Hollywood Child Stars

Gary Coleman Biography

Gary Coleman, born Gary Wayne Coleman on February 8, 1968 in Zion, Illinois, was adopted by parents Willie and Sue Coleman. His father worked at a pharmaceutical firm, and his mother was a nurse. By the age of five, Gary underwent three surgeries for his congenital kidney defect, more commonly known as Nephritis. The growth stunting illness would never allow his body to grow more than 4’ 8”. In 1974, and again in 1984, he required kidney transplant surgery, which resulted in daily dialysis for the remainder of his life.

At 9 years old, Gary Coleman was cast for a role in the revival of the “Little Rascals”, but the series never launched. Because of his growth defect, he looked young enough to pass for a five year old boy, so he landed the role as the loveable Arnold in Diff’rent Strokes. The role sky-rocketed his career and the nickname stuck. To this day, Gary Coleman is still known as “Arnold”, even among friends and family. His later years proved difficult as he was unable to secure any major roles due to his kidney disorder. He appeared in small roles and commercials.

Beginning in 1989, Gary Coleman was in the spotlight once again, only this time for his legal battles. He sued his parents and his former manager for misappropriation of his trust fund from his days on Diff’rent Strokes. He was finally awarded close to $1.3 million in February of 1993. In 1999, Coleman filed for personal bankruptcy, which he claimed was due to mismanagement of his finances.

In 1998, Coleman was charged with assault when working as a security guard for a California mall. Tracy Fields, a bus driver, asked him for his autograph and an argument ensued. Fields began mocking Coleman’s uninspiring career as an adult actor and Coleman punched her. He claimed that he was frightened by her and felt that Fields was planning on hitting him. Coleman received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay Tracy Fields $1,665 for hospital fees.

Gary Coleman lives in L.A. with his wife, Shannon Price. Both claimed that after nine months of marriage, they had yet to consummate their union.

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