Gary Coleman, American actor (d. 2010)

The Iconic Career of Gary Coleman

Gary Wayne Coleman, born on February 8, 1968, and passing on May 28, 2010, was a distinguished American actor and comedian whose unique talent captivated audiences worldwide. Renowned for his exceptional comedic timing and charismatic screen presence, Coleman is widely considered one of the greatest child actors of all time. His prodigious talent also made him the highest-paid adolescent on television throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, a testament to his immense popularity and market appeal. Such was his impact that he was notably ranked first on VH1's "100 Greatest Kid Stars," underscoring his lasting cultural significance.

From Child Star to Cultural Icon: The Impact of Diff'rent Strokes

Coleman's enduring legacy is most profoundly tied to his iconic portrayal of Arnold Jackson in the hugely successful NBC sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. The series, which followed two African American orphans adopted by a wealthy white businessman in Manhattan, tackled social issues with humor and heart. Arnold Jackson, with his distinctive mischievous charm and memorable one-liners, quickly became a household name. His most famous catchphrase, "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?", directed at his older brother Willis (played by Todd Bridges), became an indelible part of pop culture lexicon.

The immense popularity of Arnold Jackson led Coleman to reprise the role in several other television series, expanding his character's universe. These appearances included the spin-off Hello, Larry (1979), a crossover with The Facts of Life (1979–1980), and a memorable cameo in the critically acclaimed The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1996). For his outstanding performance as Arnold, Coleman received numerous accolades, recognizing his exceptional contribution to entertainment at a young age.

Expanding Horizons: Film, Voice Acting, and Video Game Roles

Beyond his defining role in Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman's stardom opened doors to a variety of other acting opportunities across different mediums. His film debut came with On the Right Track (1981), where he played a young shoeshine boy with a knack for predicting horse race outcomes. He further showcased his comedic talents in films like Jimmy the Kid and The Kid with the Broken Halo (both released in 1982).

Later in his career, Coleman took on more unconventional roles, including the cult film Dirty Work (1998), a black comedy that garnered a dedicated following, and the satirical-comedy film An American Carol (2008), which offered a humorous critique of contemporary American society. One of his final film appearances was in the independent film Midgets vs. Mascots (2009).

Coleman's distinctive voice also lent itself to animation. He was the star of The Gary Coleman Show (1982), an animated series where he voiced the character of Andy LeBeau. He additionally provided the voice of Kevin in the animated show Waynehead (1996–1997). His presence extended to the world of video games, where he voiced characters in the classic adventure game The Curse of Monkey Island (1997) and, notably, provided a controversial and memorable performance as himself in the infamously cult and often darkly satirical first-person shooter game Postal 2 (2003).

Gary Coleman's Later Life and Legacy

Personal Struggles and Health Challenges

Despite his early success, Gary Coleman faced significant challenges in his later life, particularly concerning his financial well-being and health. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and former business adviser for misappropriation of his trust fund assets, claiming they had mismanaged his earnings. The lawsuit, which concluded in 1993, resulted in an award of $1.28 million. However, financial difficulties persisted, leading him to declare bankruptcy a decade later in 1999.

A critical aspect of Coleman's life that impacted both his personal and professional journey was his lifelong battle with significant health issues. He suffered from congenital kidney disease, a condition that required him to undergo two kidney transplants – one at the age of five and another at 14. This chronic illness severely affected his growth, resulting in his notably diminutive stature, a characteristic that often became a focal point in his public persona. While specific details of his medical history beyond the kidney disease were largely kept private, his struggles with issues such as substance abuse and depression were reported and garnered significant media attention, highlighting the profound pressures he faced as a former child star.

The Tragic Passing of a Beloved Star

Gary Coleman's life tragically ended on May 28, 2010, at the young age of 42. His death followed a severe head injury sustained two days earlier. On May 26, 2010, Coleman was admitted to Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah, after falling down the stairs at his home in Santaquin, Utah, and hitting his head. The fall resulted in an epidural hematoma, a serious brain injury caused by bleeding between the outer membrane of the brain and the skull. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Coleman

What was Gary Coleman best known for?
Gary Coleman was best known for his iconic role as Arnold Jackson in the hit 1978–1986 sitcom Diff'rent Strokes. He was also recognized as one of the highest-paid child actors of his era and for his unique charm and comedic delivery.
What health issues did Gary Coleman face?
Gary Coleman battled congenital kidney disease throughout his life, requiring two kidney transplants. This condition was the primary cause of his stunted growth. He also reportedly faced struggles with substance abuse and depression in his later years.
Did Gary Coleman win any awards for Diff'rent Strokes?
Yes, Gary Coleman received several accolades for his role as Arnold Jackson. These include two Young Artist Awards (1980, 1982) and three consecutive People's Choice Awards for Favorite Young TV Performer (1980–1983).
What was Gary Coleman's iconic catchphrase?
Gary Coleman's most famous and widely recognized catchphrase from Diff'rent Strokes was "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?", delivered by his character Arnold Jackson to his older brother Willis.