Gary Coleman dies in hospital

 

Tragic ... Coleman died in hospital

 

DIFF'RENT Strokes actor Gary Coleman has died in hospital, it was confirmed tonight.

The former child star had been critically ill after apparently falling at home and suffering a brain haemorrhage on Wednesday.

Coleman, 42 — famous for his "What choo talkin' 'bout Willis?" catchphrase — had struggled to cope personally and professionally since the sitcom ended in 1986.

Glory days ... the Diff'rent Strokes cast

Tonight, Utah Hospital confirmed the diminutive Illinois-born actor had passed away after being taken off a life support machine.

A spokesman said: "Family members and close friends were at his side when life support was terminated.

"Family members express their appreciation and gratitude for the support and prayers that have been expressed for Gary and for them."

Coleman's growth was stunted by kidney disease at a young age, so he never grew beyond 4ft 8in.

He underwent kidney transplants in 1973 and 1984 and required daily dialysis.

Troubled

As a child, Coleman played wisecracking Arnold Willis in ratings winner Diff'rent Strokes, making him the highest-paid actor on TV.

At its peak, he was earning $100,000 an episode.

But when the show ended his work dried up, and he ended up being declared bankrupt in 1999.

He later admitted twice trying to kill himself with sleeping pill overdoses.

In January this year, he was bailed on a domestic violence rap after allegedly lashing out at wife Shannon Price, 24, who he wed in 2007.

And in 1998, he received a 90-day suspended sentence and a $1,580 fine for assault after he punched a female fan who had asked for his autograph.

Diff'rent Strokes ran for eight seasons between 1978 and 1986, attracting huge ratings all over the world, including in Britain.

Coleman's co-stars have also fallen victim to the show's so-called "curse".

His on-screen brother, Todd Bridges, 44, battled cocaine addiction for several years in his 20s and once faced trial for attempting to murder a Los Angeles drug dealer.

Meanwhile, "wholesome step-sister" Dana Plato ended up in a dry cleaning job before being prosecuted for stealing $160 from a video store.

She later turned to drink and drugs, and died from an overdose of painkillers and tranquilisers aged just 35.