Gary Coleman Dead at 42

"Diff'rent Strokes" star Gary Coleman has died following a fall in which he hit his head, "Extra" confirms. The 4'8" star had been in delicate health most of his life, having endured two kidney transplants and daily dialysis for many years. Coleman died today in a Provo, Utah hospital, where he had been in critical condition since Thursday, a hospital spokeswoman has announced.

gary coleman

Coleman entered showbiz pop culture at age 10 as Arnold Jackson on "Diff'rent Strokes," playing a wisecracking kid adopted by a rich widower. The show ran for 8 years and made his catchphrase, "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" part of the pop lexicon. First Lady Nancy Reagan appeared on the show in 1983 as part of her anti-drug campaign.

After earning a fortune, he later successfully sued his parents and ex-advisers for misappropriation of an $18-million trust. In 1998, he had been working as a security guard and bus driver.

Coleman was a candidate for Governor of California in a 2003 recall, in which he placed 8th.

In 2007, after a 5-month courtship, Coleman wed 22-year-old Shannon Price, whom he'd met on the set of the 2006 film "Church Ball." The couple later appeared on an episode of "Divorce Court," but did not divorce.

Since 2008, Coleman has had various encounters with the law, including a disorderly conduct charge and domestic violence arrest in January of this year. He appeared in numerous commercials for a quick loan company, CashCall.com.

His "Diff'rent Strokes" co-star, Dana Plato, committed suicide in 1999 after appearing in pornography and having several run-ins with the law. Todd Bridges, who played Coleman's older brother, recovered from drug addiction and works on TruTV's "The Smoking Gun."

Gary Coleman is survived by his wife.

UDPATE: Coleman's family released this statement through his manager: "We are very sad to have to report Mr. Gary Coleman has passed away as of 12:05PM Mountain Time. He was removed from life support; soon thereafter, he passed quickly and peacefully. By Gary's bedside were his wife and other close family members."

"Thanks to everyone for their well wishing and support during this tragic time. Now that Gary has passed, we know he will be missed because of all the love and support shown in the past couple of days. Gary is now at peace and his memory will be kept in the hearts of those who were entertained by him throughout the years."


comments

Zimbabweans from all walks of life I am sure will and are saddened at the Death of Gary “Arnold” who always made sure our weekend and the rest of the week we had something to tallk about. He was funny full of life I am sure and we pray he has found peace and no more pain. He will be sadly missed. Sympathy to all his family and Loved ones. Rest in Peace (zorora murugare)

michelle
May 31, 2010

Rest peacefully always Mr. Coleman,
and God speed. You will surely be
missed because of how much you
are loved.

Love and hugs
from me to you,

Lisa Evans.


Lisa M. Evans
May 29, 2010

May his wife and family know just how much we ALL loved watching him on his show .The laughter can still be heard and the warmth of a good family show is still vivid in my mind (and all the others that watched him) .May he rest in peace untill the “new world ” comes to us all. Rest in peace my friend.

michelle grey
May 29, 2010

My heart and prayers go out to Gary and his family. He was one of my favorite characters on the hit show “Different Strokes”. He will be missed…

Dawn
May 29, 2010

With a Sad Sadden Heart, RIP Gary

TwoDreamS
May 28, 2010

WHATCHU TALKIN’ BOUT YOU FELL AND HIT YOUR HEAD? DAMN. DUDE I MUST CONFESS. I WATCHED YOU EVERY WEEK. VERY FUNNY. I’M 60. MY SYMPATHY GOES TO THE FAMILY.BE AT PEACE AND MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
SAY HI TO MY MOM. SHE JUST LOVED YOU.
MIKE

mike
May 28, 2010

It is with great sadness to hear that the child star in “Different Stroke” has died at such a young age. His famous line was “what you talking about Willis.” However, I am confident that he is in a better place and that God has welcomed him with open arms. Gary wanted so hard to put his past behind him and move forward with his life and keeping his personal business private. He is now able to live his life the way he set out to.

My prayers are out to his wife and his family. The grieving process his difficult, but they will get through it with the needed support.
God Bless

Carine Daniel-Manigat
May 28, 2010

My heart aches to hear of Gary’s passing, I loved to watch his show as a kid. It was equally difficult watching him on Utah television knowing how sad he was because of the publics recent criticism of him. May we all be aware of how our comments effect the stars as well as everyday people and, be more kind to one another!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!May he find himself with all the love he could ever want in the presence of his Heavenly Father!!!

carrie
May 28, 2010

Your suffering is now over and you are with God. No more worries, No more cares

Michele
May 28, 2010

To Gary Coelmans family, I remember him with great admiration, as I will be 40 soon and remember the cute little guy on Different Strokes. He will be missed greatly and remembered for making us laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and close friends. The Smallwood family.

Tina Smallwood
May 28, 2010

To Garys Beautiful Wife & Family
May you find soulice in the fact That Gary is now at Peace. & In a better Place. Remmember The Love is Still There.

Rev. Robert E. Boldman Wolf
May 28, 2010

Rest in Peace Gary Coleman, My sympathy goes out to the family. He will never be forgotten.

Bernadette
May 28, 2010

May you find the peace and happiness that was not found in this life.

REST IN PEACE GARY.

Chic
May 28, 2010

To the family of Gary Coleman. I left a message earlier for a recovery. Just went into email and found the notice of Gary’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. I know he is among the angels and they with the Good Lord are laughing at his very funny jokes. May he rest in peace.

Laura
May 28, 2010

HOPEFULLY NOW YOU’LL FIND THE PEACE AND HAPPINESS YOU COULDN’T FIND IN THIS LIFE, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU, WHERE EVER YOU ARE, I KNOW YOUR HAPPY, YOUR HOME NOW.

Louise
May 28, 2010

May you finally find PEACE & Comfort you have suffered much for many YEARS.Our thoughts are with your Family

Vivian R. Jones
May 28, 2010

May he rest in peace, he have been thru ilot in his life may he be at peace now.

tnt for one
May 28, 2010

May he rest in peace, he have been thru ilot in his life may he be at peace now.

tnt for one
May 28, 2010

Gary
My prayers go out to his family and fans. From reports I’ve seen and heard over the last couple of years he always seem to not be happy or at peace.

Gary now may you rest in peace.

Donna
May 28, 2010

Say “Hey” to Berbie Mack and have fun!
See you on the other side.
Love,
Sneedling

Sneedling
May 28, 2010
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