Diff'rent Strokes : Synopsis, Pictures, Photos, Trivia, Filming Locations

Before dying, Mrs. Jackson swears to her wealthy employer, Phillip Drummond, to take care of her two children, Arnold and Willy. Touched, Drummond accepts and adopts the two children. The change is not easy, however: going from a poor district of Harlem to a gigantic apartment in Manhattan is quite confusing for the two children. More than a culture shock (Drummond has a well -high little girl, Virginia), the situation will be transformed over the episodes (and years) into a beneficial meeting between two social strata. Because each episode ends with a nice morality and some tips so that differences are a strength and an advantage.

Arnold and Willy (Original title: Diff'entnt Strokes) was an American television series which was broadcast between 1978 and 1986. The series featured Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges in the main roles, playing the roles of Arnold Jackson and Willis Jackson, two brothers adopted by a rich white businessman after the death of their mother. The series followed the brothers as they adapted to their new life as rich in a upscale residential area in New York, while facing prejudices linked to their race and their social origin.

Arnold and Willy was a successful comedy during its broadcasting, and was one of the first television series to star in African-American actors in main roles. The series was praised for its sensitive approach to social problems, such as racism and economic inequalities, while offering light and fun entertainment.

In addition to Coleman and Bridges, the series also included Conrad Bain in the role of Philip Drummond, the rich businessman who adopts the two brothers, and Dana Plato in the role of Kimberly Drummond, the biological girl of Philip. The series was also known for its many famous guests, including Michael Jackson, Ray Charles and Danny Glover.

Despite his success on television, Arnold and Willy was widely criticized for his stereotypical representation of African-American characters, and was accused of having helped to perpetuate racist prejudices. Many actors in the series have also experienced personal difficulties outside the screen, including drug problems and incarceration.

In summary, Arnold and Willy was a popular American television series from the 1980s which featured African-American actors in main roles. The series was praised for its sensitive approach to social problems, but was also criticized for its stereotypical representation of the characters and for its impact on the perceptions of African-Americans in society.

The name of Arnold's pet goldfish was Abraham.

The original concept for the show was different from what would come on the air. It would have been on ABC and set in an upscale Long Island town, not in Manhattan. There was no older brother, originally, and the housekeeper would have been younger and sexier. The production company balked, and ABC lost interest.

Charlotte Rae was promised a smooth return back onto this series if her spin-off, "The Facts of Life" (1979), had failed. But it was renewed, so she was replaced.

The episode "The Girls School" (episode #1.24) was the pilot for the spin-off "The Facts of Life" (1979).

Ms. Plato had, over the course of her time on the show, developed a very serious drug & alcohol problem, which caused her to constantly miss rehearsals & tapings. She also continually blew her lines, causing delays in production. She was allowed guest appearances only after she could prove that she had completed rehabilitation.

When Conrad Bain signed on to do "Maude" (1972), the production company promised him his own show when that one ended. By then, Gary Coleman was also signed to the company. When the planned updating of the "Our Gang" comedy series, which Coleman would have been in, was aborted, they paired them and decided to come up with a suitable premise.

Gary Coleman wanted the show to end in 1985, when it moved to ABC, but was persuaded into signing on for another year, after which it was cancelled.

Filming locations:

• Creation date: 2003/07/01 by stals
• Last Update: 2007/05/01 by Nathaline