Dana Plato Quotes

Powerful Dana Plato for Daily Growth

About Dana Plato

Dana Michelle Schneider, known professionally as Dana Plato, was an American actress born on November 9, 1964, in San Diego, California. Rising to fame in her teenage years, Plato is best remembered for her role as Kimberly Drummond in the long-running sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" (1978-1986). The show brought her nationwide recognition and a significant fan base. Plato's life was marked by struggles outside of acting. Her early years were marred by an abusive relationship with her stepfather, which led to her family moving frequently. This instability continued into adulthood, as she faced financial difficulties, legal issues, and substance abuse problems. Her experiences off-screen influenced her later roles, including the portrayal of a troubled teen in the television movie "Cherish: Rituals of Survival" (1986) and the role of a recovering drug addict in "A New Life" (1988). Despite her personal challenges, Plato remained active in the entertainment industry until her untimely death on May 8, 1999, at the age of 34. Her life serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and fragilities often hidden behind the glamour of Hollywood. Plato's legacy endures, not only through her acting work but also in the foundation she established to help troubled children, reflecting her lifelong commitment to giving back to those less fortunate. Quotes attributed to Plato include, "I think it's important for kids to understand that when you make a mistake, you have to learn from it and then move on." And, "It's amazing how much I can accomplish when I put my mind to something." These words encapsulate her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."

This quote suggests that aging is not a result of biological processes, but rather a consequence of ceasing to engage in playful activities and maintaining an active, youthful spirit throughout life. In other words, it encourages the idea that a playful, active mindset contributes to staying young at heart, regardless of physical age.


"Life is a series of experiences, which eventually prepare you for the future. The more traumatic the experience, the more you are prepared for the future."

This quote by Dana Plato suggests that life's experiences, especially challenging or difficult ones, serve as crucial learning moments that shape us and equip us to handle future challenges effectively. The idea is that enduring hardships and trauma can foster resilience, maturity, and wisdom – making us more prepared for the various trials and triumphs of life.


"Sometimes you have to look back in order to move forward."

This quote suggests that reflection on past experiences can provide valuable insights and lessons, guiding us as we navigate through our future endeavors. It encourages individuals to learn from their past mistakes and successes, using those lessons as a foundation for growth and progress. Essentially, the phrase underscores the importance of introspection in order to chart a more informed and purposeful path forward in life.


"I always said that if I had kids, they would never want for anything."

This quote suggests that Dana Plato aspired to provide abundant resources and opportunities for her hypothetical children, indicating a strong desire to ensure their well-being and happiness. The statement expresses her affection and commitment as a parent to prioritize the needs of her children. However, it's important to note that Plato herself faced financial difficulties in her later life, which may have influenced this perspective.


"The only thing that's standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it." (This quote was not actually spoken by Dana Plato but is often attributed to her.)

This quote suggests that our self-limiting beliefs or narratives prevent us from achieving our goals more than any external factors. In essence, if we continuously tell ourselves that we cannot reach a certain goal, we are unconsciously creating barriers that block our path to success. By recognizing and changing these negative stories, we can clear the way towards accomplishing our objectives.


I've learned through experience that life is never that bad. The secret is just paying attention to how you feel and not letting anyone else dictate what in your heart you know is right.

- Dana Plato

Bad, Through, Learned, Dictate

I'm tired of defending my character. I am what I am. What you see is what you get.

- Dana Plato

Character, I Am, See, I Am What I Am

Growing up, all I did was work and vacation, but I loved it, no one pushed me into anything. The thing was I developed no special skills. I don't have any resentment because I am a performer and I've always felt that, but it did take its toll socially.

- Dana Plato

Anything, Developed, Toll, Vacation

I have been sober for the longest time. Oh, it's over a decade now. No joke.

- Dana Plato

Decade, Over, Been, Sober

If it feels right and I'm not going against any energy in myself or the situation, there would be no limit.

- Dana Plato

Against, Going, Feels, No Limit

I'm learning to play by the rules. I sort of hate to think of it that way, but that's how it is. I'm really learning to function out there and in such a way that I don't need to drink.

- Dana Plato

Play, Think, Need, Such A Way

I'm tired of defending my character. I am what I am.

- Dana Plato

Character, I Am, Tired, I Am What I Am

I'd hopefully work through all my issues with men first so then I'd be okay being with a woman.

- Dana Plato

Woman, Through, Okay, Hopefully

I've got to be honest, there's no pleasure when you're working.

- Dana Plato

Working, Honest, Pleasure, To Be Honest

I'm open-minded. I don't consider myself gay or hetero, I just am. I've had experiences all over the planet but it always comes down to just me, but I think at this point if I had an ongoing relationship I believe it would be with a man.

- Dana Plato

Believe, I Think, Had, Open-Minded

I wanted this to have as wide an audience as possible. I didn't want to get an X rating, because in my opinion once that happens you X-out everyone else.

- Dana Plato

Audience, Everyone Else, Rating

I think the whole nerves thing comes into play when we worry about what other people and society will think.

- Dana Plato

Worry, Play, Think, Nerves

With women and women, I think there's an understanding. Nobody knows what a woman feels or experiences but another woman. We are the nurturers, and there are times when we need to be nurtured.

- Dana Plato

Think, I Think, Feels, Another Woman

Nobody knows what a woman feels or experiences but another woman. We are the nurturers and there are times when we need to be nurtured.

- Dana Plato

Woman, Need, Feels, Another Woman

In my opinion it's not about gay or straight or bi, we're attracted to spirits, whatever body they're in. There are other reasons too, but that's how I see it.

- Dana Plato

Other, Reasons, About, In My Opinion

I'm okay in my skin, you know... I'm okay with who I am.

- Dana Plato

I Am, Skin, Know, Okay

All that money stuff was so strange; all it ever meant to me was freedom from worry. I'm happier now than I've ever been but I still wish I had that money.

- Dana Plato

Worry, Been, Meant, Happier

I like to go with the energy because when you ignore it that's when you start doing things wrong.

- Dana Plato

Doing, Go, Like, Ignore

People have an awful lot of problems that society has put on them and a lot to work through because of it.

- Dana Plato

Society, Through, Lot, Awful Lot

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.