Gary Coleman Net Worth - Pulptastic -

What was Gary Coleman’s net worth and salary?

Gary Coleman, the American actor known for his role as Arnold Jackson on the sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes,” had a net worth of $75 thousand dollars at the time of his death in 2010. He was one of the highest-paid child actors in the late 70s and 80s and won numerous awards for his performances.

Coleman’s catchphrase on the show, “What’chu talkin’ bout, Willis?” became popular and is still remembered today. He also lent his voice to animated programs like “The Gary Coleman Show” and “Waynehead,” and appeared in films such as “Jimmy the Kid,” “Dirty Work,” and “An American Carol.”

Gary Coleman: Highest-Paid TV Actor in the World

At his peak, Gary Coleman earned $100,000 per episode on the show, making him the highest-paid TV actor in the world. This equated to $2.5 million per season or around $6.5 million after adjusting for inflation. However, after paying his parents, lawyers, advisers, and taxes, he was left with only a fourth of what he made.

Gary Coleman’s Financial and Legal Troubles

Gary Coleman faced financial difficulties throughout his career due to medical expenses and misappropriation of his earnings by his parents and advisers. He sued them in 1989 and won a settlement of $1.28 million. To support himself, he worked part-time at hobby stores in three different states.

In 1998, Coleman was charged with assaulting a bus driver who asked for his autograph while he was working as a security guard. He punched the woman several times and was arrested. He received a suspended prison sentence, had to pay the woman’s hospital bill, and enrolled in anger management classes. The following year, he filed for bankruptcy.

Later in life, Coleman continued to face legal issues, including disorderly conduct, reckless driving, and domestic assault.

Early Life and Career

Gary Coleman was born in 1968 in Zion, Illinois, and was adopted by Edmonia Sue, a nurse practitioner, and W. G. Coleman, a forklift operator. Due to a congenital kidney disease, he was unable to grow beyond 4 feet 8 inches and had a childlike appearance into adulthood. Despite undergoing three kidney transplants, none were successful in addressing his condition.

Coleman’s professional career began in 1974 with a commercial for Harris Bank. He later appeared in episodes of CBS dramas, including “Medical Center,” as well as sitcoms such as “The Jeffersons” and “Good Times.”

Gary Coleman’s Rise to Fame on “Diff’rent Strokes”

In 1977, Coleman appeared in the pilot episode of “The Little Rascals” revival, which led to his breakthrough role as Arnold Jackson on “Diff’rent Strokes.” The hit show, which ran for eight seasons on NBC and ABC, featured Coleman as one of two African-American brothers adopted by a wealthy white Manhattan widower. He became known for his catchphrase on the show, “What’chu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”

Coleman earned $100,000 per episode at the peak of his fame on “Diff’rent Strokes” and received numerous accolades, including five Young Artist Award nominations, two wins, and four consecutive People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Young TV Performer.

Television and Film Career

After the success of “Diff’rent Strokes,” Coleman appeared in various television productions and films. In 1979, he starred in “The Kid from Left Field” and had a guest appearance on “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.” In 1980, he appeared in “Scout’s Honor,” and in 1981, made his feature film debut in “On the Right Track.” This was followed by several other movies and television films, including “The Kid with the Broken Halo,” “Jimmy the Kid,” “The Kid with the 200 I.Q.,” “The Fantastic World of D.C. Collins,” and “Playing with Fire.” In 1982, Coleman was the lead voice on the Saturday morning animated program “The Gary Coleman Show,” which ran for 13 episodes.

Gary Coleman’s Acting Career

In the 1990s, Coleman appeared in episodes of shows such as “Married… with Children,” “Martin,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He also had a recurring role on the Saturday morning cartoon “Waynehead.”

In the 2000s, Coleman continued to make appearances as himself on many programs, including “The Hughleys,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Baby Bob,” “The Parkers,” “The Surreal Life,” “Drake & Josh,” and “Nitro Circus.” Among Coleman’s last roles were in the comedies “Church Ball” and “An American Carol.” His final film appearance came in the 2009 independent film “Midgets vs. Mascots.”

Gary Coleman’s Life and Death

While on the set of “Church Ball” in 2007, Coleman met Shannon Price, who was working as an extra. They wed many months later. After appearing on the show “Divorce Court” in 2008, they ended up divorcing, due in large part to Price being physically abusive and unfaithful.

In 2009, Colman had heart surgery, and developed pneumonia. The next year, he suffered two seizures, and was admitted to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah after falling down the stairs of his home. In critical condition, his health worsened, and he was put on life support. Coleman passed away in May of 2010, at the age of 42.