Origins & Early Life

Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an American actor, known as a high-profile child star of the late 1970s and 1980s. Born in Zion, Illinois, Coleman grew up with his adoptive parents. Due to the corticosteroids and other medications used to treat a kidney disease, his growth was limited to 4 ft 8 in (142 cm). In the mid-1970s, he appeared in commercials and acted in an episode of Medical Center.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He caught the attention of a producer after acting in a pilot for a revival of The Little Rascals (1977), who decided to cast him as Arnold Jackson in the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986), a role that launched Coleman into stardom. For playing the role of Arnold he received several accolades, which include two Young Artist Awards; in 1980 for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Through Entertainment and in 1982 for Best Young Actor in a Comedy Series; and three People's Choice Awards; consecutive three wins for Favorite Young TV Performer from 1980 to 1983; as well as nominations for two TV Land Awards. He was rated first on a list of VH1's "100 Greatest Kid Stars", and an influential child actor. Coleman was the highest-paid child actor on television throughout the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ajay Devgn — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker known for diverse roles in Hindi cinema.
• Anastacia — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): American singer-songwriter known for her powerful voice and 'sprock' fusion.
• Barry Sanders — Contemporary (Born in 1968) (1968): Elite NFL running back known for unmatched quickness and agility.
• Ali Hassan al-Majid — Contemporary (Died in 2010) (2010): Notorious Iraqi military figure, cousin of Saddam Hussein, known for brutal repression.
• Allan Sandage — Contemporary (Died in 2010) (2010): Pioneering American astronomer known for determining the Hubble constant and age of the universe.
• Antony Flew — Contemporary (Died in 2010) (2010): English analytic and evidentialist philosopher known for his critique of religion.
• Amelia Bence — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (2016): Argentine film actress, a celebrated diva of the Golden Age of Argentine cinema.
• Baldassare Castiglione — Shared historical date (02-08 · Died) (1529): Influential Renaissance author and courtier, known for 'The Book of the Courtier'.
• Audie Murphy — Shared historical date (05-28 · Died) (1971): Decorated WWII soldier and celebrated Hollywood actor.
• Bernardine Evaristo — Shared historical date (05-28 · Born) (1959): Acclaimed English author and Professor known for championing inclusion in literature.
• 1968 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1968
• February 8 (02-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 8
• 2010 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2010
• May 28 (05-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 28