a few contests are planned in the next few months(First one set for mid-January) that I hope will start this thing off with a BIG BANG. Fundraisers will also be in the works in the near future.
>
> If you have anymore questions that I may not have answered please contact me at the following email address platofund@... and I will try and respond within 12 hours. Thank you.
>
> Jonathan
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Shopping
> Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Yahoo! Shopping
>

Both of them brought so much joy to so many people at the expense of themselves
and it is sad to see such people leave the Earth, but at the same time I hope
that they now have the peace that they never knew when they were here.



--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "tfletcher65" <t.fletcher65@...>
wrote:
>
> Dana was sadly lost to us because of her loss of childhood. Jacko has suffered
the same effects.
> Dana didn't experience life as she deserved, not knowing who too trust, who
her friends were. She suffered the pain and had to mask it with presriptions.
Jacko similarly.
> My thoughts go out to Dana as ever and Jacko too.
>

I'd like to dedicate this song to dear Dana ...

'A Child With The Ghost' by Gary Numan

Nothing I can say
Can make your picture talk,
I feel so tired and
Nothing I can do
Will make your picture move.
I feel so helpless but
I can feel
A child with the ghost here.
You let your heart slip away.

If I had one wish,
I'd wish to talk with you,
I have some questions,
Things only you could know.
If I had one wish
I'd wish to talk with you,
Nothing you can feel
Can feel as cold as this.
I'll sing this song and
I'll say goodbye forever.

I wonder
If God is all they say,
I can't believe in such things.
I suppose
Some games are hard to lose,
But you don't have to play 'cos
I can feel
A child with the ghost here
You let your heart slip away.

I'll sing this song and
I'll say goodbye forever ...

Rest in peace, Dana.

I love you, Dana! My eternal girl!

--- In rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com, "sergiofsergio" <sergiofsergio@...>
wrote:
>
> I love you, Dana! My eternal girl!
>
Exactly! This song sums up my feelings about Dana. She is gone but I feel sure
she is happier wherever she is and just wants to be left in peace. She is away
from all the scum that srewed up her life and that's something that should offer
us comfort. I've reached that conclusion now. I think we should let up trying to
find out all the mysteries behind her death, etc. I know Dana would appreciate
that. She knows we all love her so let's just remember her and keep her memory
alive.
It's almost like she's never going to grow up. Never going to get old or never
going to change. I feel the warmth of her ghost, her spirit, (whatever you want
to believe), all the time and I get immense peace of mind in knowing she's
'safe' now, forever ...

Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the Howard Stern Interview with Dana?
Either the audio or a transcript?

I know it was on Danaplato.net, but this site is now gone and I have not been
able to locate the interview anywhere.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank

From: sandrakeeley42

To: rememberingdanaplato@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2009 10:53 AM

Subject: [Remembering Dana Plato] Song For Dana

 

I'd like to dedicate this song to dear Dana ...

'A Child With The Ghost' by Gary Numan

Nothing I can say
Can make your picture talk,
I feel so tired and
Nothing I can do
Will make your picture move.
I feel so helpless but
I can feel
A child with the ghost here.
You let your heart slip away.

If I had one wish,
I'd wish to talk with you,
I have some questions,
Things only you could know.
If I had one wish
I'd wish to talk with you,
Nothing you can feel
Can feel as cold as this.
I'll sing this song and
I'll say goodbye forever.

I wonder
If God is all they say,
I can't believe in such things.
I suppose
Some games are hard to lose,
But you don't have to play 'cos
I can feel
A child with the ghost here
You let your heart slip away.

I'll sing this song and
I'll say goodbye forever ...

Rest in peace, Dana.