TV personality Gary Coleman tragically passed away on 28th May after suffering a brain haemorrhage. His passing at just 42 years of age is another terrible event in a series of awful incidents which have plagued the cast of the classic 1980’s American sitcom smash hit.
Willis – Todd Bridges
“Whatchoo talkin bout Willis” was the famous phrase used by Gary Coleman’s legendary Arnold Jackson in reference to his older brother Willis, played by Todd Bridges throughout the shows successful run from 1978 to 1986.
Bridges himself had a troubled life after finding superstardom following his role in Diff'rent Strokes. Not only did he fight long term drug addiction but in 1998 he was tried for the murder of a known drug dealer. Thankfully he was later acquitted and now leads a healthy life, drug free which fans of the programme will be extremely pleased to hear.
Kimberley – Dana Plato
However the story surrounding Dana Plato who played Kimberley does not have a happy ending. Plato also struggled with an addiction to drugs following the success of the show and passed away of an overdose over a decade ago. The dangers of young people being surrounded by new temptations within a glitzy lifestyle are all too evident in the case of Plato and Bridges and they obviously had the wrong people around them at this terrible time.
Arnold Jackson – Gary Coleman
Famous for his razor sharp wit and diminutive stature Gary Coleman became a cult figure through the phenomenal success of Diff'rent Strokes, he was without a doubt the main star of the show. The 4ft 8 inches actor, who was affected by a kidney defect which had stunted his growth, became a household name and an icon for the eighties.
However in more recent times he found himself having series financial troubles and also some brushes with the law. Three years ago he was arrested for disorderly conduct during a row with his wife Shannon; the marriage was renowned for being a tempestuous relationship. There were other similar incidents to follow.
As recently as January of 2010, Coleman was arrested amid allegations of domestic violence and actually spent a night in the prison cells.
His financial troubles emanated from a legal battle with his parents who had managed his wealth up until the age of eighteen. Coleman fought his parents in a legal case and ended up having to file for bankruptcy. He even worked as a security guard for a time to ease his financial worries.
Gary Coleman dies aged 42 years old
Coleman suffered a brain haemorrhage and doctors were unable to revive him. This had followed some other seizures which had occurred in January and February.
For those who were entertained by him both in the USA and in the UK his portrayal of Arnold Jackson is unlikely to ever be forgotten. A true TV personality icon of a golden age for great programmes, Coleman’s place in television history is deservedly assured.
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