Gary Coleman’s early fame in the 1970s was overshadowed by financial struggles and personal controversies that involved his parents and ex-wife.
Key Takeaways
- Gary Coleman’s life was marked by financial struggles and legal battles, including a high-profile lawsuit against his own parents for mismanaging his trust fund as a child star.
- Coleman’s personal life was also turbulent, with a troubled marriage to Shannon Price that ended in divorce and a contentious legal battle over his estate after his demise.
- The upcoming documentary Gary on Peacock promises to provide a deeper, more nuanced look at Coleman’s complexities, shedding light on the challenges he faced as a child star and the controversies that followed him.
Gary Coleman, the unforgettable child star from the hit TV show Diff’rent Strokes, became a household name during the 1970s.
With his charismatic smile and iconic catchphrase, “Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”, he had managed to win the millions of heart.
However, behind the laughter and fame, Gary Coleman’s life was always filled with family conflict, health struggles, and heartbreaking controversies.
Unfortunately, all of these struggles followed him till the time of his untimely demise.
Today, we are gonna dive deep into all the controversies that surrounded his life.
Gary Coleman Was Adopted By His Parents
Born in Zion, Illinois, on February 8, 1968, Gary Coleman was adopted by W.G. Coleman(father) and Edmonia Sue(mother).
His father, W.G. Coleman, was a forklift operator, and his mother, Edmonia Sue, was a well-known nurse practitioner.
From his early childhood, Gary’s life was marked by health issues.
The talented actor was born with nephritis, a severe kidney condition that stunted his growth and required ongoing medical treatment.
By the age of five, he had already undergone his first kidney transplant, with more surgeries to follow.
Due to his health issues, he grew to only 4 feet 8 inches. Later in life, this physical trait became one of his defining characteristics, both on and off the screen.
Despite these challenges, Gary’s talent shone brightly.
The supremely talented actor quickly became one of the highest-paid child actors of his time, earning $70,000 per episode at the peak of Diff’rent Strokes.
But the pressures of fame and his ongoing health problems began to take a toll on the young star.
Gary Coleman Sued His Own Parents
As Gary transitioned into adulthood, the darker side of his childhood fame emerged.
At the age of 17, he attempted to access his parents’ trust fund, which was supposed to be worth up to $18 million.
However, to his surprise he found out that only $220,000 was remaining.
So, in 1989, Gary famously sued his parents for mismanagement of his earnings. Besides that, he also accused them of skimming his hard-earned money.
This legal battle not only strained his relationship with his adoptive parents but also exposed the financial difficulties that would plague him for the rest of his life.The lawsuit was eventually settled for $1.3 million, but the damage to their relationship was already done.
Gary’s financial struggles continued to follow him. In fact, by 1999, he declared bankruptcy.
Truly a sad turn of events for someone who had once been one of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Gary Coleman Had A Troubled Marriage With His Ex-Wife
In 2007, Gary Coleman’s life took another dramatic turn when he married Shannon Price, who was 22 years old at that time.
Gary and Shannon had met on the set of the film Church Ball.
However, their beautiful romance quickly became the talk of the town, especially after they went to Divorce Court in 2008 with the aim of saving their marriage.
Despite their efforts, their marriage ended in divorce later that year.
However, the controversy didn’t end there.
After Gary’s demise in 2010, Shannon Price claimed that she and Gary had continued their relationship after the divorce. Furthermore, she asserted that they were in a common-law marriage.
This claim became the center of a bitter legal battle over Gary’s estate after his d*ath. Price presented a handwritten codicil, or amendment, to Gary’s will from 2007, naming her as the beneficiary.
However, the court found this document suspicious, especially when they found out that Gary had taken out a restraining order against Price earlier in 2010 due to her abusive behavior.
In the end, the judge ruled in favor of the 2005 will, which named Anna Gray, Gary’s former assistant and ex-girlfriend, as the rightful beneficiary.
This ruling added another layer of sadness to Gary’s already complicated legacy.
What Happened To Gary Coleman?
Gary Coleman’s health continued to deteriorate as he grew older.
In 2009, he underwent heart surgery, and in 2010, his condition worsened after a fall at his Utah home. Weakened by years of dialysis and chronic health problems, Gary suffered a brain hemorrhage from the fall.
He was placed on life support and passed away on May 28, 2010, at the age of 42.
Gary’s demise marked the end of a life filled with both incredible highs and devastating lows.
Despite his fame and talent, his final years were overshadowed by financial struggles, legal battles, and ongoing health issues. His wish for a private farewell was honored, as he had requested no funeral or ceremony in his will.
The Legacy Lives On A New Documentary Sheds Light on Gary Coleman’s Life
For those who want to dive deeper into Gary Coleman’s life, the upcoming documentary Gary on Peacock offers a candid look at the man behind the character.
Premiering on August 29, the documentary promises to explore Gary’s rise to fame, the pressures of his early success, and the controversies that followed him.
The documentary features interviews with his estranged parents, former colleagues, and even his ex-wife, Shannon Price. It aims to present a more nuanced view of Gary’s life, revealing his complex emotions and challenges.
Final Thoughts: Lessons from Gary Coleman’s Life
Gary Coleman’s life is a cautionary tale about the perils of early fame, the importance of sound financial management, and the complexities of personal relationships.
His story serves as a reminder that behind every child star is a human being with struggles and vulnerabilities.
As we remember Gary for his contributions to television and pop culture, we should also reflect on the lessons his life offers about family, trust, and the challenges of navigating life in the spotlight.
