From his estranged relationship with his parents to the suspicions surrounding his ex-wife’s actions, “Diff’rent Strokes” star Gary Coleman’s story reveals a web of strained relationships, financial struggles, and lingering mysteries.
Gary Coleman’s life may have looked glamorous on the surface, but it was filled with personal battles that extended far beyond the screen. His untimely death only deepened these struggles, especially as troubling questions emerged about his ex-wife, Shannon Price.
From her baffling request for a meal following his dialysis treatment to the unsettling details of her 911 call, her actions raised red flags among those closest to him. Here’s a closer look at the mysteries surrounding Gary’s tragic end, and why those who knew him believe his ex-wife may have been involved.
From Child Star to Tragic End
Gary became a household name as Arnold Jackson, the witty, spirited boy with the unforgettable line, “What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” on “Diff’rent Strokes.” Though he stood only 4’8″ due to congenital kidney issues, his fame was immense, with audiences captivated by his humor and charm.
His role on the sitcom, which ran from 1978 to 1986, made him one of the most recognized faces on television, earning him up to $100,000 per episode at the peak of his success.
Gary Coleman and Charlotte Rae on “Diff’rent Strokes” in October 1978, when Gary’s quick wit and charm made him a household name. Behind the scenes, his life was already marked by health issues and the financial pressures that would follow him. | Photo: Getty Images
Yet, behind the scenes, Gary’s life was far from glamorous. Diagnosed with nephritis, a chronic kidney condition, he faced daunting health challenges from a young age. He endured two kidney transplants before he turned 14 and required frequent dialysis to stay alive.
Despite his health issues, the actor’s talent and perseverance shone through, making his success even more remarkable. His mother expressed her belief that his acting skills were “God’s way of compensating him” for the physical hardships he faced.
Tragically, Gary’s life came to an untimely end on May 28, 2010, after he suffered a brain hemorrhage at his home in Utah. He was rushed to the hospital, where his condition quickly worsened.
By the next day, he was slipping in and out of consciousness, and his doctors ultimately had to place him on life support. At 42, the star died, with loved ones by his side as he was removed from life support.
His passing left a deep mark on fans and friends, who mourned the loss of a once-beloved star whose later life had become increasingly turbulent.
Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson on “Diff’rent Strokes” circa 1979. While fans adored his lovable character, Gary’s off-screen life was already marked by health battles and financial struggles, challenges that would follow him into adulthood. | Source: Getty Images
Gary Coleman circa 1981. By this time, his fame was undeniable, but so were the pressures behind the scenes, as he began to navigate complex family and financial disputes that overshadowed his success. | Source: Getty Images
On “Diff’rent Strokes” circa 1995, Gary Coleman reprised his role as Arnold Jackson, a character beloved by fans worldwide. Despite the lasting popularity of his iconic role, Gary faced challenges in reclaiming a stable personal life and financial independence. | Photo: Getty Images
Lingering Questions
Gary’s death not only stunned his fans but also raised unsettling questions among his loved ones, many of whom pointed to his ex-wife as a figure of interest in his final moments.
Although they had divorced in 2008, Shannon continued to live with Gary as his “roommate,” which later became a contentious point in the story of his passing.
Shannon’s account of the night of the actor’s fatal injury struck some as unusual. She claimed she was resting in bed when she asked Gary to make her a meal after he returned from a grueling dialysis session.
This request shocked Gary’s friend, Brandy Buys, who said that Gary often felt exhausted and ill after these treatments and would typically just want to rest.
Moments after this alleged request, Shannon reported hearing a “big loud boom.” According to her, she found Gary lying on the kitchen floor, bleeding severely from a head wound.
On “Today” in 2008, Shannon Price and Gary Coleman appeared together, opening up about their turbulent relationship. Shannon’s actions during Gary’s final days would spark lingering questions and controversy. | Source: Getty Images
On a 2007 outing, Gary Coleman and Shannon Price appeared as a newly married couple, but behind the smiles, their relationship faced strain. Years later, her role in Gary’s final moments would come under intense scrutiny. | Source: Getty Images
On a 2010 court appearance in Provo, Utah, Shannon Price arrived with her attorney to address matters surrounding Gary’s estate. Her contested claims to his assets raised suspicions among the actor’s friends. | Source: Getty Images
The recorded 911 call that followed shortly after only deepened the mystery. As the operator guided Shannon through steps to assist Gary, she appeared hesitant, stating that she couldn’t move his head due to the amount of blood.
Shannon later explained in a documentary about Gary’s life that she expected him to recover quickly and return home, claiming she didn’t foresee the severity of his condition.
However, her decision to take Gary off life support just two days later stirred up even more questions. Those close to Gary, including his former manager, Dion Mial, felt uneasy about the quick decision, pointing out that Gary was only 4’8″ tall and would not have had far to fall.
“We were absolutely stumped because there were way too many questions with no answers,” Dion stated. Anna Gray, another close friend who had lived with Gary before Shannon, was also puzzled by the decision to get him off life support so swiftly.
She noted that Gary’s advanced healthcare directive specified that he wanted at least two weeks of care before any life support removal, a directive seemingly ignored in this instance. “I don’t understand why anyone would pull the plug after only two days,” she said.
On June 14, 2010, Shannon Price attended an estate court hearing in Provo, Utah, as she sought control over Gary’s assets. Her appearance fueled ongoing debates about her role and intentions following his death. | Source: Getty Images
On the 2003 TV Land Awards in California, Gary Coleman celebrated his legacy on “Diff’rent Strokes,” appearing upbeat despite the ongoing struggles with health, finances, and trust that shadowed his life. | Source: Getty Images
On the day of the 55th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2003 in Los Angeles, California, Gary Coleman made a memorable appearance, reminding fans of his impact on television, even as his personal struggles continued behind the scenes. | Source: Getty Images
Todd Bridges, Gary’s “Diff’rent Strokes” co-star, expressed his own concerns, especially considering the timing and circumstances surrounding Shannon’s actions.
According to Todd, Gary had previously confided that he felt unsafe. Todd also pointed out that since Shannon was no longer legally Gary’s wife, her authority to make such a life-altering decision was questionable.
“I don’t think she wanted him to wake up,” Todd revealed. “I personally, in my opinion, do not think that he fell,” Buys stated, adding she couldn’t say more.
However, Shannon denied any wrongdoing, stating simply, “I would never hurt my husband, ever.” Still, the doubts persisted, fueled by Todd’s observations about Gary’s injuries and the abruptness of his medical care.
“There’s a lot of questions — questions about the stairs he supposedly fell down, about how he died,” Todd remarked, adding that the handling of Gary’s case left many of his friends and family with unresolved suspicions.
On March 7, 2004, Gary Coleman was photographed in Hollywood, California. His presence in the spotlight endured, even as he faced ongoing challenges in his personal life away from the cameras. | Source: Getty Images
At LG’s Mobile TV Party in 2007 in Los Angeles, California, Gary Coleman made a lively appearance, showcasing his enduring charm and humor despite the personal battles he privately confronted. | Source: Getty Images
On February 26, 2008, Gary Coleman appeared on “Today,” offering a rare glimpse into his life post-“Diff’rent Strokes.” His openness on air contrasted with the personal challenges he continued to face off-screen. | Source: Getty Images
A Bitter Divide
As suspicions swirled around Gary’s tragic end, the story of his troubled relationship with his parents added another layer to the complexities he faced throughout his life.
Though he was once close to his family, Gary’s discovery of alleged financial mismanagement created a rift that he would never reconcile. From his early days on “Diff’rent Strokes,” Gary’s parents, Sue and Willie, controlled his finances, claiming their actions were purely protective.
However, as he grew older, the actor began to suspect that the money he earned was not as secure as he had been led to believe. Dion shared that Gary felt betrayed by his family, especially after discovering discrepancies in his bank accounts.
According to Gary’s former manager, some people in the actor’s life viewed him as a paycheck rather than a person, a realization that deeply hurt the actor. Gary sued his parents and former advisors, accusing them of mishandling his finances.
The legal battle was intense, with his parents even attempting to gain conservatorship over his estate when he became an adult. Eventually, Gary won the case, regaining control of his finances and ending his parents’ hold over his affairs.
His parents maintained that they had always acted in his best interests, with Willie even labeling Dion as a “demon.” In the end, Gary’s victory in court did little to heal the rift, leaving him estranged from his parents.
On the 7th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1981, Gary Coleman attended with his parents, Sue and Willie. While they appeared united, tensions over Gary’s career and finances would eventually drive a deep rift between them. | Source: Getty Images
On the day of the 1982 National Kidney Foundation Awards Dinner in Beverly Hills, California, Gary Coleman attended with his parents, highlighting his resilience amid health challenges. Despite this public show of support, the family would later be estranged. | Source: Getty Images
On a rare night out with his parents, Willie and Sue Coleman, young Gary’s bright smile stole the spotlight. Moments like these showed the family unity that would sadly unravel in later years as financial conflicts took their toll. | Source: Getty Images
Final Wishes
In his will, Gary made one thing clear: he wanted only true friends, free of financial motives, to be involved in his farewell. The two-page document, filed in Provo, Utah, reflected his desire to distance himself from the Hollywood opportunists and financial conflicts that marked much of his life.
Gary instructed that only those who genuinely cared for him should attend his wake, explicitly banning the press from his funeral to ensure his last moments were private and peaceful.
The actor’s former manager and close confidant was named the executor of his estate in the 1999 will. The document granted Dion control over funeral arrangements, the estate’s assets, and the eventual distribution of funds as specified in a private trust.
Although the financial details of Gary’s estate were minimal, with his Utah home valued at approximately $315,000, Dion’s role involved ensuring that medical and funeral expenses were settled before any other distributions could occur.
On a 2007 outing, Gary Coleman appeared reflective during a difficult period in his life. Years later, his passing would spark legal battles over his will, with questions arising about the intentions of those closest to him. | Source: Getty Images
On June 8, 2008, Gary Coleman took the stage at the 6th Annual TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, California. Just two years before his passing, the actor’s performance reminded fans of his enduring talent, even as he faced personal struggles behind the scenes. | Source: Getty Images
On the 6th annual TV Land Awards in 2008, Gary Coleman was honored among television icons. Although he appeared cheerful, his life offstage was marked by health issues and legal disputes that would later cast a shadow over his legacy. | Source: Getty Images
However, the reading of the will sparked controversy. Shannon contested the 1999 document, claiming that a newer will from 2007 granted her the entirety of his estate.
Dion’s attorney responded by stating that, given the couple’s divorce, any subsequent will naming Shannon as a beneficiary would likely be invalid.
According to reports, Shannon began removing personal items from Gary’s home, leading Dion to raise concerns about her intentions and question whether she was attempting to profit from Gary’s death.
Notably absent from Gary’s will were his parents, who were not mentioned by name. The will’s silence on their inclusion underscored the unresolved tensions from earlier battles over his finances.
On April 25, 2009, Gary Coleman attended the premiere of “Midgets vs. Mascots” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. In what would be one of his final public appearances, Gary continued to engage audiences, unaware of the controversies his passing would soon ignite. | Source: Getty Images
Gary Coleman’s life was marked by fame, turmoil, and complicated relationships that persisted until his final days. His tragic death raised questions that remain unanswered, with suspicions surrounding those closest to him.
In the end, the actor’s will reflected a desire to be remembered only by those who truly cared for him, free from the conflicts that plagued his life.
