August 29th 2024.
Gary Coleman, a beloved American actor from the 80s, lived an extraordinary life despite facing numerous health challenges. He began his career as a child and shot to fame for his role as Arnold Jackson in the popular sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, which ran from 1978 to 1986. But what many people didn't know was that Coleman was battling a kidney disease throughout his life, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 42 in 2010.
Coleman's health struggles began at a young age when he was diagnosed with a congenital kidney defect called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis at the age of two. Despite this, he continued to pursue his acting career, becoming the highest-paid child actor on television and appearing in various shows and movies, including Hello, Larry, The Facts of Life, Silver Spoons, and Amazing Stories. He even had his own Saturday morning cartoon, The Gary Coleman Show, and starred in two films, On the Right Track and Jimmy the Kid.
At the age of five, Coleman underwent a kidney transplant, which gave him a new lease on life. However, the transplant was not a permanent solution, and he would need another one in the future. Unfortunately, when he was 17, his body re-absorbed the transplanted kidney, leaving him with no kidneys at all. This meant that he had to undergo dialysis three days a week, four hours a day, for the rest of his life.
In a new documentary about his life titled Gary, it was revealed that Coleman lived without any kidneys for nearly 25 years before his passing. His lifelong friend Dion Mial shared that the kidney that had been transplanted was eventually absorbed by his body, and from then on, he lived with no kidneys at all. This was a shocking revelation for many, as Coleman had continued to work and pursue his passions despite his health struggles.
Coleman's mother, Edmonia Sue, also shared her son's journey in the documentary, recalling how he was diagnosed with the kidney disease at a young age. She also revealed that they received the news of a kidney available for him when he was just five years old. After his surgery, he was able to do things he couldn't before, like standing on his head. However, they were also told that he would need another transplant if he were lucky enough to make it to adulthood.
Despite his health challenges, Coleman continued to work and make a name for himself in the entertainment industry. However, his condition did take a toll on him, and his former co-stars from Diff'rent Strokes shared how he would struggle to make it through scenes, often throwing up on set. In 2009, he started experiencing seizures, and the following year, after a fall at his home, he suffered an intracranial hemorrhage and passed away two days later.
Today, Coleman's legacy lives on, and his story continues to inspire many. The documentary Gary, which delves into his life and struggles, is now streaming on Peacock. If you have a celebrity story to share, don't hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team by emailing us or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you.
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