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Gary Coleman

Birth Name:
Gary Wayne Coleman
Birth Place:
Zion, Illinois, United States
Profession
Actor, Soundtrack, Writer
Gary Coleman

Fast Facts

  • Suffered from focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, an autoimmune kidney disease, which stunted his growth as a small child
  • Made his screen acting debut in the TV series "Medical Center" in 1974
  • Quote: "I want to escape that legacy of Arnold Jackson․ I'm someone more․ It would be nice if the world thought of me as something more․"
  • Following the conclusion of "Diff'rent Strokes," he often voiced his displeasure about working as a child actor and would eventually sue his parents and advisers for mishandling his affairs as a minor
  • Ongoing medical expenses often stymied his financial situation and he filed for bankruptcy in 1999
  • Best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in "Diff'rent Strokes" and as Nick Newell in "The Kid with the 200 I․Q․"
  • Wrote the 1985 "Diff'rent Strokes" episode "Street Smarts․"
  • An avid model train collector, he was often a supporter of Amtrak after years of enjoying train rides as a young child traveling cross-country for acting jobs
  • Played the iconic role of Arnold Jackson on five different television series, including "Diff'rent Strokes," "Hello, Larry," "The Facts of Life," "Amazing Stories," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air․"
  • Satirically placed on the 2003 recall ballot of the governor's race in California and would eventually receive more than 14,000 votes

Awards

  • 1979Young Artist Award - Best Juvenile Actor in A TV Series or Special:Nominated
  • 1980Young Artist Award - Best Juvenile Actor in a TV Series or Special:Nominated
  • 1981Young Artist Award - Best Young Comedian:Winner
  • 1981Young Artist Award - Best Young Actor in a Television Series:Nominated
  • 1982Razzie Award - Worst Actor:Nominated
  • 1982Razzie Award - Worst New Star:Nominated
  • 1982Young Artist Award - Best Young Comedian - Motion Picture or Television:Nominated
  • 1983Young Artist Award - Best Young Actor in a Comedy Series:Winner
  • 1984Young Artist Award - Best Young Actor in a Movie Made for Television:Winner
  • 1984Young Artist Award - Best Young Actor in a Comedy Series:Nominated
  • 2003TV Land Award - Quintessential Non-Traditional Family:Nominated
  • 2003TV Land Award - Favorite Pet-Human Relationship:Nominated
  • 2004TV Land Award - Quintessential Non-Traditional Family:Nominated
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