Gary Coleman of ‘Whatchu talkin bout Willis?’ fame died today. last year at about this time it was Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon. I’m wondering who the next two are going to be…
I’m saying Erik Estrada and Heather Locklear. But then maybe it will be someone else. Hard to say…
PROVO, Utah – Gary Coleman, the child star of the smash 1970s TV sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes” whose later career was marred by medical and legal problems, died Friday after suffering a brain hemorrhage. He was 42.
Life support was terminated and Coleman died at 12:05 p.m. MDT with family and friends at his side, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Janet Frank said.
Coleman, with his sparkling eyes and perfect comic timing, became a star after “Diff’rent Strokes” debuted in 1978. He played Arnold Jackson, the younger one of a pair of African-American brothers adopted by a wealthy white man.
“It’s unfortunate. It’s a sad day,” said Todd Bridges, who played the older brother Willis. “It’s sad that I’m the last kid alive from the show.”
Dana Plato, who played the boys’ white, teenage sister, committed suicide in 1999. Bridges was tried and acquitted of attempted murder.
Coleman’s popularity faded when the show ended after six seasons on NBC and two on ABC.
Coleman suffered continuing ill health from the kidney disease that stunted his growth and had a host of legal problems in recent years.
He suffered the brain hemorrhage Wednesday at his Santaquin home, 55 miles south of Salt Lake City.
A statement from the family said he was conscious and lucid until midday Thursday, when his condition worsened and he slipped into unconsciousness. Coleman was then placed on life support.
“The world’s going to be a little less happy place without Gary,” said Randy Kester, Coleman’s attorney. “For being a small guy, he sure had a big impact on the world.”
