Gary Wayne Coleman charmed the hearts of millions of Americans during the 1980s, when he starred on the television situation comedy, "Diff'rent Strokes." Coleman played the role of Arnold, a young African-American boy who was adopted, along with his older brother, by a wealthy white man.

The character of Arnold was known for his precociousness, his humor, and sharply witty comebacks. Arnold was not Coleman's first acting role, but it is the one for which he is best remembered. Coleman, like Arnold, was an adopted child. He was born in Zion, Illinois and adopted by Edmonia and W.G. Coleman, a middle class family. Coleman was born with a rare kidney disease that stunted his growth in childhood; thus, he never attained full adult stature. His condition kept him at four feet, eight inches, and caused him to retain a childlike appearance. He had two kidney transplants during his life, once as a child, and once as an adult. Daily dialysis treatments were necessary for most of his life.

Despite his health difficulties, he pursued an acting career that began when he was ten years old. He was featured in several television films before acquiring the iconic role of Arnold Jackson. He was identified as the show's singular star very early in production, and became known for his catchphrase, "What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" Over the eight years the show ran, Coleman amassed a fortune. However, after paying his parents, advisers, lawyers, and his taxes, he was left with much less than he earned. Later in life he was compelled to sue his parents for mismanaging his earnings as a child actor. He won the case and was awarded $1.3 million.

Coleman continued to act after "Diff'rent Strokes" was canceled in 1986, but the public still viewed him as a child star. Since his illness caused him to continually present a childlike physical appearance, it was challenging for him to find adult roles to play. In 2003, Coleman announced his candidacy for the governorship of the State of California. He was one of 135 citizens on the ballot that year, and he received 14,242 votes, which granted him eighth place. Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged the victor of the election.

In 2005, Coleman moved to Utah. Two years later he met a young woman named Shannon Price. The two formed a relationship and five months later they married. However, one year later their marriage was in trouble and they appeared twice on the television program, Divorce Court. The couple decided to divorce later that same year; however, they continued to live together. In May 2010 Coleman was taken to hospital, after falling and hitting his head. Doctors discovered he was suffering from an epidural hematoma. For a time, Coleman remained conscious and lucid, but two days later he died. An investigation into circumstances surrounding his injury and death is ongoing at the time of this writing. Per his wishes, Gary Coleman was cremated. No funeral was held and Shannon Price stated that she will scatter his ashes over railroad tracks, citing his lifelong interest in trains.