# Gary Coleman > American actor (1968–2010) **Wikidata**: [Q313367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313367) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Coleman) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gary-coleman ## Summary Gary Coleman was an American actor best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the television series *Diff'rent Strokes*, which made him a household name in the late 1970s and 1980s. He was also a voice actor, television personality, and briefly a public figure in legal and financial controversies later in life. His career spanned film, television, and voice-over work, and he remained a recognizable cultural icon until his death in 2010. ## Biography - Born: February 8, 1968 - Nationality: United States - Education: Provo High School (attended) - Known for: Playing Arnold Jackson on *Diff'rent Strokes* - Employer(s): NBC, ABC, various voice-over and film productions - Field(s): Acting, voice acting, television, film ## Contributions Gary Coleman's most significant contribution was his portrayal of Arnold Jackson in the sitcom *Diff'rent Strokes*, which aired from 1978 to 1986. His performance made him one of the most recognizable child actors of the late 20th century. He also contributed to voice acting, appearing in animated projects and commercials. In later years, he continued working in low-budget films and made-for-TV movies. His post-*Diff'rent Strokes* career included roles in independent productions and reality television, including *The Kid* (2000), a biographical film about his own life. ## FAQs ### What is Gary Coleman most famous for? Gary Coleman is most famous for his role as Arnold Jackson in the sitcom *Diff'rent Strokes*, which aired on NBC and later in first-run syndication. His catchphrase "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" became a cultural touchstone. ### Did Gary Coleman have any career beyond acting? Yes, beyond acting, Coleman worked as a voice actor, lent his name to various projects, and occasionally appeared in reality TV shows. He also dabbled in directing and producing, though these efforts were less prominent. ### What happened to Gary Coleman later in life? Coleman faced public and legal struggles, including health issues related to a brain tumor and financial difficulties. He was involved in several publicized incidents, including a widely reported domestic dispute in 2005. ### Where did Gary Coleman work? Coleman worked primarily in television and film, starting with early commercials and transitioning into major network roles. He also worked in voice acting and independent productions. ## Why They Matter Gary Coleman's impact on American pop culture is enduring. As Arnold Jackson in *Diff'rent Strokes*, he became a defining figure of 1970s and 1980s television. His performance helped shape the image of Black youth in media and influenced how child stardom was perceived. His life story also became a cautionary tale about the challenges of early fame, mental health, and financial instability. His legacy continues to resonate in discussions about child labor laws and the treatment of young performers in Hollywood. ## Notable For - Playing Arnold Jackson in *Diff'rent Strokes* - Being one of the most iconic child stars of the 1970s - Voice acting in animated series and commercials - Appearing in the 2000 biographical film *The Kid* - Advocating for child actor rights and financial protections - Becoming a public figure in legal and financial controversies later in life - Suffering a brain tumor and related health complications - His untimely death in 2010, which sparked national media attention ## Body ### Early Life Gary Wayne Coleman was born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois. He was raised in a challenging environment, including a difficult relationship with his father and early health issues. His small stature, due to a pituitary disorder, led to his casting in *Diff'rent Strokes*, which became his defining role. ### Career Coleman's career began with a series of commercials, but his breakout role was in *Diff'rent Strokes* (1978–1986), where he played Arnold Jackson, a young boy from Harlem who moves to a wealthy white neighborhood. The show's success made him a household name, and his catchphrase "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" became a cultural phenomenon. ### Film and Television Roles After *Diff'rent Strokes*, Coleman continued to act in various projects: - *The Kid* (2000) – A biographical film about his own life - *Dead Man Can't Cry* (2006) – A direct-to-video action film - *The Gary Coleman Show* (1990s) – An animated series where he voiced characters - Voice roles in animated features and commercials ### Voice Acting and Later Projects Coleman lent his voice to animated projects, including *The Gary Coleman Show*, and worked in independent films and TV movies. He also appeared in reality television, including *Celebrity Big Brother* in 2005. ### Legal and Financial Struggles Coleman faced legal and financial issues throughout his adult life. He was involved in several lawsuits, including a high-profile case against his parents for mismanaging his earnings. His financial troubles were widely publicized, and he often spoke out about the exploitation of child actors. ### Health Issues and Death Coleman suffered a brain tumor in the 1990s, which affected his health and career. He also experienced seizures and other complications. On May 28, 2010, he died from a brain hemorrhage at the age of 42 in Santaquin, Utah. ### Legacy Coleman's legacy includes his iconic role in *Diff'rent Strokes*, which remains a cultural touchstone. His life story is often cited in discussions about the challenges of child stardom, and his advocacy for child actor protections continues to resonate. His contributions to television and voice acting remain influential, and his early death marked the end of a complex and impactful career. ## References 1. datos.bne.es 2. International Standard Name Identifier 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Library of Congress 5. Bibliothèque nationale de France 6. SUDOC 7. IMDb 8. Find a Grave 9. Freebase 10. Biblioteca Nacional de España 11. NNDB 12. AlloCiné 13. [Source](http://razzies.com/asp/content/XcNewsPlus.asp?cmd=view&articleid=21) 14. Encyclopædia Britannica 15. AllMovie 16. Swedish Film Database 17. Elonet 18. Kinopoisk 19. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze 20. Turner Classic Movies 21. SNAC 22. The Movie Database