Three Shocking Facts We Learned About Gary Coleman From His New Documentary

Gary Coleman was a beloved child star who rose to fame in the late 1970s and '80s with his role as Arnold Jackson on Diff'rent Strokes. His iconic line, "What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" made him a household name, but behind the scenes, his life was far more complicated.

Coleman was born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois. Following Diff'rent Strokes, Coleman continued to appear in television shows, commercials and films, though his career never reached the same heights. In 2007, he married Shannon Price after meeting her on the set of a film. They ultimately divorced in 2008 but stayed in contact until his death on May 28, 2010, at the age of 42.

Peacock's new documentary, GARY, sheds light on aspects of Coleman's life, looking into his health struggles, financial battles and personal hardships.

Here are three key revelations we learned from the film.

His Kidney Transplant Stunted His Growth

Coleman's height was one of the most recognizable aspects of his physical appearance, but few people know the tragic reason behind it. At the age of five, Coleman was diagnosed with a congenital kidney condition that ultimately required two kidney transplants. While the transplants saved his life, the medications he took to prevent his body from rejecting the new organs had severe side effects. These immunosuppressive drugs stunted his growth, leaving him at just 4 feet 8 inches tall as an adult. The physical toll that Coleman's illness took on him explains why he never grew beyond what many assumed was just part of his "child star" image.

He Lived Without a Kidney for Most of His Life

While many knew about Coleman's health issues, the new documentary revealed that he lived much of his life without a functioning kidney. His two kidney transplants eventually failed, leaving him dependent on dialysis. This was a hidden battle Coleman fought, as he maintained a career in the public eye while enduring grueling dialysis treatments multiple times a week.

Mishandling of Funds Led to Legal Battles Against His Parents and Manager

Many knew about Coleman's financial struggles, but the documentary went into the painful details of how his wealth was mismanaged. As a child star, Coleman earned millions, but by the time he was an adult, much of it had disappeared. He sued his parents and business manager in 1989, accusing them of mishandling his trust fund and withdrawing money from his blocked accounts. The legal battle ended in 1993 with Coleman being awarded over $1 million in damages. Ultimately, Coleman's relationship with his parents was never repaired.

Gary provided an interesting look into the life of a man who faced unimaginable challenges both personally and professionally. From the stunted growth caused by life-saving medication to the mismanagement of his hard-earned money, Coleman’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. Despite everything, he left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and this documentary allows fans to better understand the complexities of the man behind the famous smile.

Check out the trailer for the documentary below. Gary is now streaming on Peacock.