Let’s get serious for a second, albeit artistically. NBCUniversal streaming platform Peacock just released the official trailer for its upcoming documentary “Gary”, which unpacks the life and legacy of Gary Coleman, who you recall was the beloved child star of hit sitcom “Diff’rent Strokes”, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely death at age 42.
The project is directed by Robin Dashwood and produced by RAW, “Gary” explores Coleman’s meteoric rise to fame as the breakout star of the hit TV show “Diff’rent Strokes” and the struggles he faced in the years that followed.
Get this, the premium documentary promises a comprehensive look at Coleman’s life, including his battles with depression and the controversies that emerged after his untimely death.
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The official description reads like this:
Gary follows the extraordinary story of Gary Coleman’s rise to international fame as the child star of “Diff’rent Strokes”; his struggles with fame; and the controversy surrounding his tragic death at the age of 42. For the first time, viewers will get insight into Coleman’s private world through exclusive interviews with his fellow actors, industry insiders, and his estranged ex-wife and parents.
This is a feature documentary, spanning 90 minutes, featuring never-before-seen interviews with people close to Coleman, including his “Diff’rent Strokes” co-star Todd Bridges, former managers, and members of his estranged family. These interviews aim to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges Coleman faced, both in the spotlight and in his personal life. Sounds like it will delve into some good, dark and very real experiences surrounding Coleman.
“Gary” is executive produced by Louise Norman, Tom Sheahan, Steve Boettcher, and Mike Trinklein, and is set to premiere exclusively on Peacock on August 29.
Who was Gary Coleman? He became a household name in the late 1970s as Arnold Jackson, the wisecracking younger brother in “Diff’rent Strokes”. His signature phrase, “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” became iconic. However, despite his early success, Coleman’s life was marred by legal battles, financial difficulties, and health problems related to a congenital kidney disease, which stunted his growth and required frequent medical treatment. Deep all around.
Sadly, as an adult, Coleman struggled to find steady work in Hollywood and faced numerous personal challenges. He had a highly publicized legal battle with his parents over the mismanagement of his earnings. In 2010, Coleman’s life ended in controversy when he died following a fall at his home. His death was ruled accidental, but it fueled widespread speculation and debate. There goes the controversy around his death and we’re sure the documentary will go into that in detail.
Viewers can watch the trailer for “Gary” below and stream exclusively on Peacock on August 29.