Gary Coleman was one of America’s biggest child stars. A new film questions his ex-wife’s role in his death
Child star Gary Coleman charmed the country with his famous line: “Whatchoo talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?”
At the height of his career, Coleman earned $100,000 per episode in Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986) where he played an adopted orphan of a widowed white man.
Standing at 4’8 with a wide smile, Coleman was one of America’s most beloved child actors.
But behind the scenes was a darker story: a fraction of the $18m Coleman had made was going to him, and was instead being maneuvered by conniving business managers and parents who would later fight their son in court.
His untimely death in 2010 after allegedly falling down the stairs seemed to certify the last tragedy in his life.
Now, Gary, a new Peacock documentary, calls the narrative surrounding his death into question.
The show identifies Coleman’s ex-wife as the potential cause of his demise – though she was cleared of any wrongdoing by police – with years marked by lawsuits, divorce, and financial struggles.
Coleman was born February 8, 1968 in Zion, Illinois, as the adopted child of Sue and Willie Coleman, who quickly recognized his dynamism and natural talent for entertainment.
“He was so smart,” said Todd Bridges, who played his brother Willis in Diff’rent Strokes. “He was so ingenious and funny.”
When Coleman was seven years old, a talent agency noticed him – a “superb talent” – and soon had the kid starring in commercials, movies, and feature films.
Diff’rent Strokes garnered controversy for its portrayal of interracial adoption. But it gained enough attention to attract visits from Nancy Reagan and Muhammad Ali.
With a love for outer space and a “vivid creative imagination,” according to friend Dion Mial, Coleman was an all-American star. But beneath the surface lurked deeper financial and health issues.
At age two, Coleman was diagnosed with a congenital kidney disease.
“That was devastating,” his father Willie Coleman said in Gary. The drugs needed to keep him alive would permanently stunt his growth, resulting in his small stature and child-like appearance. For over 25 years, Coleman would survive without kidneys and depend on dialysis treatments.
