Acting · Zion, Illinois, USA · Born February 8, 1968
Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 — May 28, 2010) was an American actor, known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986) and for his small stature as an adult. 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. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and business advisor over misappropriation of his assets, only to declare bankruptcy a decade later.
MovieGary
2024
as Self (archive footage)
Amnesia: Who Are You?
2014
as Internet Submission 2
MovieMidgets vs Mascots
2011
as Himself
The Horrible Terrible Misadventures of David Atkins
2010
as Himself
TVNitro Circus
2009
MovieAn American Carol
2008
as Slave
MovieThe Great Buck Howard
2008
as Gary Coleman
MovieA Christmas Too Many
2007
as Pizza Guy
MovieBehind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Diff'rent Strokes'
2006
as Himself
MovieChurch Ball
2006
as Charles Higgins
TVThe Tyra Banks Show
2005
TVRobot Chicken
2005
as Arnold Jackson / Barry the Banana / James Robert 'Radio' Kennedy (voice)
Save Virgil
2004
as Himself, The Devil
TVDrake & Josh
2004
as Gary Coleman
MovieA Carol Christmas
2003
as Christmas Past
MovieTupac: Resurrection
2003
as Self (archival)
MovieDickie Roberts: Former Child Star
2003
as Self
TVJimmy Kimmel Live!
2003
as Self
MovieFrank McKlusky, C.I.
2002
as Gary Coleman
TVAfter They Were Famous
2002
as Self
TVBaby Bob
2002
as Gary Coleman
MovieNight of the Living Doo
2001
as Gary Coleman (voice)
TVMy Wife and Kids
2001
as Himself
MovieShafted
2000
as Mister Gary Coleman
TVSon of the Beach
2000
TVThe Parkers
1999
Where Are They Now?
1999
as Self
MovieLike Father, Like Santa
1998
as Ignatius
TVThe Hughleys
1998
as Self
MovieDirty Work
1998
as Self
TVMake Me Laugh
1997
as Contestant
TVWaynehead
1996
as Kevin (voice)
TVThe Jamie Foxx Show
1996
as Cupid
TVE! True Hollywood Story
1996
MovieFox Hunt
1996
as Murray Lipschitz, Jr.
TVMADtv
1995
as Self
TVThe Drew Carey Show
1995
as Drew's double
TVThe Naked Truth
1995
as Gary Coleman
TVSherman Oaks
1995
as Gary Coleman
MovieS.F.W.
1995
as Gary Coleman
TVThe Parent 'Hood
1995
TVThe Wayans Bros.
1995
as Gary Coleman
TVUnhappily Ever After
1995
as Devil
TVThe Ben Stiller Show
1992
TVMartin
1992
as Mad Dog No Good
TVThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
1990
as Arnold Jackson-Drummond
TVThe Word
1990
TVThe Simpsons
1989
as Gary Coleman (voice)
MovieFriend to Friend: Armenian Earthquake Relief
1989
as Self
Nineteen Summers: San Diego Padres 1969-1988
1988
MovieIt's Howdy Doody Time: A 40-Year Celebration
1987
as Himself
TVMarried... with Children
1987
as Reverend
Gary Coleman: For Safety's Sake
1986
TVAmazing Stories
1985
as Arnold Jackson
TV227
1985
MoviePlaying with Fire
1985
as David Phillips
MovieNight of 100 Stars II
1985
as Self
MovieThe Fantastic World of D.C. Collins
1984
as D. C. Collins
MovieThe Kid with the 200 I.Q.
1983
as Nick Newell
MovieJimmy the Kid
1982
as Jimmy
TVSilver Spoons
1982
as Arnold Jackson
TVThe Gary Coleman Show
1982
as Andy Le Beau
MovieThe Kid with the Broken Halo
1982
as Andy LeBeau
TVSimon & Simon
1981
TVEntertainment Tonight
1981
as Self
MovieOn the Right Track
1981
as Lester
MovieScout's Honor
1980
as Joey Seymour
MovieLucy Moves to NBC
1980
as VP of Programming
MovieThe Kid from Left Field
1979
as Jackie Robinson 'J.R.' Cooper
TVBuck Rogers in the 25th Century
1979
as Hieronymous Fox
TVThe Facts of Life
1979
TVHello, Larry
1979
as Arnold Jackson
TVDiff'rent Strokes
1978
as Arnold Jackson
TVAmerica 2-Night
1978
as Little Wayne Coleman
TVSaturday Night Live
1975
as Self (uncredited)
TVThe Jeffersons
1975
TVGood Times
1974
TVToday
1952
as Self
