Surviving Main Actors from Diff’rent Strokes

Danny Cooksey, known for his role as Sam, Philip’s stepson, on the final three seasons of “Diff’rent Strokes,” has had an impressive career both as a child actor and as an adult. Although “Diff’rent Strokes” ended in 1989, Cooksey continued to captivate audiences, becoming a regular on the then-emerging Nickelodeon channel. There, he appeared on popular shows such as “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” “Hey Arnold,” and “The Wild Thornberrys.”

Among his most memorable roles were Bobby Budnick on the cult classic “Salute Your Shorts” and Montana “Monty” Max on “Tiny Toon Adventures.” His versatility extended into film with notable parts in “Mac and Me” and the blockbuster “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”

Today, Cooksey has carved out a successful niche as a voice actor. His distinct voice brought characters to life in projects like “The Lorax” and “Regular Show.” One of his prominent voice roles is starring as the lead in “Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil.”

Aside from his acting career, Cooksey is a passionate musician. He has been part of several bands, showcasing his talent as a singer and guitarist. His bands have included “Bad4Good,” “Arbuckle,” and “Shelter Dogs.” Music fans may also recognize his voice from background vocals he recorded for Rilo Kiley, the band featuring his former “Salute Your Shorts” co-star Blake Sennett.