His character, however, never seemed to age.
‘We have a golden goose.’
He was the golden goose, and that caused him pain, emotionally, I’m sure.
Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ in 1985.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty
But even before the first season bowed, Coleman had become the series' runaway breakout star.
Diff’rent Strokeshair stylist Joann Stafford-Chaney recallsthat Coleman was “just a meal ticket.
That’s how he felt.
Gary Coleman and Joan Rivers on ‘The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson’.Joseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
‘I’m just making money, but I’m not happy.’
He wasn’t happy.”
“Not much.”
Coleman’s friend Dion Mial in ‘Gary’.Peacock/Raw TV Ltd
When Rivers queries, “Are you complaining?”
Coleman plaintively answers, “Of course.
Not much I can do about it.
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In the doc, Brandstein notes, “The ratings were declining.
The year after Coleman appeared onThe Tonight Show, ABC canceledDiff’rent Strokes.
“I think it had run its course.”
Peacock/Raw TV Ltd
Coleman struggled to maintain his career post-Diff’rent Strokes.
He also took on small parts in movies includingChurch BallandAn American Carol.
Later in life, he briefly worked as a security guard and entertained a bid for thegovernorship of California.
Garyis currently streaming on Peacock.
