Dana Michelle Plato was cast as Kimberly Drummond on the U.S. television sitcom, Diff’rent Strokes. In the show’s first debut on NBC, in 1978, it instantly became a big hit. Dana was featured on the popular TV sitcom at the start of 1978, well into 1984 and again from 1985 to 1986. The show was broadcast by two separate networks during Dana’s term.
With her sparkling charm, Dana Plato gave Diff’rent Strokes a unique flavor that contributed to its wide appeal to a broad range of audiences. The vibrant persona that she embodied on our TV screens, though, was entirely different from her real life persona, which was deeply affected by substance abuse. The actress tied the knot with a rock star, which led both to her pregnancy and, unfortunately, to her getting fired after producers became uneasy with her status. Dana Michelle Plato died at a very young age in 1999. The actress was just 34.
Shannen Doherty, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed
Back in the early 90s, Shannen Doherty earned global recognition and popularity for her breakout role as Brenda Walsh in the Aaron Spelling-produced TV series, Beverly Hills, 90210. Her performance garnered her a Young Artist award nomination for Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series. Outside her success on the screen though, the American actress was infamous for her troublesome ways on set, forcing her to leave the Beverly Hills TV series.
Shannen went on to enjoy much success during her time on Charmed, although she would end up crossing swords with another co-star, Alyssa Milano, which ultimately got her kicked out of the hit show. Doherty has endured a long and drawn out battle with advanced breast cancer, and depending on your opinion regarding her latest interviews, the experience appears to have humbled her and offered the actress a new and better perspective on life.
Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News
On December 2, 2004, Brian Williams was named lead anchor of NBC Nightly News, a replacement for Tom Brokaw who was already heading for retirement. Brian’s first year in NBC was highlighted by two major news coverages: the Asian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, with the latter garnering him critical acclaim. The New York Times described his coverage of the hurricane as a defining moment in his career.
Amidst his success with NBC Nightly News though, he was still kicked out following his confession that a story involving his helicopter being shot down in the air during the war on Iraq was a hoax. Today, Brian Williams is the host of The 11th Hour, with Brian Williams, on MSNBC.
Pat O'Brien, The Insider
Because of his Irish lineage, Pat O’Brien typically performed Irish and Irish-American roles and was coined as "Hollywood's Irishman in Residence" by the media. He also starred as various characters including priests, cops, military figures, pilots, and reporters from the 30s and 40s. The Irish American actor was often in duo with Hollywood icon, James Cagney.
During his time with The Insider, his status was already in a precarious state following the appearance of voicemail recordings that contained provocative, lewd messages to an unidentified woman. The versatile actor was then formally discharged from the show when he sent a rude email to other workers regarding his (soon-to-be) replacement, Lara Spencer. Pat O’Brien authored his own autobiography, I’ll Be Back Right After This, that was published in 2014
Bill Maher, Politically Incorrect
Bill Maher played the main role in Politically Incorrect, which was broadcast on Comedy Central for four years and then on ABC for a further five years. The late-night political talk show raked in an assortment of awards, including the Emmy award for Outstanding Technical Direction, Best Talk Show Series and a Genesis award for Best Television Talk Show. Bill Maher achieved a lot of award nominations, including 10 Emmy nominations, 2 TV Guide nominations, and 2 Writers Guild nominations.
In spite of the show’s success, Bill Maher was still axed following the 9-11 attack in New York because of his disturbing statements describing the people who “Kamikazee-d” their planes into the buildings and claiming they weren’t cowards and that the Americans “have been the cowards.” Those who loved Bill’s critical humor though, were able to see their idol rebound quickly. Today, the American comedian hosts Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, a position he’s safely held onto since 2003.