http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2010/05/gary_colemans_death_diffrent_s.html

Gary Coleman's death: 'Diff'rent Strokes' co-stars Todd Bridges, Charlotte Rae react; others pay tribute
By Laura Axelrod -- The Birmingham News
May 28, 2010, 6:04PM


Todd Bridges, Conrad Bain and Charlotte Rae talk about Gary Coleman

* Todd Bridges, who played “Willis” on the show, told the Associated Press: "It's unfortunate. It's a sad day. It's sad that I'm the last kid alive from the show." (AP)

Despite personal challenges, Bridges has continued his acting career. He appeared as the character Monk on “Everybody Hates Chris.” He discusses his drug addiction in a new book called, “Killing Willis.” (IMDB/New York Post)

* While Coleman was on life support, Conrad Bain, who played his Dad, Phillip Drummond, said that he was praying for the actor’s recovery. He told TMZ that he had not been in touch with Coleman in years, but his co-star was in his thoughts. (TMZ)

According to Sitcoms Online, Conrad Bain retired from acting in 1986. He did, however, appear in an episode of “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” alongside Coleman. Bain reprised his role as Phillip Drummond on the show. (Sitcoms Online)

* Charlotte Rae, who played Mrs. Garrett on “Diff’rent Strokes” and its spin-off “Facts of Life,” told TMZ that Gary Coleman was the reason that “Facts” was such a success. “I said a prayer for him this morning after hearing about his condition. Gary was so loving, so charming. He was the big star of the show," she told the site. (TMZ)

Charlotte Rae has continued her acting career. In recent years, she has appeared on “King of Queens” and “ER.” (IMDB)

The Broadway production of "Avenue Q" pay tribute

* The Broadway show, “Avenue Q” had a character based on Gary Coleman. The company issued a statement on his death, via Broadway.com:

"The creators, producers, and company of 'Avenue Q' are terribly saddened to hear of the death of Gary Coleman, whose tremendous gifts brought delight and inspiration to audiences around the world. While everything in life may be only for now, we suspect that Gary's legacy will live on for many years to come. Gary's memory will certainly endure in the hearts and minds of those of us who live on 'Avenue Q.'"

The site also reports that the actor who portrays Coleman in the show will pay special tribute to the former child star after Friday night’s performance. (Broadway.com)

Other celebrities:

* Robert Guillaume told Entertainment Weekly: “Gary was a dear friend. He was so enormously talented. His death saddens me beyond my ability to express. I can only hope that he finds the peace he so earnestly sought. I will miss him.” (EW.com)

* Entertainment Weekly has also compiled the twitter comments from various celebrities, which include:

o “Rest in peace, Gary Coleman.” -Alyssa Milano, via Twitter
o “I hope that in heaven Gary Coleman finds the peace that eluded him on Earth, and finally discovers what Willis was talking about.” -Mark Hoppus, via Twitter
o “Arnold and Abraham the goldfish together again. RIP Gary Coleman.” -Eric Stonestreet, via Twitter

Alison Arngrim (Little House on the Prairie), Susan Olsen (The Brady Bunch), and Susan Buckner (Grease) are some other celebs who have added their condolences on Facebook.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1640389/20100528/coleman_gary.jhtml

May 28 2010 8:01 PM EDT 3,263

Gary Coleman Remembered By Janet Jackson, Ashton Kutcher, Others
Kim Kardashian, Kevin Smith, Olivia Wilde and John Stamos also take to Twitter to remember 'Diff'rent Strokes' star.

By Brian Warmoth


Gary Coleman will be remembered for one TV role more than any other accomplishment in his career, but the "Diff'rent Strokes" star — who died Friday (May 28) due to an intercranial hemorrhage — was mourned by people across the entertainment industry.

Some focused on what he had to overcome as a child actor, while others chose to remember him as Arnold Jackson.

"I'm at a loss for words upon learning of Gary Coleman's passing," said Janet Jackson, who appeared on "Diff'rent Strokes" as the girlfriend of Todd Bridges' character. "I want to remember him as the fun, playful, adorable and affectionate man he was. He has left a lasting legacy. I know he is finally at peace."

John Stamos, who starred with several young Hollywood names during his time on "Full House," noted the difficulties Coleman experienced trying to overcome his "Diff'rent Strokes" persona. "Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be...actors. r.i.p. gary," Stamos tweeted.

Tom Arnold credited Coleman with brightening up his adolescence. "He made my teen years funnier!" the actor and comedian wrote. "Now I hope people will stop bullying him."

Both Kim Kardashian and Shannon Elizabeth offered prayers for Coleman and his family.

"Oh wow Gary Coleman passed away!" Kardashian tweeted. "My prayers go out to his family."

Those words were echoed by Elizabeth: "RIP Gary Coleman. Diff'rent Strokes was a huge part of my childhood. My prayers are w/his family & friends-you'll truly be missed Gary..."

Ashton Kutcher kept his thoughts bright on Coleman's death, pledging: "I will always be a fan!" Others, including Alyssa Milano, Ken Jeong and Nick Frost kept their messages simple with "R.I.P." tweets. Olivia Wilde also dropped an R.I.P. into her posts, adding, "Poor Gary Coleman. Hope it was painless."

Kevin Smith may have summed up his feelings most eloquently, referencing one of Coleman's best-known "Strokes" episodes. "Fare thee well, Mr. Coleman," the director tweeted. "As Arnold, you taught us how to say no to pederast bike dealers. But as Gary, you taught us size doesn't matter."

Not only did Gary Coleman and Janet Jackson appear on DS together, they first acted opposite each other on a couple of episodes of Good Times. Janet, of course, was a regular as Penny Woods and Gary guested a couple of times as a neighborhood kid.

Not only did Gary Coleman and Janet Jackson appear on DS together, they first acted opposite each other on a couple of episodes of Good Times. Janet, of course, was a regular as Penny Woods and Gary guested a couple of times as a neighborhood kid.
I remember that. Gary stole that show. He also was on an episode of the Jeffersons as George's nephew. He was the son of Henry Jefferson who had been on AITF. He was great in that episode too.

need link to facebook fan page to add my condelcenses

Funny when all these kind of actors die, corey haim, john rittter, etc.. a week,month, year & decade before their dead all these known celebrities never think to give these people work.

as soon as they die or see the dead star is getting press they quickly comment so THEY can get THIER names in the paper.:rolleyes:

Most of these people didn't care. I saw the samething with Corey Haim & John Ritter, we see directors, A List stars talking about them when their dead. Why didnt you write them a part? Why didnt you use your A List status to get them work??

all a joke.
:rolleyes:

A-List Whores jumping on the bandwagon to get some press for their own name, nothing more...nothing less.

One can only imagine how Conrad Bain, who must be in his late 80s by now, must feel having two of his young co stars already passed. By all accounts he seems to be a wonderful gentleman and I'd imagine there'd be a huge sense of loss and sorrow.

I don't know what to think about this story. I keep thinking how so many of these stars that die young are like geniuses who burn their light for us brightly but the cost for that genius is often a very short and tragic life.

Better all of them had been waitresses or factory workers, or worked in a field than live this life that is almost certain to distort their reality.

I LOVE TV, like everyone else here, but I really wonder if kids just shouldn't be stars...period.

Mary Joe Catlett, who played Pearl on Diff'rent Strokes, shared these comments with me...

http://justmyshow.blogspot.com/2010/05/co-star-recalls-gary-coleman-as-joy-to.html

Funny when all these kind of actors die, corey haim, john rittter, etc.. a week,month, year & decade before their dead all these known celebrities never think to give these people work.

as soon as they die or see the dead star is getting press they quickly comment so THEY can get THIER names in the paper.:rolleyes:

Most of these people didn't care. I saw the samething with Corey Haim & John Ritter, we see directors, A List stars talking about them when their dead. Why didnt you write them a part? Why didnt you use your A List status to get them work??

all a joke.
:rolleyes:

A-List Whores jumping on the bandwagon to get some press for their own name, nothing more...nothing less.
Wow. First of all, Corey Haim was strung out on drugs at the time of his death, so no one was going to hire him for any roles because that's just an unwritten rule in the world of film and television. You can't have your stars strung out on drugs. Second of all, John Ritter? Died whilst in the middle of taping a new episode of his hit network sitcom. Third of all, most of the people who have made comments are actors, how are they supposed to "write parts" for people? Fourth of all, these are all from Twitter! These people happened to be fans of Gary, just like the rest of us, and wanted to voice their condolescences, just like many other fans have. I fail to see what's so attention whorish about that. They didn't go to the press to make a statement nor did they ask for the press to print their Twitter comments, I'm sure.

I do think it's ridiculous when the media has nothing but negative things to say about someone in the years they are alive but then try to be all reverent of the same person the moment that they die (same thing happened with Michael Jackson, same thing happened with Anna Nicole Smith), and the moment I read about Gary's death, I knew that's how it was gonna be. But, really, I think it's terribly unfair to label these people "A list whores." They're his fans just like we are.

One can only imagine how Conrad Bain, who must be in his late 80s by now, must feel having two of his young co stars already passed. By all accounts he seems to be a wonderful gentleman and I'd imagine there'd be a huge sense of loss and sorrow.

I don't know what to think about this story. I keep thinking how so many of these stars that die young are like geniuses who burn their light for us brightly but the cost for that genius is often a very short and tragic life.

Better all of them had been waitresses or factory workers, or worked in a field than live this life that is almost certain to distort their reality.

I LOVE TV, like everyone else here, but I really wonder if kids just shouldn't be stars...period.
I was thinking the same thing about Conrad Bain. He is 87 and retired from acting now. Not only have two of his young co-stars died, but so did the real-life child of one of them via suicide. How terrible he must feel. :(

Mary Joe Catlett, who played Pearl on Diff'rent Strokes, shared these comments with me...

http://justmyshow.blogspot.com/2010/05/co-star-recalls-gary-coleman-as-joy-to.html
Thanks for sharing!!

Alison Arngrim (Little House on the Prairie), Susan Olsen (The Brady Bunch), and Susan Buckner (Grease) are some other celebs who have added their condolences on Facebook.
Here are some of Susan Olsen and Alison Arngrim's comments on FB re: Gary.

Fri, May 28, 2010 3:39:38 PM
Susan Olsen...
"Poor guy, he never really got the good life he earned and had stolen from him."

Fri, May 28, 2010 4:24:55 PM
Susan Olsen...
"The bitterness didn't serve him well but he was more than willing to drop it if given a chance to do what he was good at: perform. He loved to entertain. No doubt he was allowed to be a total brat on the set. His pimp parents cared little about raising a human being. He never lost his talent but he lost opportunities due to many things that may not have been his fault at all. I didn't know him well but I always got the impression that he was a much better person and talent than he was given credit for. Fame without fortune sucks. But it would be so much worse if you USED to have a fortune. It's wrong of me to speculate too much because I don't know about his life. He was always nice to me."

Fri, May 28, 2010 4:33:19 PM
Alison Arngrim...
"Worked with him a few times...a good man, funny, very intelligent..BUT, SO depressed and unhappy. Very frustrated with his life. I tried to cheer him up and talk to him about his situation...to no avail. Always alone, sitting in a corner, saying things like "I'm not an actor", "I'm just here for the money" and other sad, self-denigrating things. I have to ask - Putting a child with a serious kidney disorder to work: what the hell were his parents thinking?"

Fri, May 28, 2010 4:41:02 PM
Susan Olsen...
"Oh Alison, I always thought that. And many times when he was being "difficult" on the set, he really felt ill. There's even been some speculation that his condition was made far worse because he never got the medical care he needed when he was young. That's just criminal."

Fri, May 28, 2010 5:36:49 PM
Susan Olsen...
"Gary's experience was the total opposite of mine. With six kids, nobody dared to disobey the child welfare laws. Also the BB set was totally foused on being kid friendly. We were never overworked but we were also never catered to. Gary and I were on a show together and he was going on about how it was to be a little kid and have people catering to his every whim and he's looking at me for my agreement and I'm like "Whatchoo talkin bout Gary?". My experience was far better, I would much rather be worked humane hours and learn to get my own lunch!"

Fri, May 28, 2010 5:50:47 PM
Susan Olsen...
"The awful thing about fame without fortune is there is no consolation for a line that you are told to repeat all your life. Lots of people can get sick of things and feel type cast but if it's making them money, it's OK. It made him noting so his trip was to refuse to say the line unless paid. It is understandable. TOTALLY but it will never look good on a person. I get sick of Brady stuff especially when I don't make money off it, but acting bitter is never ever going to play well. But that's easier for me to say because I had a very happy childhood. I woud think the kind of resentment Gary had was totally justifiable - but it's still a dead end emotion."

Mary Joe Catlett, who played Pearl on Diff'rent Strokes, shared these comments with me...

http://justmyshow.blogspot.com/2010/05/co-star-recalls-gary-coleman-as-joy-to.html
What a sweet tribute to Gary! It's a shame we didn't get to see more of this side of Gary during his lifetime.

http://blog.al.com/scenesource/2010/05/gary_colemans_death_diffrent_s.html

* Todd Bridges, who played “Willis” on the show, told the Associated Press: "It's unfortunate. It's a sad day. It's sad that I'm the last kid alive from the show." (AP)


One thing wrong with that line that I've seen in other sources too. There is still another kid alive in the show besides Todd. What about Danny Cooksey (Sam)? He was a DS kid too. I know he didn't come until season 6 when Drummond remarried to Maggie (the late Dixie Carter and then later Mary Ann Mobley), but he was still a DS kid.

One thing wrong with that line that I've seen in other sources too. There is still another kid alive in the show besides Todd. What about Danny Cooksey (Sam)? He was a DS kid too. I know he didn't come until season 6 when Drummond remarried to Maggie (the late Dixie Carter and then later Mary Ann Mobley), but he was still a DS kid.
Not to mention Shavar Ross (Dudley) - but maybe Todd meant he was the last kid besides Gary and Dana.

Not to mention Shavar Ross (Dudley) - but maybe Todd meant he was the last kid besides Gary and Dana.
Well, Dudley, and Arnold's other friends as well as Charlene (Willis' steady girlfriend played by Janet Jackson) and other young friends were just recurring characters, so I wasn't counting those. I was talking about Drummond's children (biological daughter, Kimberly, adopted sons, Willis and Arnold, and stepson, Sam) who lived in that penthouse. The ones from the main cast.

Well, Dudley, and Arnold's other friends as well as Charlene (Willis' steady girlfriend played by Janet Jackson) and other young friends were just recurring characters, so I wasn't counting those. I was talking about Drummond's children (biological daughter, Kimberly, adopted sons, Willis and Arnold, and stepson, Sam) who lived in that penthouse. The ones from the main cast.
I saw Shavar Ross and Danny Cooksey interviewed on one of the morning cable network shows, Sunday morning. They both had memories of going to his home when they were kids, during the run of DS.

David Hasselhoff comments on Gary.

http://www.davidhasselhoff.com/profiles/blogs/rip-gary-coleman

David Hasselhoff comments on Gary.

http://www.davidhasselhoff.com/profiles/blogs/rip-gary-coleman
Thanks for sharing that, Sonny. That was nice of him to say. :nod:

There were also two or more adults who were on the show, but have since died as well.

One of them was a woman. The other one was Gordon Jump.

He was a guest, I think, in a 2-part episode on the show. He played a pedophile. :(

There were also two or more adults who were on the show, but have since died as well.

One of them was a woman. The other one was Gordon Jump.

He was a guest, I think, in a 2-part episode on the show. He played a pedophile. :(
Well if your talking about guest stars, I'm sure there's dozens and dozens of adults that have passed. But as far as regular or semi-regular cast members, there's Dixie Carter (Maggie), Nedra Volz (Adalaide), and Dodie Goodman (Aunt Sophia).

Well if your talking about guest stars, I'm sure there's dozens and dozens of adults that have passed. But as far as regular or semi-regular cast members, there's Dixie Carter (Maggie), Nedra Volz (Adalaide), and Dodie Goodman (Aunt Sophia).
Not to mention that Nedra Volz and Dody Goodman weren't exactly spring chickens when they were on DS way back when. I loved Nedra Volz as the post mistress, Miz Tisdale, on Dukes of Hazzard. She was also a riot as one of the elderly people protesting the format change to rock and roll on the pilot episode of WKRP - smacking Dr. Fever's turntable with her umbrella. :lol:

Gordon Jump was also a regular in WKRP, I think long before he became the "Maytag Repairman".

I also remember him in an episode of Good Times. :)

Gordon Jump was also a regular in WKRP, I think long before he became the "Maytag Repairman".

I also remember him in an episode of Good Times. :)
Yeah, he guested in the 5th season as Willona's boss, in the episode entitled "Willona the Fuzz". :nod:

some comments from Shavar Ross are in this Article. Gary's going to be on the cover of People Magazine.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20390472,00.html

http://www.etonline.com/news/2010/06/87819/index.html

Charlotte Rae on Gary Coleman: 'The World Just Fell in Love with Him'

Charlotte Rae, who co-starred with Gary Coleman on TV's "Diff'rent Strokes" as Mrs. Garrett before moving on to her hit show "The Facts of Life," remembers the late star in the wake of his passing last Friday at the young age of 42.

"He was a phenomenon," she tells ET exclusively. "This little, tiny young kid -- smart, talented -- and the world just fell in love with him, and I did too."

After hearing the news that he had passed away on Friday, Charlotte says, "My heart became very heavy; I felt very sad. He was a beautiful soul."

"I wished I could be of service to him; I wished I could have helped him, but I felt I couldn't just rush in and do something, and I really felt helpless," she says of Gary's later, more turbulent years that often landed him in the tabloid headlines. "I didn't know what I could do to help his life have a better quality."

Although she hadn't seen Gary for years, she says he touched base with her about 10 years ago over a book that was being written about him. She says she invited him over to "dish and talk and connect." But although he agreed to visit her, "He never did. I would have loved it, because we had such a happy time together. He was so adorable."

Watch ET for more with Charlotte Rae and the late Gary Coleman.

Yup, here's the cover:

I just saw Charlotte Rae on E.T. What a sweet and loving tribute she gave to Gary!

I just saw Charlotte Rae on E.T. What a sweet and loving tribute she gave to Gary!
Indeed!! :D

I never even knew that they (Gary & Shannon) were divorced already!

So that means that she has no rights over any last wishes that were ever made by Gary before he died. :eek:

They just released that info today. ET or TMZ (one of those two) broke the news that the divorce papers had been finalized back in 2008!!

It is also revealed this morning on Early Today, that Gary Coleman gave Shannon the right to have him removed from any life support devices, should the need arise for her to do so.

The hospital where Gary died is investigating that matter as to whether she had the right to do it. :eek:

This is from a couple of days ago but I don't think anyone's posted it.

http://www.theinsider.com/news/3333219_Todd_Bridges_in_Tears_Remembering_Gary_Coleman


Todd Bridges in Tears Remembering Gary Coleman

Todd Bridges, who played Gary Coleman's older brother Willis on TV's "Diff'rent Strokes," talks to our own Chris Jacobs about his late, good friend -- and how "people took such advantage of him."

"He was just treated so badly by a lot of people around him," says Bridges. "He never had the opportunity to really become the person he should have been, and it just upsets me that people took such advantage of him, man, and it just did him in. He didn't deserve it."

Reflecting on his feelings less than a week after the 42-year-old Coleman passed away in a Utah hospital after suffering a head injury and subsequently being taken off of life support, Bridges wipes away tears and says, "He was my friend, [but to many] he's just another child star that passes away, you know?"

Asked if he has any regrets or if there was anything unspoken between the two of them, Bridges replies, "No, I settled mine with him. I had the opportunity to forgive him for the things that he said about me."

If he could say one thing to Coleman, Bridges offers, "I'd tell him I love him again and that I just want him to be happy."

Bridges says he plans on speaking at Coleman's funeral: "I'll definitely talk about the power of God, and how God can teach you how to find peace and how to find happiness -- maybe he's found it now."

Watch "The Insider" for more on Gary Coleman.

I recorded Insider & ET both Thursday and yesterday, but I haven't had the chance to watch them yet. ;)

I recorded Insider & ET both Thursday and yesterday, but I haven't had the chance to watch them yet. ;)

I saw a commercial on ABC last night advertising that Gary Coleman's ex will be appearing on Good Morning, America on Monday.

I saw a commercial on ABC last night advertising that Gary Coleman's ex will be appearing on Good Morning, America on Monday.
Oh no...

Oh no...



Lord, help us!!!

She'll probably tell a pack of lies!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Lord, help us!!!

She'll probably tell a pack of lies!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Anyone else find it odd that shes having interviews so soon after Garys death? I just don't trust this woman.She seems shady to me.I felt sorry for Todd Bridges when he was on the insider he was in tears.

Anyone else find it odd that shes having interviews so soon after Garys death? I just don't trust this woman.She seems shady to me.I felt sorry for Todd Bridges when he was on the insider he was in tears.
I don't know how much money Gary had but he had other things besides money. He was a celebrity. By marrying him, Shannon has put herself in a position to be one too. She'll try to milk it for all it's worth. I just don't trust her. I wonder who's idea it was to go on Divorce Court? I don't remember seeing any grieving spouse go on a national television show for an interview before the funeral has even taken place. Gary just died Friday and he was awake on Thursday. Why didn't she get a second opinion? Gary probably would have died anyway but at least she could have tried.

I don't know how much money Gary had but he had other things besides money. He was a celebrity. By marrying him, Shannon has put herself in a position to be one too. She'll try to milk it for all it's worth. I just don't trust her. I wonder who's idea it was to go on Divorce Court? I don't remember seeing any grieving spouse go on a national television show for an interview before the funeral has even taken place. Gary just died Friday and he was awake on Thursday. Why didn't she get a second opinion? Gary probably would have died anyway but at least she could have tried.



That whole thing sounds awfully strange, BTW!! Something just doesn't set right with me on that one.

The way that she was talking to him while she was on the phone with the 911 operator was pretty peculiar as well! She just wasn't doing enough to try to save him. It's a shame! :mad:

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/books/06/18/alison.arngrim.book/
Alison Arngrim says Landon instilled a belief among the entire cast and crew that hard work (and a paycheck!) was its own reward. There were no prima donnas allowed on that set.

"Look at what happened to Gary Coleman," said Arngrim. "When he was on 'Diff'rent Strokes' he was really catered to. He could show up on set in his pajamas. That wouldn't have flown on 'Little House'. The kids on 'Diff'rent Strokes' were absolutely fussed over. Every whim was entertained and they were paid enormous amounts of money. They were treated like stars. How'd that work out?"
Angrim added, "On 'Little House' we were expected to just work. Most of us were paid less, but we still have some of the money. No arrests, no convictions."

Wow. First of all, Corey Haim was strung out on drugs at the time of his death, so no one was going to hire him for any roles because that's just an unwritten rule in the world of film and television.

Actually, Corey Haim had a couple of films that completed during the time of his death, & was slowly trying to make a comeback, & the autopsy reports labeled his death as "natural causes" due to pulmonary congestion due to community acquired pneumonia, & an enlarged heart, & fluid filled lungs.

Actually, Corey Haim had a couple of films that completed during the time of his death, & was slowly trying to make a comeback, & the autopsy reports labeled his death as "natural causes" due to pulmonary congestion due to community acquired pneumonia, & an enlarged heart, & fluid filled lungs.




So the cause of death wasn't a drug OD, as was previously thought? :confused: