Gary Coleman’s Mental Health Struggles Following The Cancellation Of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Revealed In New Documentary

Gary Coleman’s Mental Health Struggles Following The Cancellation Of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ Revealed In New Documentary

Gary Coleman’s mental health struggles take center stage in a new Peacock documentary.

The documentary GARY sheds light on the severe emotional and mental toll actor Gary Coleman faced after the end of his iconic role as Arnold Jackson on the sitcom Diff’rent Strokes.

Gary Coleman, who became a household name and one of the highest-paid child stars in television history, struggled with depression and a sense of being typecast after the show concluded in 1986.

Coleman’s friend and former business manager, Dion Mial, recounts a particularly significant moment in the doc:

“In 1987, I got a call from Gary. He said, ‘I just wanted to call you to say goodbye. I cannot take this anymore. It is not worth living.’”

This desperate call prompted Dion Mial to rush to Coleman’s side, where they shared an emotional moment, with Coleman described as “sitting along with a keyboard and he was just tapping single notes at a time.”

Gary Coleman

The documentary reveals that after Diff’rent Strokes ended, Coleman fell into deep depression, isolating himself and vowing never to return to entertainment, though he was soon persuaded otherwise.

Dion Mial explains,

“When Diff’rent Strokes was canceled in 1986, Gary was 18. He was exhausted, he was spent and he retreated. He went into a very deep depression for months.”

Coleman’s frustrations with his typecast role and the catchphrase “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” are also discussed.

Reflecting on how the role’s fame became a burden rather than a blessing, former girlfriend Anna Gray notes,

“He was really very tired of everyone wanting him for all the wrong reasons.”

The documentary also explores the turbulent aspects of Coleman’s life, including his strained relationship with his parents and persistent financial troubles. His ex-girlfriend, former manager, and others in Coleman’s circle offer insights into how these factors contributed to his distress, painting a picture of a life marked by profound personal and professional challenges.

The documentary is now streaming on Peacock. Share your thoughts in the comments below!