Gary Coleman was an American actor who became famous for his role as Arnold Jackson in the TV sitcom Diff’rent Strokes.
In the 1970s, Gary Coleman became a household name thanks to his memorable catchphrase, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”
Highlights
- Gary Coleman was an American actor known for his role in the TV sitcom Diff’rent Strokes.
- The actor did not have dwarfism syndrome but was diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at birth.
- Coleman lost his life to a Hemorrhagic stroke after experiencing several series of seizures.
At the age of six, Gary‘s career began when he appeared in a commercial for Harris Bank.
Gary starred in several movies and TV shows throughout his thirty-six years of acting.
His memorable works include Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, On the Right Track, Jimmy the Kid, The Kid with the Broken Halo, and The Kid with the 200 IQ.
The young star passed away on May 28, 2010, at the age of 42, following prolonged health problems.
Gary Coleman Had A Series of Health Challenges Throughout His Life
Gary Wayne Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois. There is no information about his biological parents.
Gary was adopted by W.G Coleman and Edmonia Sue. His mother was a nurse practitioner.
At birth, the actor was diagnosed with multiple health issues, including nephritis and a congenital kidney defect- focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FCGS).
Gary Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) pic.twitter.com/13sNbNrNIf
— Aurora (@CitizenScreen) May 29, 2024
Furthermore, Gary Coleman did not have dwarfism syndrome. His short height was because of a chronic kidney defect.
The condition-FCGS led to numerous surgeries and stunted his growth, resulting in an adult height of only 4 feet 8 inches.
Throughout his life, Gary Coleman faced numerous health disabilities. He underwent two kidney transplant surgeries in 1973 but was unsuccessful.
Then, in 1984, he again tried his fate and again failed. At last, he decided to rely on dialysis till the time he had on the earth.
Gary Coleman Battled Multiple Seizures Later In Life
For more than forty years of his life, Gary lived with a congenital kidney defect. But he was enduring it with several complications.
However, in 2009, the actor underwent heart surgery for an unknown reason. The details of the procedure were never made public.
Similarly, in January 2010, Coleman was hospitalized after a seizure in Los Angeles. One month later, he again experienced another seizure on the television set.
Peacock’s new documentary, "Gary," explores the life and death of Gary Coleman. https://t.co/00T7TVvhF5 pic.twitter.com/0WmxYxoZu4
— Forbes Entertainment (@ForbesEnt) August 9, 2024
Again, on May 26, 2010, Gary had a seizure and ended up falling down the stairs at his home in Utah, which resulted in an epidural hematoma.
On May 27, 2010, the Diff’rent Strokes actor encountered Hemorrhagic stroke and was on life support. On the following day, Gary Coleman passed away at the age of 42.
A documentary, “GARY,” which will focus on Gary Coleman’s life, health hazards, and struggles, will be released on August 29, 2024.
Additional Information
- Gary Coleman’s net worth is estimated to be about $75K at the time of his demise in 2010. Despite his fame, his financial situation was modest.
- Despite earning $18 million during his career, mismanagement and legal battles, including a lawsuit against his parents for mishandling his finances, led to financial instability.
- Coleman married Shannon Price in early 2007 but divorced in August 2008. They continued to live together in a common-law marriage until 2010.
