Thoughts on Retro TV Week

Showing my (relatively) young age reminded me of the death of Gary Coleman (Arnold Jackson of "Diff'rent Strokes," 1978-86) at 42 and the tragedy of the young stars of that show; the other adopted brother, Todd Bridges (Willis Jackson), has faced criminal charges but is the last surviving member left. Dana Plato (Kimberly Drummond, daughter of their guardian Phillip) died of a drug overdose in 1999, and her son committed suicide earlier this month. It seems the only "safe" star was the guardian of the boys, Phillip Drummond, Conrad Bain, now a widow after his wife of 54 years died last year. ◙