I always wondered what the story was behind Kim Fields apperaing on Diffrent Strokes. She appeared on DS at the beginning of the 80-81 season in the episode Bank Job. The confusing thing is shouldn't have ben the other way aound? Meaning that since DS was already established, Gary Coleman should have been appearing on Facts of Life. Facts of Life was still considered new at the time Kim Fields in the episode Bank Job on DS. So I would think DS would have their cast members appearing on FOL since it was the older show at the time. Anyone Agree?

They had crossover shows both ways. Arnold and Willis both appeared on FOL a few times.

They had crossover shows both ways. Arnold and Willis both appeared on FOL a few times.


I know but the weird thing was Kim Fields was appearing on DS ALONE-lol It was never a two way crossover between DS and FOL like it was with Hello Larry and Diffrent Strokes. Like you never saw Larry appearing on DS by himself, it was the entire HL cast. So that's why I was confused by Kim Fields making so many Guest Apperances on DS by herself. I think she appeared about 5-6 Times without her cast members.

Arnold appeared in "The New Girl" episode of FOL by himself

Didn't she fill in for Arnold a couple of times because he was sick or was in a contract dispute?

Didn't she fill in for Arnold a couple of times because he was sick or was in a contract dispute?


That is true- at the end of the 3rd/start of 4th season, she took over when Gary was on strike. You could tell that they had virtually given her Gary's lines word for word- so in those episodes that was clearly the reason why it was just Tootie. It was a good way for them to cover up Gary's absence by bringing in someone the audience would be familiar with.
But it's true that in the Bank Job- there seems to be no reason why she appears. MAybe it was hoped that people would like her and so start watching FOL.

Blair and Natalie showed up in "The Older Man" together also in the 3rd season.

Kim Fields was very good friends with Todd Bridges in real life. I'm sure that had a lot to do with her multiple appearances.

I'm sure it was easier to just use somebody they were familiar with instead of casting somebody new.