Gary Coleman secured his place in American popular culture as Arnold Jackson in the television sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which aired from 1978 to 1986. Standing at 4 feet 8 inches, he became one of the highest-paid child actors in the industry during his tenure, navigating the complexities of early fame while managing persistent health challenges related to kidney disease.
Early Career and Television Breakthrough
Born in 1968 in Zion, Illinois, Coleman began his professional work in 1974 by appearing in a Harris Bank commercial. His early television credits included an episode of Medical Center. After participating in a pilot for a revival of The Little Rascals in 1977, his performance gained the attention of producers who cast him in the role of Arnold Jackson. The success of Diff'rent Strokes established him as a television staple, leading to guest appearances on series such as The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
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At the height of his career, Coleman headlined several television films, including The Kid from Left Field, Scout's Honor, and The Kid with the Broken Halo. His filmography also featured motion pictures such as On the Right Track and Jimmy the Kid. Throughout his most active years, he received recognition including two Young Artist Awards and three People's Choice Awards for Favorite Young TV Performer between 1980 and 1983.
Financial and Personal Struggles
Following his time on Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman faced significant financial instability. In 1989, he sued his adoptive parents and a former business adviser, securing a court judgment of $1.28 million regarding the misappropriation of his assets. Despite this, he declared bankruptcy a decade later. His later years were marked by occasional acting roles, including work in the video games The Curse of Monkey Island and Postal 2, alongside persistent media coverage of his health and medical history.
Final Years
In May 2010, Coleman experienced a fall at his residence in Santaquin, Utah, which resulted in an epidural hematoma. He was subsequently admitted to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo. He died on May 28, 2010, at the age of 42.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968, Zion, Illinois
- Died: 2010, Provo, Utah
- Notable Role: Arnold Jackson in Diff'rent Strokes
- Height: 4 feet 8 inches
- Education: Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences
- Video Game Credits: The Curse of Monkey Island, Postal 2
Questions readers ask
What health condition affected Gary Coleman's growth?
He suffered from a kidney disease known as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, which required treatment with corticosteroids that impacted his physical growth.
What caused Gary Coleman's death?
He died following a fall at his home that caused an epidural hematoma.
Achievements
- Began acting in commercials as a young child
- Cast as Arnold on 'Diff'rent Strokes' at age 10 (1978)
- One of the highest-paid child actors of his time
- Created an enduring pop-culture catchphrase
