Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an actor. best known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986). He was described in the 1980s as "one of television's most promising stars." After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled financially later in life. But Mr. Coleman, who died Friday at age 42 after suffering a fall at his Santaquin, Utah, home, went on to become a poster child for the child-star gone astray. Finding only spotty work as an adult actor, he sued his parents, was arrested for assault, and squandered his savings.
