Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 – May 28, 2010) was an American actor, known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986) and for his small stature as an adult. He was described in the 1980s as "one of television's most promising stars". After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled financially later in life. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and business advisor over misappropriation of his assets, only to declare bankruptcy a decade later.
He guest starred as himself to bail Drake Parker and Josh Nichols out of jail when they were incarcerated for selling stolen Gary Coleman Grills in the Drake & Josh episode "The Gary Grill". The product parodies the George Foreman Grills.
