Did you ever wonder what made the sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" such a cultural phenomenon? It wasn't just the catchy theme song or the adorable antics of Arnold; it was the groundbreaking portrayal of an interracial, blended adoptive family led by the affluent Phillip Drummond, a character who redefined the landscape of television families.

The sitcom, which graced NBC from 1978 to 1985 and then ABC from September 1985 to March 1986, was the brainchild of Jeff Harris and Bernie Kukoff. At its heart, "Diff'rent Strokes" told the story of Arnold Jackson, played by the unforgettable Gary Coleman, and his older brother Willis, brought to life by Todd Bridges. These two African American boys from Harlem found themselves unexpectedly transplanted into the opulent world of Park Avenue after being taken in by the widowed millionaire, Phillip Drummond. Drummond, played by Conrad Bain, offered them a new life following the death of their mother, who had previously worked as his housekeeper. Adding to the family dynamic was Drummond's biological daughter, Kimberly, portrayed by Dana Plato. The show explored themes of race, class, and family with a unique blend of humor and heart, making it a staple in households across America.

Category	Information
Character Name	Phillip Drummond
Actor	Conrad Bain
Series	Diff'rent Strokes
Years Active	1978-1986 (within Diff'rent Strokes)
Occupation	Widowed Manhattan Millionaire and President (assumed of a company, though specific nature not heavily emphasized in the series)
Family	Kimberly Drummond (daughter), Arnold Jackson (adopted son), Willis Jackson (adopted son)
Residence	Luxury Penthouse Apartment on Park Avenue, New York City
Defining Traits	Wealthy, benevolent, paternal figure, sometimes naive about the realities of Arnold and Willis's previous life
Significant Relationships	Arnold and Willis Jackson (adoptive sons, played by Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges), Kimberly Drummond (daughter, played by Dana Plato), Mrs. Garrett (housekeeper, played by Charlotte Rae, through part of the series), Maggie McKinney Drummond (second wife, played by Dixie Carter, later in the series)
Key Story Arcs	Adjusting to fatherhood of two adopted boys from Harlem, navigating cultural differences, dealing with the challenges of raising teenagers in a privileged environment, remarrying in later seasons.
Memorable Episodes	Episodes dealing with difficult topics like drug use, child molestation, and societal prejudice, as well as lighter fare showcasing the humorous clash of cultures within the Drummond household.
Reference Link	Diff'rent Strokes on IMDb

Conrad Bain's portrayal of Phillip Drummond was crucial to the show's success. He depicted a man of considerable wealth, yet one who was genuinely concerned about the well-being of his adopted sons. While the show often played on the contrast between the boys' Harlem upbringing and the opulent lifestyle of their new home, Bain grounded the character in sincerity, making Drummond a believable and likable father figure. His calm and reasoned approach often served as a counterpoint to Arnold's youthful exuberance and Willis's street-smart skepticism.

The role of housekeeper was initially filled by Charlotte Rae, who played Mrs. Garrett during the first season and the first half of the second. Rae's character provided a warm and maternal presence in the Drummond household, offering guidance and support to the children. However, Rae left "Diff'rent Strokes" to star in her own spin-off series, "The Facts of Life," which further solidified her status as a television icon. She did, however, return for a memorable guest appearance in the 1984 episode "The Wedding."

As the series progressed, the writers sought to inject fresh storylines and dynamics into the show. One significant change came in season six when Phillip Drummond found love again and remarried. Dixie Carter joined the cast as Maggie McKinney, a television aerobics instructor who captured Phillip's heart. This addition brought a new perspective to the show, exploring the challenges and joys of blending families and navigating a second marriage. Danny Cooksey also joined the cast that season, further expanding the Drummond family dynamic.

"Diff'rent Strokes" wasn't afraid to tackle serious issues that were relevant to its audience. The show addressed topics such as drug use, prejudice, and even child molestation, sparking important conversations and raising awareness about these sensitive subjects. While the show was primarily a comedy, it also provided moments of genuine drama and emotional depth, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The show also featured a host of memorable guest stars throughout its run. Mary Jo Catlett, known for her roles in both "Diff'rent Strokes" and "SpongeBob SquarePants," made an appearance. And while primarily known for other roles, familiar faces like Josh Foster graced the screen for a couple of episodes in 1978 on "The Love Boat."

Gary Coleman's rise to stardom was meteoric, fueled by his undeniable charisma and comedic timing. Before landing the role of Arnold Jackson, Coleman had already made a name for himself in commercials, including those for Harris Bank in 1974. He even played Stymie in a television movie pilot rebooting "The Little Rascals." However, it was "Diff'rent Strokes" that catapulted him to international fame, solidifying his place in television history. His catchphrase, "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" became a cultural touchstone, entering the lexicon of popular phrases and earning a spot on TV Land's list of the 100 Greatest TV Quotes and Catch Phrases in 2006.

The premise of "Diff'rent Strokes" was rooted in tragedy. Arnold's father passed away in 1975, followed by his mother in 1977. This loss led to the Jackson brothers being taken in by Phillip Drummond, creating the unconventional family at the heart of the show. The series, known as "Il mio amico Arnold" in Italy, resonated with audiences worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries with its universal themes of family, love, and acceptance.

While "Diff'rent Strokes" remains a beloved classic, the lives of its cast members were not without their challenges. The premature deaths of Dana Plato and Gary Coleman cast a shadow over the show's legacy. As of today, Todd Bridges and Charlotte Rae are the only surviving original cast members, carrying the torch for a series that touched the hearts of millions. Despite the hardships faced by some of its stars, "Diff'rent Strokes" continues to be celebrated for its groundbreaking portrayal of an interracial family and its willingness to address important social issues.

Jeff Harris and Bernie Kukoff's creation ran for a remarkable eight seasons, encompassing 189 episodes. The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance humor and heart, offering viewers a glimpse into a family that, while unconventional, ultimately embodied the values of love, acceptance, and understanding. "Diff'rent Strokes" remains a testament to the power of television to reflect and shape our understanding of family and society.

The show centered around the lives of two young Arnold Jackson and Willis Jackson. Phillip drummond also appeared in few episodes of the show.