Probably the best example of a child actress gone wrong and an inspiration to Lindsey Lohan and Britney no doubt.
She had the worse parent imaginable, an adoptive mom who seemed to care more about partying, and that led Dana to being knocked up so young, which ruined her career, although, in later life her voice was so raspy she was barely audible. Once just so perky, cute, or hot, she was perfect for Diff'rent Strokes, but her personality wasn't right for the goody 2 shoes genre, she was a bad girl at heart.

she really was a sweet kid. it was quite sad that her life was so tragic.

Dana was talented and seemingly had a lot going for her. She was a wonderful actress, and the Kimberly role on Diff'rent Strokes was very fitting for her. Sadly, she cracked under the pressure of being a performer at such a young age.... started into drugs, robbed a video store, and did a few other things which got herself into trouble. She never got it straightened out, unfortunately, and died a premature death just a few years ago.