Gary Coleman
| Gary Coleman | |
|---|---|
Coleman in 2007
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|
| Born |
Gary Wayne Coleman February 8, 1968 Zion, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | May 28, 2010 (aged 42) Provo, Utah, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Epidural hematoma |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian |
| Years active | 1974–2010 |
| Home town | Zion, Illinois, United States |
| Television | Diff'rent Strokes |
| Spouse(s) | Shannon Price (m. 2007–2008; divorced) |
| Parent(s) | W. G. Coleman Edmonia Sue Coleman |
Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986) and for his small stature as an adult. He was described in the 1980s as "one of television's most promising stars". After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled financially later in life. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and business adviser over misappropriation of his assets, only to declare bankruptcy a decade later.
On May 28, 2010, Coleman died of an epidural hematoma at age 42.
Gary Wayne Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois, outside Chicago, on February 8, 1968. He was adopted by W. G. Coleman, a fork-lift operator, and Edmonia Sue, a nurse practitioner. He suffered from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, an autoimmune kidney disease. Because of his chronic illness, combined with the corticosteroids and other medications used to treat it, his growth was limited to 4 ft 8 in (1.42 m), and his face retained a childlike appearance well into adulthood. He underwent two unsuccessful kidney transplants in 1973 and 1984, and required daily dialysis.
In 1974, Coleman's career began when he appeared in a commercial for Harris Bank. His line (after the announcer said, "You should have a Harris banker.") was "You should have a Hubert doll." "Hubert" was a stuffed lion representing the Harris bank logo. The same year, he appeared in an episode of Medical Center.
While best known for his role on Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman had appeared earlier on television, on The Jeffersons as Raymond, George Jefferson's nephew, and on Good Times as Penny's friend Gary. He also appeared in a 1977 pilot for a revival of The Little Rascals as Stymie.VH1 rated Coleman first on a list of "100 Greatest Child Stars" on television.
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