There are several actors who have lost their big break on television shows by getting fired.

One such actor was Dana Plato, who had a difficult life and career. Plato landed a supporting role on the NBC sitcom Diff’rent Strokes in 1978, which quickly became a hit.

In 1984, she became pregnant with her then-boyfriend and the producers felt that her character being pregnant would not work for the family-friendly show they had created.

As a result, Plato was fired and her character was written out of the show.

Despite making several guest appearances during the final season after the show moved to ABC, Plato’s career never fully recovered.

She struggled with alcohol and drug abuse early in life and found it difficult to land acting jobs.

In an effort to gain exposure, she posed for Playboy in 1989, which backfired and made it even more challenging for her to secure work.

Plato also divorced her husband and lost custody of their son.

Plato eventually moved to Las Vegas, where she battled poverty and unemployment. In 1991, she robbed a convenience store and was placed on five years probation.

The clerk called 911 and identified Plato as “the girl who played Kimberly on Diff’rent Strokes.”

Plato’s struggles continued, and in 1999, she appeared on The Howard Stern Show, where several callers accused her of still being on drugs.

Despite Stern defending her, Plato denied the accusations. Tragically, just a few days after the interview, Plato committed suicide by taking an overdose of painkillers.

Plato’s life was not easy, and her struggles have been well-documented.

Despite her difficult circumstances, she was a talented actress who had a promising career before being fired from Diff’rent Strokes.

Her story is a reminder of the importance of support and compassion for those who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Plato’s story is not unique, as many actors have faced challenges and setbacks in their careers.

For example, Lisa Bonet, who played Denise Huxtable on The Cosby Show, was also fired after becoming pregnant.

In 1990, Shannen Doherty was fired from Beverly Hills, 90210 due to conflicts with the show’s cast and crew.

Similarly, Isaiah Washington was fired from Grey’s Anatomy in 2007 after making homophobic comments.

The entertainment industry can be brutal, and actors are not immune to the pressures and challenges that come with the job.

The public often sees only the glamour and fame, but the reality is that actors face a range of difficulties, including rejection, typecasting, and mental health issues.

Despite these challenges, many actors persevere and continue to thrive in their careers.

However, for some actors, like Dana Plato, the road to success is more challenging, and the industry’s pressures can have devastating consequences.

Her story is a reminder of the importance of providing support and resources for those who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues, as well as the need for compassion and understanding in the entertainment industry.