Friday, May 28, 2010

THE HAT SQUAD: GARY COLEMAN (2)

This has been a rough year when it comes to 'Diff'rent Strokes'. Just last week Dana Plato's son killed himself on the day after the 11th anniversary of his mother's death. And Dixie Carter passed away in April.

And now Gary Coleman is dead at the age of 42. He suffered a brain hemorrhage after a fall at his home in Utah a few days ago.

His character of Arnold Jackson Drummond has always been on the list for membership in the TV Crossover Hall Of Fame, but it always seemed like there'd be plenty of time for that "honor". Now it'll be more as a memorial when it happens.

Along with the 184 episodes of 'Diff'rent Strokes', Arnold was seen in several other TV series as well. He had the Golden Touch for NBC back in the 1980's.

'The Facts Of Life'
("Rough Housing")
("The New Girl - Part 1")

'Silver Spoons'
("The Great Computer Caper")

'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'
("I, Done - Part 2")

He also appeared in "Remote Control Man", an episode of 'Amazing Stories', but that took place in an alternate TV dimension in which the TV shows that make up the mosaic of Earth Prime-Time are merely TV shows, just like in the Trueniverse.

Probably the two most valuable people to be found at NBC in the 1980's were Brandon Tartikoff and Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson (although I'm sure the argument could be made for others as well.)

Life hadn't been easy for Gary Coleman once the show ended and adulthood kicked in; seems like every time he was in the news he was either in trouble or being treated as some kind of freak attraction. Hopefully, he's free of all troubles now.....

Good night and may God bless.
BCnU.......

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