Gary Coleman dies at age 42

[WestVirginiaRebel]

USA Today:

Gary Coleman, the child star of the TV sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, died Friday after suffering an intercranial hemorrhage. He was 42.

Utah Valley Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Janet Frank says life support was terminated and Coleman died at 12:05 p.m.

Coleman was hospitalized Wednesday after falling and suffering a head injury at his home south of Salt Lake City, according to family members.

For a while, it seemed that Gary Coleman's cherubic face was everywhere, from TV to T-shirts to lunchboxes.

PHOTOS: A look back at Coleman's life

On Diff'rent Strokes, he played precocious Arnold Jackson, who, with his brother Willis (Todd Bridges), was adopted by a wealthy, white Manhattan man (Conrad Bain) and his daughter (Dana Plato).

Coleman's pudgy cheeks and flawless comic timing made him the break-out star of the popular series, which ran from 1978-86.

His signature line, "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" became a national catchphrase.

But Coleman's bright beginnings were overshadowed by domestic disputes, legal troubles and health issues. Coleman was born with a congenital kidney disease that resulted in his small stature. He had two kidney transplants and required frequent dialysis.
________

R.I.P. Arnold...a fond memory of my childhood

[righteousmomma]

Very sad, in life and death.

[pollyannaish]

Incredibly sad. It is amazing to me that Todd Bridges has actually survived and seems to have found redemption.

 

That show is a great warning to parents who might be considering letting their children act. They might turn out like Ronnie Howard, but the odds are against them.

 

May he rest in Peace.