Gary Coleman: A Bittersweet Legacy and the New Documentary 'Gary'
Gary Coleman, wow, now that’s a throwback. I have to admit, though he sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of time, I do think about Gary Coleman on occasion.
He often pops up in my YouTube suggestions, and every time I see him, there's a bittersweet twinge of sadness. It's such a stark contrast to the early days when just the thought of Gary Coleman was an instant endorphin booster.
Even before his iconic role as Arnold Jackson on the classic sitcom Diff’rent Strokes with Conrad Bain, Dana Plato, and Todd Bridges, Gary was already stealing the hearts of America. His charm wasn’t limited to commercials; his guest spots on Good Times and The Jeffersons were legendary.
The Jeffersons
What a sharp kid he was. The cutest kid since Shirley Temple and as bright as the sun itself.
I remember feeling a little sad as a child when I learned that he had serious health issues that might limit his life. But Gary defied those odds, living many more years than anyone predicted. He might have even lived longer had it not been for the defeating challenges he faced later in life.
When I saw the announcement for the new documentary, GARY, it brought back a flood of memories. It’s been a while since he’s crossed my mind, the last time being when I stumbled across a postcard I received after writing to him.
I couldn’t believe it when I got a postcard from Gary Coleman, star of Diff’rent Strokes, with what I thought was his autograph on the back. It wasn’t until years later that I realized it was a printed copy, likely one of thousands made from a single signed postcard. But as a kid, I couldn’t have been more thrilled—it felt like a direct connection to a superstar.
I’m excited to see that Gary hasn’t been forgotten. It’s hard to explain to those who weren’t there just how popular and mainstream a star he was.
He was everywhere—late-night shows, guest spots on popular series, TV specials—and he was the undisputed child king of made-for-television movies.
I’ll never forget the photo of him in Jet Magazine locking lips with Lucille Ball. I’ve always loved Lucy, as most of us do. I was so impressed and maybe a little green with envy. I thought, “Wow, this kid is so lucky.”
Lucille Ball and Gary Coleman
I even followed his passion for toy locomotives for a time. I totally got the joy of watching my train start slow and then really begin to chug along, smoke billowing from the top. However, I loathed it when the train would continuously jump the track.
I really looked up to Gary Coleman. He seemed to have it all.
But by the 1990s, things started to change. He seemed different, as if the business had gotten to him. Year by year, he appeared more agitated, a little bitter.
Then the news reports from him and his fellow cast members went from bad to worse. Today, of the original Diff’rent Strokes cast, only Todd Bridges survives.
Diff’rent Strokes Cast (L-R): Todd Bridges, Conrad Bain, Dana Plato, and Gary Coleman (front center)
About a year ago, I posted a clip to my YouTube channel, digitized from my VHS collection, of Gary Coleman performing a rap song on The Wil Shriner Show circa 1989. Just recently, a friend sent me a text: Rapper Snoop Dogg had reposted the clip I shared of Gary Coleman and Dion Mial performing their rap single “The Outlaw and The Indian.”
Dion Miál featuring Gary Coleman – "The Outlaw and The Indian" (12" Single Album Sleeve)
The performance was certainly an oddity, with host Wil Shriner making light of the situation with a bit of mockery. Gary appeared confident in his performance, though there was an odd dash of uncertainty, as if he knew he was out of his element. He tried to play it off, but I could sense that this was the beginning of the end of something. It wasn’t long before things started to go downhill.
After Snoop's post, Diff’rent Strokes star Shavar Ross, who played Dudley, chimed in with a comment, as did Dion Mial, Gary's long-time friend. It was heartwarming to see that, even years later, Gary's talent and charm continue to resonate, capturing the attention of icons like Snoop Dogg and reconnecting members of his TV family.
But soon, things took a much darker turn—one headline after another. Late-night shows continued the mockery, almost up until his death.
I’m glad to know he’s being remembered now, and I hope it’s with the respect and dignity he deserves.
Gary Coleman’s story is a cautionary tale about the price of fame and the toll it can take, especially on those who achieve it at such a young age. The new documentary, GARY, airing soon on Peacock, promises to explore the highs and lows of his life, giving us a fuller picture of the man behind the child star. It’s a must-watch for anyone who grew up with Gary, for those who remember his infectious smile and those who wish to understand the complex life that followed.
Let’s remember Gary Coleman not just for his struggles, but for the joy and laughter he brought to millions. He was more than just a catchphrase—he was a symbol of hope, resilience, and the fleeting nature of stardom.
Don’t miss GARY on Peacock, where his legacy will be honored and his story, both triumphant and tragic, will be told.
Watch the GARY trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjk3vaXbjAM
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On August 29th, Peacock will debut GARY, a 90-minute documentary that delves into the life of Gary Coleman, the beloved child star who captured the hearts of millions on Diff’rent Strokes. This documentary promises to reveal the complex and often challenging world behind Coleman’s public persona, exploring both his meteoric rise to fame and the troubling circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
A Cautionary Tale of Fame
GARY sheds light on the personal and financial struggles that plagued Gary Coleman throughout his life. Despite his success as the highest-paid child actor on TV during the late 1970s and 1980s, Coleman faced significant hardships. The documentary suggests that his death at the age of 42 may have occurred under suspicious circumstances, casting a shadow over his legacy and raising new questions about his life.
Exclusive Insights and Interviews
For the first time, viewers will gain exclusive insight into Gary Coleman’s private world. The documentary features interviews with those closest to him, including his Diff’rent Strokes co-star Todd Bridges, former managers, his estranged parents, and his ex-wife. These interviews offer a rare glimpse into the challenges Coleman faced, both on and off the screen.
The Man Behind the Fame
Gary Coleman’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. Born with a kidney disease that stunted his growth, Coleman nevertheless rose to international stardom. However, the pressures of fame, combined with personal and financial difficulties, took a heavy toll on his life, turning his story into a cautionary tale about the darker side of Hollywood.
Directed by Robin Dashwood
Directed by Robin Dashwood and produced by RAW, GARY promises to uncover the untold aspects of Gary Coleman’s life and legacy. This documentary is more than just a retrospective—it’s an investigation into the mysteries that surrounded one of television’s most iconic figures.
Mark Your Calendars
GARY will be available for streaming on Peacock starting August 29th. As viewers, we are invited to explore the life of Gary Coleman beyond the laughter and charm that made him famous. What really happened to Gary Coleman? Was his life as tragic as it now appears? And what can we learn from his story?
Will you be tuning in to uncover the mystery behind Gary Coleman’s life and death? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
