# Why Diff’rent Strokes Stars Refused to Show Up at Gary Coleman’s Funeral
Gary Coleman, the beloved child star of *Diff’rent Strokes*, passed away on May 28, 2010, at age 42 from a brain hemorrhage, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and tragedy. Known for his iconic catchphrase, “What you talkin’ about, Willis?” Coleman captivated America as Arnold Jackson, an orphaned Black boy adopted by a wealthy white millionaire.
However, his death was marked by a somber, private memorial in Beverly Hills, attended by only 15-20 close guests as per his wishes. Shockingly, most of his *Diff’rent Strokes* co-stars were absent, sparking questions about feuds, pain, and Hollywood’s dark underbelly.
Born in 1968 in Zion, Illinois, Coleman faced congenital kidney disease from birth, stunting his growth to 4’8” and requiring multiple surgeries. Despite this, his charm and wit made him a star when *Diff’rent Strokes* premiered on NBC in 1978. Earning up to $100,000 per episode, he amassed millions, becoming a child millionaire.
Yet, behind the fame, exploitation loomed. Todd Bridges, his on-screen brother Willis, later revealed Coleman worked grueling nine-month schedules despite health issues, trapped in a childlike role even as a teen.
Financial ruin followed. By the 1990s, Coleman’s fortune vanished, allegedly siphoned by his adoptive parents and manager. A 1989 lawsuit awarded him damages, but bankruptcy struck in 1999. Personal struggles compounded his woes— a brief, tumultuous marriage to Shannon Price in 2007 ended in divorce, marred by domestic violence allegations. His life, once a symbol of joy, became a cautionary tale of Hollywood’s cruelty to child stars.
At his memorial, only Todd Bridges attended, standing as the sole representative of the *Diff’rent Strokes* family. Dana Plato, who played Kimberly, had died in 1999 from a drug overdose at 34, her life spiraling after leaving the show in 1984 due to pregnancy. Conrad Bain (Philip Drummond) and Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett), the adult cast members, were absent—Bain, at 87, and Rae, at 84, were likely too frail to attend, compounded by the limited guest list per Coleman’s will.
Their absence underscored a painful reality: the on-screen Drummond family was never a true family off-screen, fractured by time, illness, and personal tragedies.
The *Diff’rent Strokes* curse, as dubbed by the press, haunted its cast. Bridges battled drug addiction and legal issues before recovery, while Coleman died bankrupt with unpaid hospital bills.
Rae, despite success in *The Facts of Life*, expressed sorrow over Coleman’s suffering. The Los Angeles Times noted the memorial reflected Hollywood’s harshness—creating legends only to abandon them.
Bridges’ presence symbolized a final promise to keep Coleman’s memory alive, a poignant contrast to the empty chairs of absent co-stars. Coleman’s legacy remains a warning: fame without protection destroys childhoods, leaving laughter tinged with profound loss.