Gary Coleman, who passed away today at the age of 42, had his share of ups and downs since his days on the 1978-86 comedy Diff’rent Strokes. But all it took was that one standout performance as the adorable and feisty Arnold Jackson to carve himself a place in pop culture history. Say what you will, but few lines are more iconic than Coleman’s “Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis”? Here, we’ve rounded up five memorable moments featuring Coleman in the role that made him a child star.

• Coleman shared the screen with First Lady Nancy Reagan, who guest-starred in a season 5 episode to promote her “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign.

• In one of TV’s early “very special” episodes, a pedophile bike-shop owner (played by WKRP in Cincinnati‘s Gordon Jump) gets creepy with Arnold and his friend Dudley.

• In one of the show’s early episodes, Arnold and Willis have trouble adjusting to their new privileged life with the Drummonds.

• A young Janet Jackson (fresh off of Good Times) stops by to flirt with Willis and show off her pipes.

• Arnold goes on his first date…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlTx2cGHSh8&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlkoxsEpODo&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swr3xrxSXso&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQUN1tSsj8s&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yKBoIUjDds&feature=player_embedded

http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/05/28/gary-coleman-diffrent-strokes/

Thanks for compiling this Brian. This is how I want to remember Gary!

The guy was a natural comic. I think he really wanted to be a serious actor after DS went off the air but it just wasn't there for him. I think with his kidney problems which kept him short, he was destined to be Arnold Jackson forever. Many get typecast but for Gary it was worse because he would always look like Arnold. I think that's why he became so bitter. On top of that, he separated from his parents and you can see how this could have happened. I'd like to remember Gary for the way he was. He could make you laugh by just walking in the room. At one time he was the biggest star on NBC. NBC would be lucky to have a star like Gary Coleman nowadays.

Arnold's Date is one of my Top fave ep of All Time.

Wish there can be some kind of tribute from BET or TV ONE

Arnold's Date is one of my Top fave ep of All Time.

Wish there can be some kind of tribute from BET or TV ONE


I agree Sol, at the very least, start releasing the dvds at a quicker pace...

I agree Sol, at the very least, start releasing the dvds at a quicker pace...


They probably will be released now

They probably will be released now


I hope so.