Gary Coleman

Who Was Gary Coleman?

Gary Coleman, an actor renowned for his role on the hit sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, became a cultural icon despite facing significant health challenges throughout his life. Born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois, Coleman was diagnosed with multiple health issues at birth, including nephritis, a congenital kidney disorder that stunted his growth to 4 feet 8 inches. Despite his medical struggles, Coleman’s talent and charisma made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

At just 10 years old, Coleman shot to fame in 1978 when he was cast as Arnold Jackson, an African American orphan who is adopted by a wealthy white man, Philip Drummond, on Diff’rent Strokes. The series quickly became a success, and Coleman’s catchphrase, “What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” became an iconic part of popular culture. Following his rise to fame, Coleman expanded his career to film and television, including roles in On the Right Track (1981) and the TV movie The Kid With the Broken Halo (1982), which was later adapted into a cartoon series, The Gary Coleman Show.

Coleman’s career, however, was marked by personal and legal struggles, particularly involving his finances. After his career slowed following the cancellation of Diff’rent Strokes in 1986, Coleman became embroiled in a lawsuit against his parents and agent after discovering the misappropriation of his trust fund. Though he won the suit, the financial toll was devastating, and he was left with a fraction of his earnings.

Early Life

Gary Wayne Coleman was born to W.G. Coleman, a pharmaceutical representative, and Edmonia Sue, a nurse practitioner. His early life was marked by a series of medical challenges, beginning with his birth defect, nephritis. Coleman required numerous surgeries and underwent lifelong dialysis, including two kidney transplants—one at age five and the second at 17. These health issues contributed to his short stature, which became part of his unique appeal as an actor.

Career Breakthrough

Coleman’s acting career began around the age of 9 when a talent scout discovered him for a potential role in a revival of Little Rascals. While that project never materialized, his small stature proved advantageous, and he was cast in roles of younger characters despite his age. His breakthrough came with Diff’rent Strokes, where his portrayal of Arnold Jackson made him a household name. The show’s success, along with Coleman’s memorable line “What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” led to his widespread popularity. In addition to his TV success, Coleman transitioned into films, including On the Right Track and the TV movie The Kid With the Broken Halo.

By the age of 10, Coleman had formed his own company, Gary Coleman Productions, to manage his career, with his parents becoming his full-time managers. However, after Diff’rent Strokes was canceled in 1986, Coleman’s career began to decline. It was during this time that he discovered the mismanagement of his trust fund, leading to a legal battle that, while successful, left him with only a fraction of his original earnings.

Personal Issues

As his career waned, Coleman struggled with depression and personal issues. He filed for bankruptcy in 1999 and faced a series of legal challenges, including charges of assault. He was arrested in 1998 after an altercation with a woman seeking his autograph, for which he pled “no contest.” In 2007, Coleman was involved in a disorderly conduct arrest following an argument with his girlfriend, Shannon Price. Despite these issues, the couple married later that year, though their relationship was troubled, culminating in several public domestic disputes.

Throughout his later years, Coleman worked sporadically, making appearances on television shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Married with Children, and The Keenen Ivory Wayans Show.

Health Problems and Death

Gary Coleman’s health continued to decline throughout his life. In February 2010, he suffered a seizure on the set of The Insider. On May 26, 2010, he was hospitalized after a fall at his home, and two days later, on May 28, 2010, Coleman passed away at the age of 42 from an intracranial hemorrhage.

Despite his personal challenges and the turbulence of his later years, Gary Coleman remains a cherished figure in television history, remembered for his role as Arnold Jackson and his enduring contribution to pop culture.