Who Is Gary Coleman? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gary Coleman was born on February 8, 1968, and remains a renowned figure in American television history despite his passing in 2010. Coleman rose to fame as a child actor in the hit TV series Diff’rent Strokes, where he endeared himself to audiences with his catchphrase, “What’chu talkin’ ‘bout, Willis?” He was born in Zion, Illinois, and faced numerous challenges throughout his short life, including health issues related to his kidney condition. His legacy as a cultural icon continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 8, 1968 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Zion, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 28 May, 2010 |
| Died Place | Provo, Utah, U.S. |
Popularity
Gary Coleman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gary Coleman stood at a height of 4 feet 8 inches (142 cm) and weighed around 120 pounds (54 kg) at the peak of his career. Due to his medical condition, he had a distinctive appearance that set him apart in the entertainment industry.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gary Coleman had a complex personal life that included various relationships. At the time of his death in 2010, he was married to Shannon Price, whom he had wed in 2007. Their relationship was often described as tumultuous, with many ups and downs, including legal issues. There have been speculations regarding his dating life prior to marriage, but confirmed details about past relationships remain sparse.
Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an American actor, known as a high-profile child star of the late 1970s and 1980s. Born in Zion, Illinois, Coleman grew up with his adopted parents, and a kidney disease; due to the corticosteroids and other medications used to treat it, his growth was limited to 4 ft.
In the mid-1970s, he appeared in commercials and acted in an episode of Medical Center. He caught the attention of a producer after acting in a pilot for a revival of The Little Rascals (1977), who decided to cast him as Arnold Jackson in the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986), a role which launched Coleman into stardom.
For playing the role of Arnold, he received several accolades, which include two Young Artist Awards; in 1980 for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Through Entertainment and in 1982 for Best Young Actor in a Comedy Series; and three People's Choice Awards; a consecutive three wins for Favorite Young TV Performer from 1980 to 1983; as well as nomina
tions for two TV Land Awards.
He was rated first on a list of VH1's "100 Greatest Kid Stars", and an influential child actor.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2010, Gary Coleman’s estimated net worth was $75,000. Despite his early success and fame, Coleman's financial situation fluctuated significantly over the years due to legal battles, health expenses, and other financial challenges. His earnings from acting roles, public appearances, and merchandise tied to his iconic status impacted his income throughout his career.
In 1998, Coleman was charged with assault against Tracy Fields, a Los Angeles bus driver and fan of Coleman's work on Diff'rent Strokes who had approached him in a California mall and requested his autograph while he was shopping for a bulletproof vest.
When Coleman gave her an autograph but refused to personalize it, an argument ensued, and Fields reportedly mocked Coleman's acting career. Coleman then punched Fields in the face in front of witnesses. He was arrested and later defended himself in court, alleging that he felt threatened by Fields. He said: "She wouldn't leave me alone.
I was getting scared, and she was getting ugly." Coleman pleaded no contest to one count of assault, received a suspended jail sentence and was ordered to pay Fields' $1,665 hospital bill and to take anger management classes.
Career, Business and Investments
Gary Coleman was best known for his breakout role in Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986). This series solidified his status as a child star, leading to various television appearances and guest spots. Beyond acting, Coleman attempted to diversify his career with various ventures, including video and voice work, and making public appearances at conventions. However, he dealt with the challenges of transitioning from child stardom to adult roles. His investments and business pursuits were not extensively documented, as he focused more on his health and personal struggles throughout his adult life.
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.
In 1977, Coleman appeared in a pilot for a revival of The Little Rascals as Stymie, which ultimately ended up not getting picked up as a series.
His work on the Little Rascals pilot caught the attention of an executive, and in 1978 Coleman was cast as Arnold Jackson in Diff'rent Strokes, playing one of two black brothers from Harlem adopted by a wealthy white widower in Manhattan. After the premiere, Diff'rent Strokes became a hit, and ran for 8 seasons, ending in 1986.
Social Network
Gary Coleman wasn't significantly active on social media due to the time he reached fame and subsequent health issues. Today, his legacy is celebrated across various social media platforms where fans remember his contributions to television and pop culture. Social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram host pages and accounts dedicated to reminiscing about his work and celebrating his lasting influence.
Coleman was the highest-paid child actor on television throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. During his prime, he reprised the role of Jackson in Hello, Larry (1979), The Facts of Life (1979–1980) and Silver Spoons (1982), and Amazing Stories (1985).
He acted in high-profile television series such as The Jeffersons (1978), Good Times (1978), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979–1980), and Simon & Simon (1986). He starred in the television films The Kid from Left Field (1979), Scout's Honor (1980), The Kid with the Broken Halo (1982), The Kid with the 200 I.Q.
(1983), The Fantastic World of D.C. Collins (1984), and Playing with Fire (1985). Additionally, he was the star of his own Saturday morning cartoon The Gary Coleman Show (1982). He also headlined two motion pictures, On the Right Track (1981) and Jimmy the Kid (1982), both financial successes.
Education
Gary Coleman attended Mount Zion High School and later pursued a degree in film from California State University, Los Angeles. His education provided a foundation for his understanding of the industry, although he achieved fame at a young age, which shaped much of his early life experience.
