Whatcha Talking About - Gary Coleman Dead?

The shocking stories just keep coming ... Gary Coleman is dead. This brother always seemed to be fighting an uphill battle ever since Diff'rent Strokes ended but I am so sad that a life that promised so much has ended in such tragedy at just 42.

Gary on Diff'rent Strokes was my number one inspiration as a child - as a short, quiet (or at least I used to be!) Black boy I was inspired by his character on the show. So much so that as an 11 year old my classmates gave me the nickname Arnie!

His intelligence and sense of humour showed me it was OK to show my own, spurring me on to much of what I have achieved thus far.

I was blessed to have interviewed two of Gary's co-stars, Shavar Ross (who played schoolmate Dudley) and (older brother Willis AKA) Todd Bridges, both of whom told me how difficult it was to make contact with Gary.

By the way, is it true his life support machine was turned off after only one day?

Something's not right there.

RIP Gary, I'm not sure I would have made it this far without you and Arnold Jackson.