The Jackson family has made numerous appearances in television shows over the years, but one of the most iconic was the role of Arnold Jackson in the beloved television show Diff’rent Strokes. Arnold, played by Gary Coleman, was the adopted son of wealthy businessman Phillip Drummond, and the show followed the adventures of Arnold and his brother Willis as they navigated adolescence.
Jackson Family’s TV Appearances
The Jackson family has made numerous appearances in television over the years, starting with the Jackson 5’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1969. The family went on to appear on numerous talk shows, game shows, and variety shows, including The Sonny and Cher Show, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Merv Griffin Show.
The Jackson 5 also starred in their own variety show, The Jacksons, which aired from 1976 to 1977. The show featured musical performances, skits, and interviews with the family, and was a major success.
The Jacksons also starred in their own variety specials, which aired in 1978 and 1979. The specials featured musical performances, skits, and interviews, and were a major success.
In addition, members of the Jackson family have made numerous guest appearances on television shows over the years. Jermaine Jackson appeared on The Love Boat in 1980, and Janet Jackson had a recurring role on Good Times in the late 70s.
Arnold’s Familiar Co-Star
One of the most iconic roles of a Jackson family member was Arnold Jackson in the beloved television show Diff’rent Strokes. Arnold, played by Gary Coleman, was the adopted son of wealthy businessman Phillip Drummond, and the show followed the adventures of Arnold and his brother Willis as they navigated adolescence.
The show also featured Janet Jackson in a recurring role as Charlene DuPrey, a young girl who moves in with the Drummonds and befriends Arnold and Willis. Janet’s character was a major part of the show and was featured in numerous episodes.
The Jackson family has made numerous appearances in television over the years, from The Ed Sullivan Show to The Jacksons to Good Times. But one of the most iconic roles was Arnold Jackson in the beloved television show Diff’rent Strokes, and Janet Jackson played a recurring role as Charlene DuPrey. The Jackson family’s television appearances have been a major part of popular culture, and their legacy lives on.
The Jackson family is famed for the music of brothers Michael and Jackie, as well as their younger siblings Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and the late King of Pop. However, one Jackson family member has a distinct connection to the classic TV show, “Diff’rent Strokes.”
Randy Jackson, younger brother of Michael and the other Jacksons, had a recurring role in the show from 1982 to 1985. Although less well-known than Michael and Jackie, Randy embodied the role of Eric Medallion on the long-running sitcom. Medallion was the show’s resident heartthrob and was known to be employed by wealthy character Mr. Drummond.
Randy Jackson’s involvement in the show followed the success of his brothers. As a part of the Jacksons Five, Michael, Jackie and Randy had already begun to transition into television and film appearances beginning with the release of their film, “The Wiz,” in 1978. Michael and Jackie were credited on the movie, while Randy worked as a background dancer.
After his time on the show, Randy went on to continue to appear in television and film — his resume including roles in “The Love Boat”, “Fame,” and “Friday the 13th Part VI.” His career has largely centered on music, however, and today Randy is an in-demand musician, songwriter and record producer, having worked on records by major artists like Michael and Justin Timberlake, to name a few.
Although Randy Jackson is less well-known than his siblings, his time on “Diff’rent Strokes” is an indelible part of the Jackson family legacy, introducing the world to the talents of yet another member of the iconic family.