“Diff’rent Strokes” actor Gary Coleman fell at his home on Wednesday May 26th, hitting his head. On Friday, artistic director John Alcante confirmed he’d been placed on a respirator and was unconscious. The spokesman for the ambulance, Janet Frank later announced that the ventilator had been disconnected and Coleman actor had died at 12:05. Reactions from the entertainment world when you

Only 4’8, Gary Coleman suffered from a kidney disease that occurred during his childhood which caused him to stop growing. Despite receiving two kidney transplants he continued to be plagued with health problems throughout his life.

Coleman played the role of Arnold on “Diff’rent Strokes” from 1978 to 1986. He played the younger of two African American brothers adopted by a wealthy white man. After six seasons on NBC and two on ABC, the series ended.

Coleman will be remembered for one TV role more than any other accomplishment in his career, but the “Diff’rent Strokes” star — who died Friday (May 28) due to an intercranial hemorrhage — was mourned by people across the entertainment industry.

Some focused on what he had to overcome as a child actor, while others chose to remember him as Arnold Jackson.

“I’m at a loss for words upon learning of Gary Coleman’s passing,” said Janet Jackson, who appeared on “Diff’rent Strokes” as the girlfriend of Todd Bridges’ character. “I want to remember him as the fun, playful, adorable and affectionate man he was. He has left a lasting legacy. I know he is finally at peace.”

John Stamos, who starred with several young Hollywood names during his time on “Full House,” noted the difficulties Coleman experienced trying to overcome his “Diff’rent Strokes” persona. “Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be…actors. r.i.p. gary,” Stamos tweeted.

Tom Arnold credited Coleman with brightening up his adolescence. “He made my teen years funnier!” the actor and comedian wrote. “Now I hope people will stop bullying him.”

Both Kim Kardashian and Shannon Elizabeth offered prayers for Coleman and his family.

“Oh wow Gary Coleman passed away!” Kardashian tweeted. “My prayers go out to his family.”

Those words were echoed by Elizabeth: “RIP Gary Coleman. Diff’rent Strokes was a huge part of my childhood. My prayers are w/his family & friends-you’ll truly be missed Gary…”

Ashton Kutcher kept his thoughts bright on Coleman’s death, pledging: “I will always be a fan!” Others, including Alyssa Milano, Ken Jeong and Nick Frost kept their messages simple with “R.I.P.” tweets. Olivia Wilde also dropped an R.I.P. into her posts, adding, “Poor Gary Coleman. Hope it was painless.”

Kevin Smith may have summed up his feelings most eloquently, referencing one of Coleman’s best-known “Strokes” episodes. “Fare thee well, Mr. Coleman,” the director tweeted. “As Arnold, you taught us how to say no to pederast bike dealers. But as Gary, you taught us size doesn’t matter.”

Bossip would like to say:

Despite our reports on Gary in the recent years, his legacy and what he brought to the table as an African American actor on “Diff’rent Strokes” was something that is revered and respected by all of us here on the Bossip staff.

We remember watching his episodes as Arnold when he was molested and learning from that experience. We also remember Gary being the catalyst for other social issues that A.A. kids did not know how to handle without having a father in the house… all on “Diff’rent Strokes.” We may clown around, but we do respect Arnold’s contribution to our culture.

Source

R.I.P. Gary Coleman (Arnold)

Bossip Staff