Gary Coleman Biography

Actor. Born February 8, 1968 in Zion, Illinois. Coleman is best known for the role of Arnold Jackson on the 1978-1985 sitcom Diff’rent Strokes. The actor’s unforgettable portrayal combined with his signature stature (4’8”) has kept him in perpetual child-star status.

Coleman’s success on Diff’rent Strokes garnered him several feature films and made-for-TV movies, including his own animated series, The Gary Coleman Show, in 1982. After Diff’rent Strokes was canceled, however, Coleman’s acting career slowed to a near halt. Consumed by financial troubles, including a lawsuit against his parents for misappropriation of his trust fund, he filed for bankruptcy in 1999.

Since that time, Coleman has worked as a shopping mall security guard and continues to make cameo appearances. In 2003, he ran in the California recall election for governor, placing 8th in a field of 135 candidates.

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