Gary Coleman | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 11, 2024

Who is Gary Coleman?

Gary Coleman was an American actor best remembered for his role as Arnold Jackson in the iconic sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes", which debuted in 1978. Born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois, Coleman faced significant health challenges from a young age, including a serious kidney condition that affected his growth, leaving him at a height of just 4 feet 8 inches. Despite these obstacles, Gary's small stature and engaging personality endeared him to audiences, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His catchphrase "What'choo talkin' "bout, Willis?" from his role in *Diff'rent Strokes* became a lasting part of pop culture.

Coleman's early career took off after he was discovered at the age of 9, leading him to star in various films and television projects, including "On the Right Track" and "The Kid With the Broken Halo". He also formed Gary Coleman Productions to manage his career. However, his transition into adulthood was fraught with difficulties, including a protracted legal battle concerning his mismanaged trust fund, resulting in financial struggles and bouts of depression. As his acting career waned, he worked various jobs, including as a security guard, and continued to make cameos in shows like "Fresh Prince of Bel Air".

While Coleman aimed to revive his career, personal issues, including a tumultuous marriage to actress Shannon Price and several legal troubles, marred his public image. His health continued to decline, culminating in a tragic seizure and hospitalization in May 2010. Just days later, on May 28, 2010, Gary Coleman passed away at the age of 42 due to an intracranial hemorrhage. His life was a complex tapestry of triumphs and struggles, leaving behind a lasting impact on television history.

Early Life and Education

Gary Wayne Coleman was born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois, and entered into a loving home shortly after his birth, as he was adopted by W.G. Coleman and Edmonia Sue. His parents provided a nurturing environment, but from early on, Coleman faced significant health challenges. He was diagnosed at birth with nephritis, a congenital kidney defect, which led to numerous surgeries and required him to undergo lifelong dialysis. At the age of just five, Coleman received his first kidney transplant, which positioned him for a life marked by both resilience and hardship. This health journey would shape much of Coleman's upbringing and future.

Despite his medical conditions and resulting stunted growth, which kept him at a height of 4 feet 8 inches, Coleman had a lively and engaging personality that drew attention. Around the age of nine, he was discovered by a talent scout while auditioning for a revival of the classic "Little Rascals" series. Although that particular project did not progress, Coleman's unique stature ultimately became an asset in his acting career. His early education, combined with the experiences of navigating his health issues, helped prepare him for the challenging yet rewarding path in the entertainment industry, leading to his breakout role in "Diff'rent Strokes" at just ten years old.

Career Breakthrough with Diff'rent Strokes

Gary Coleman’s career took a monumental leap in 1978 when he landed the role of Arnold Jackson on the groundbreaking sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes". The show revolved around the life of Arnold, a spirited African American orphan who is adopted by the wealthy white benefactor Philip Drummond and his daughter. Coleman's endearing performance and unforgettable catchphrase, "What'choo talkin" 'bout, Willis?", endeared him to audiences and made the series an instant success. With Coleman at the forefront, the show tackled social issues while providing relatable moments of humor and heart, gaining a dedicated fanbase that contributed to its enduring legacy.

The success of "Diff'rent Strokes" allowed Coleman to transition into other media projects and solidify his position in Hollywood. He starred in films such as "On the Right Track" (1981) and the TV movie "The Kid With the Broken Halo" (1982), both of which showcased his talent and charisma. His childhood stardom soared during the run of the series, and its popularity paved the way for Coleman to form his own production company by the time he turned ten. However, as the show faced cancellation in 1986, Coleman found himself struggling to navigate the challenges of fame, ultimately leading to complex legal battles with his parents over his trust fund.

Personal Issues and Legal Troubles

Gary Coleman faced significant personal challenges following his rise to fame. After his successful run on "Diff'rent Strokes," he grappled with depression and suicidal thoughts, especially after discovering that his once-promising trust fund had been misappropriated by his parents and agent. Despite winning a lawsuit against them, his financial recovery was far from satisfying, leaving him with only a fraction of what he was owed. The struggle for financial independence led to a semi-retirement from acting, prompting Coleman to take on roles such as a security guard to make ends meet.

Coleman's personal life was also marred by tumultuous relationships and legal troubles. He encountered numerous incidents of violence, notably facing charges in 1998 after an altercation related to an autograph request. His marriage to actress Shannon Price was particularly rocky; the couple had multiple domestic disputes that led to arrests for disorderly conduct. Despite the challenges, Coleman attempted to navigate his life and career, though the persistent issues often overshadowed his previous successes, leaving him in a cycle of legal and personal difficulties.

Health Problems and Death

Gary Coleman faced significant health challenges throughout his life, stemming from multiple congenital issues. Born with a kidney defect known as nephritis, Coleman underwent numerous surgeries, including his first kidney transplant at just five years old. His health problems not only impacted his stature, limiting him to a height of 4 feet 8 inches, but also shaped his life experiences, influencing both his career and personal relationships. Despite the challenges, Coleman maintained his charm and popularity as a child star in the entertainment industry.

In the later years of his life, Gary Coleman’s health continued to decline. In February 2010, he suffered a seizure on the set of "The Insider." Just a few months later, on May 26, 2010, Coleman was admitted to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center following a fall in his home. Tragically, he passed away on May 28, 2010, at the age of 42, due to an intracranial hemorrhage. This untimely death marked the end of a tumultuous yet impactful life, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's most beloved child stars.

Personal Life: Married Life and Relationships

Gary Coleman had a tumultuous personal life that was marred by legal troubles and complicated relationships. His most notable romantic relationship was with actress Shannon Price. The couple secretly wed in August 2007, but their marriage was plagued with issues from the start. Despite their struggles, they appeared on the reality show "Divorce Court" in May 2008 to air their grievances, seeking resolution in a public forum. Unfortunately, their union faced numerous challenges, including domestic disputes that led to both being cited for disorderly conduct in 2009.

Throughout his life, Coleman struggled with personal demons, including depression and feelings of betrayal regarding his finances and family. His tumultuous relationship with his parents, who financially mismanaged his trust fund, added to his emotional distress. The impact of his fame, coupled with the pressures of marriage and public scrutiny, contributed to a turbulent lifestyle. Despite these challenges, Coleman’s relationships remained a focal point in his life, illustrating the complexities faced by child stars transitioning into adulthood.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary and Trust Fund

Gary Coleman's financial journey is marked by early wealth and subsequent mismanagement. Initially, his salary as a star of the hit sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" reportedly made him one of the highest-paid child actors of his time, fostering a trust fund estimated to be worth nearly $18 million by the time he reached adulthood. However, after the show's cancellation in 1986, Coleman discovered that only $220,000 remained in the trust, leading him to enter a legal battle against his parents and his former agent for misappropriation. Although he won the lawsuit, the financial settlement only amounted to $3.8 million, a significant drop from the expected wealth.

Following the tumultuous revelation of his diminished finances, Coleman faced a series of challenges, including bankruptcy in 1999. His acting career dwindled, leading him to seek alternative employment, such as working as a security guard. Despite these hardships, he remained recognizable through occasional television appearances on shows like "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "Married with Children". Coleman's public image became tarnished by his financial difficulties and volatile personal life, yet he continued to navigate the entertainment landscape, albeit with persistent struggles in both his health and his financial stability.