Child star, Gary Coleman tormented even in death.
The bizarre behavior of Gary Coleman’s ex wife, Shannon Price before and after his death raises many questions about her role and motives in this tragedy. From her strange conversation with the 911 operator when she said she was too grossed out by blood to help him, and then selling pictures of the deceased Coleman for $10,000, and then fighting over his funeral, remains and property, her actions are suspicious. Some suggested Price murdered Coleman because she needed money.
Even though Coleman and Price divorced after a brief one year marriage (August 2007- August 2008) they were living together in his Utah home, when Coleman was reported by Price to have fallen down the stairs on May 26. He suffered a fatal head trauma and died on May 28 after life support was removed. Price was authorized in Coleman’s living will to “pull the plug.”
Who could ever imagine the tragic outcome of TV child star, Gary Coleman? After his hey day years as the adorable little younger brother in the TV hit Diff’rent Strokes ended, his life went downhill.
Gary Coleman was born in Zion, Illinois on February 8, 1968. He was adopted when he was one day old by Edmonia Sue, a nurse practitioner and her husband W.G. Coleman, a fork- lift operator.
From an early age he suffered from nephritis, a potentially fatal congenital kidney disease, which stopped his growth at an early age and left him with a childlike appearance. He had two kidney transplants, one in 1973 and one in 1984, and for a time he required daily dialysis.
Despite his health problems Coleman was a bright, talented and a skilled actor. He was best known for his role as Arnold Drummond, a spunky little Harlem boy adopted with his brother into a wealthy white household in the TV hit Diff’rent Strokes, which lasted from1976-86
Coleman was said to have earned as much as $100,000 per episode. It was later reported that ¾ of his earnings was given to his parents, advisors, lawyers and the IRS. When Diff’rent Strokes ended he was 18 and had little to show for his success. He ended up suing his parents and was estranged from them throughout his adult life.
Like many child actors he never again achieved his early fame and money. He was angry and depressed.He tried suicide in 1993. He was arrested for anger related crimes and domestic violence. He even tried to run for governor of California. He took odd jobs and worked as a security guard to pay his bills. Recently he was hospitalized for heart and seizure problems. His ex-wife said they were planning to remarry.
It can only be hoped that Gary Coleman has found some peace in the afterlife as he continues to be exploited by his ex-wife. She called in a production team to take pictures of Gary just prior to her agreeing to end his life support. She sold the pictures for $10,000 to a trashy supermarket tabloid with no shame or sense of decency.
Shannon Price continues to give interviews and take everything she can from Coleman’s estate even though he died relatively broke. His main asset is his $315,000 home. Other survivors are jockeying for pieces of his estate also. The vultures are circling as interviews about dead celebrities sell well.
Hopefully, Gary Coleman will be remembered for his talent and charming role in Diff’rent Strokes and the pleasure he gave to his audience ……R.I.P Dear Gary.
Sources:
Wikipedia.com
People Magazine
Entertainment Tonight
