What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?

OK, so it started in the late 70s, but it was very popular in the 80s before it got cancelled in 1986.

This was a favourite sitcom in my house. With my parents enjoying it as much as I did. I also had my first true crush with Dana Plato.

Although I have very fond memories of the show, I still decided to do some research into the program. Although I knew about the child stars lives after the show I was still shocked and saddened to read about what happened... The price of fame, huh?!?!

Diff'rent Strokes was an American television sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1986. The series stars Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges as Arnold and Willis Jackson, two African American boys from Harlem who are taken in by a rich white Park Avenue businessman named Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) and his daughter Kimberly (Dana Plato), for whom their deceased mother previously worked.[2][3] During the first season and first half of the second season, Charlotte Rae also starred as the Drummonds' housekeeper, Mrs. Garrett (who ultimately spun-off into her own successful show, The Facts of Life).

The series made stars out of child actors Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, and Dana Plato, and became known for the "very special episodes" in which serious issues such as racism, illegal drug use, and child sexual abuse were dramatically explored. 

There were three maids during the show's run: Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), Adelaide Brubaker (Nedra Volz), and Pearl Gallagher (Mary Jo Catlett). They lived in the Penthouse Suite at 697 Park Avenue in New York City. 

As Arnold, Coleman popularized the catchphrase "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" The ending often varied, depending on whom he was addressing.

The lives of these stars were later plagued by legal troubles and drug addiction, as the stardom and success they achieved while on the show eluded them after the series was cancelled, with both Plato and Coleman having early deaths.

At The Movies

The 80s produced some of the most memorable films that helped to change the way of the film making industry.

This was an era that was embracing new technology and producing some great results on the big screen. Another factor for the 80s and it's movies was the new hardware that was being produced - VHS, Laser Disc with better quality Television sets.

It was also the decade that produce many genres; from romance, thriller, horror, sci-fi, comedy to name a few.

Big blockbusters produced big budgets, stars and more importantly big earnings at the box office.

To be honest, if I was to sit down and name my favourite movie from the 80s... Well I don't think I can as there were so many that I could choose from, but still find another that was as equal or better.

From the Back To The Future franchise, to the brat pack collection and back to the Nightmare On Elm Street films, this was a defining and special time for Movie lovers.

Look at the reboots that are coming out today. The majority are based on the originals that were filmed in the 80s (but with not the same passion and excitement that the originals had). In addition, the franchise chain is making the follow ups to these 80s classics and the results are in the box office takings.

There is no doubt, the 80s were a special time to us all, but it was also an excellent time for those who visited the cinemas on a regular basis.

Over the next few weeks (and beyond) we will explorer the movies that help shape the 80s...

What would you like to see?

MTV

There was a time when MTV was actually a music channel and not a reality channel. 

How times have changed... 

Introduced in the 1980s (Saturday 1st August 1981 at 12:01am), it helped to promote a number of bands and artists, who used the format to promote their new singles and albums with the use of modern videos.

And it all started with this video.

80s Daze?

Not another blog dedicated to the 1980s you scream, please no!

However we are know that the 80s was the best decade ever. The fashion, the music, the films, the technology and much more.

This blog will be another space on the internet to celebrate all things the 80s. So keep your eyes peeled from some fun posts to take you back to the 80s!