Gary Coleman 1993 interview with Brad Lemack (courtesy of RerunIt.com)

What a tragic life.
Personally, I liked Gary Coleman. I first knew him back in the days of his hit TV series "Diff'rent Strokes." There were issues even then, all well documented publicly ... health scares, health challenges, followed later by battles with his parents over control over money he had earned from that very success and very long running series that defined not only his career, but the rest of his life.
I am deeply sadden by the news today of Gary's death at the age of 42. Only 42. The legitimate new services will provide coverage of those details today and in the days ahead that is better left in their hands.
I prefer to remember Gary as he was in 1993, when I interviewed him for our Beverly Hills coffee shop chat show. He was unusually at ease talking about his life, both where he had come from, how he got there, his perspective on it all, and the challenges ahead -- many never conquered.
My interview with Gary is a part of the RerunIt.com collection. It hasn't yet been added to the viewing-on-demand library on the site, but we have been editing the various segments in preparation for the interview's uploading in our next batch of segments to be added.
With the events of the day, I feel it important to rush the process a bit so that I can share with you some of the special moments from that interview.

[@CS-uc2oh]

He was 25 here but sounds 40. He was an intelligent, whole being and he deserved better than the way he was treated.

[@cordea5146]

He always sounded older than he actually was. He was mature way beyond his years.

[@TestTester-if8ii]

He was an insecure weirdo who assaulted many women.

[@gunnerseven7724]

Gary seems like such a cool person. Too bad he totally got a raw deal in life. I miss him. He was a part of my childhood.

[@nomibe2911]

The most talented child actor of my lifetime. Still can't believe the timing he had as a kid.

[@WaterzEdge]

Very well spoken and articulate young man...RIP, G!

[@beneaththecrust4661]

WOW!!!!! Gary Coleman was deep. My heart aches for him.

[@elvicare35]

Really thoughtful and good guy!!!!!

[@sungods-fh1xu]

Me too. I grew up in the 80s as a child and watch his show and even movies. ❤🙏

[@BrakerLane]

This was probably the best time of his life. He is confident, lucid and grateful for all he had.

[@MichaelGiordano777]

Until he found out his own parents, agents and accountants stole most of his fortune. Things changed for Gary after that. He was never the same guy. He had a good constitution and work ethic before all this. He really got screwed over but good. And I'm not even talking about his personal health issues. IMHO

[@BrakerLane]

@@MichaelGiordano777 he discovered those things when he turned 18. This was a few years later when he seemed to be at peace with everything.

[@univuniveral9713]

It always gets philosophical, and even spiritual.

[@lesleyclarke9500]

When did Gary have his kidneys removed and how long was he on dialysis for?

[@annunziatabari9766]

Yes

[@jasondenham560]

There was child actors and then there was Gary Coleman, never confuse the two, Rest in Peace sir, The best ever to do it.

[@erickm3874]

Gary Coleman always seemed like a genuine dude. RIP!

[@richardmartinez6925]

Gary Coleman was such an intelligent, articulate and humble guy but the only thing most people noticed was his height and catch phrase. You can tell all he wanted was people to look past those petty things and know his genuine personality.

[@intromix]

Sucks that him and Dana Plato arent here today :( RIP

[@elvicare35]

Amen!

[@anibalcesarnishizk2205]

People think that show business is charming but it is known that can steal souls.

[@browsertab]

It sucks even worse what life did to them at such vulnerable ages.

[@ChihuahuaboyDH]

It's nice to see an interview with Gary feeling confident & happy. I wish he had more of these moments in his life. R.I.P., Gary Coleman.

[@BLemack]

I am deeply sadden by the news today of Gary’s death at the age of 42. Only 42. The legitimate new services will provide coverage of those details today and in the days ahead that is better left in their hands. I prefer to remember Gary as he was in 1993, when I interviewed him for our Beverly Hills coffee shop chat show. With the events of the day, I wanted to share with you some of the special moments from that interview. Brad Lemack

[@adamsamuel8593]

Ten years ago today the greatest child actor died. R.I.P Gary Coleman

[@ghassanjenainaty4212]

Life was never fair with this poor guy ! I hope you are in a better place away from the garbage of this world. Rest in peace buddy

[@Dukes-nt1er]

A REMARKABLE PERFORMER.........ONE OF THE TV GREATS...AND STILL A JOY TO WATCH HIS WORK...A JOY.

[@BLemack]

Thanks for your comment. As we all learned, Gary was a complicated guy in many ways, but he was one of the more interesting, intelligent and down-to-earth people I have known.

[@Marsena]

Gary looked so good and handsome in this interview. What abominable havoc his illness did to him! He seems happy and confident here; wish he could have had more of these good times. RIP Gary!

[@Aaaykaay]

He is there! Handsome and intellectual. He should've married someone similar to us.

[@dbrown9495]

Gary Coleman was a child prodigy!! A pioneer!! Very intelligent and engaging in this interview!! Different strokes was great show that made my life so fun!!! A fun a great show to grow up on!! Real personalty!!

[@nordiq21]

Good interview. Thank you for posting

[@injanhoi1]

Very talented guy! Had a lot of difficulties in his life, particularly financial. Deserved better. RIP

[@BLemack]

Life's journey takes us all in different directions. When we reach a fork in the road, we make the best decision we can make at that time about which way to go from there. Only Gary would know how or why the twists and turns of his journey took him where they did. Perhaps it's best not to speculate, but, instead, to appreciate what he left behind from the "better days" for fans to remember and appreciate.

[@tyheemgregg3568]

Gary Coleman was a greatful actor I miss him so much .

[@saulomatos4755]

I'm from Brazil ! We love him,so sad think that him is not between us anymore! But he still lives in our minds and hearts !

[@odispsfashion-tv2420]

Nice interview, we will always remember about you, may God heal your soul

[@sanfrancisco89]

He was so aware, smart, and ambitious. He was also very self-conscious and burdened. I always liked and felt for this man.

[@RocStarr913]

@BLemack Thank you for sharing this. I had always felt bad for Coleman and what he went through with his health problems and his situation with his parents. I was always rooting for him to be able to come back and continue to do what he did on Diff'rent Strokes, just be able to effortlessly make people laugh. I think his death is a wake-up call to just how difficult being so huge while going through so much trauma at such a young age really is. It's good he can finally be at peace now.

[@smallclone]

This dude is a saint, God bless Gary Coleman

[@kendallrivers1119]

Ok he's not a saint. He's human with flaws and complications. That's what he said in this video. Let's celebrate Gary because he had his problems and worked hard to overcome them the best he could 👍

[@bobmag5058]

so intelligent and garceful and consionscintious.

[@feetler]

Isn't it something that out of all of the three kids from Dif'frent Strokes, Todd Bridges eventually ended up being the sane one nowadays. Although, both Gary and Dana Plato met tragic ends to their lives (a very sad ending), I, myself, still thank GOD that Todd Bridges (Willis) got it together, revived his career, and is still alive and well. RIP Gary Coleman. RIP Dana Plato.

[@injanhoi1]

Gary though had a lot of misfortune come his way though. His own parents, agent, and accountant stole his earnings. He found it hard to rebound after that. Todd and Dana got involved with drugs I believe. Todd rebounded. Gary had more hard hits I think. Losing all your fortune is devastating.

[@LinkRocks]

@@injanhoi1 Todd is active on social media. He's a big sports fan and posts about his teams often.

[@chefbee70]

Sorry. Gary..., hope you are reward better in the next life

[@nantakota4190]

He will be

[@Jc22ny]

he seems like a nice smart guy

[@BraidHeadMiles]

R.I.P Gary Coleman 🕊😇🕊

[@jarodcarnarvon5198]

He seemed very smart. Loved his acting..... Miss him.....

[@bhavnamistry1389]

God bless you gary, u are sorely missed thank you for all those yrs of laughter rip gary 😢🌹🥰🙏😘❤

[@boosaontoosa]

Gary Coleman is a legend I grew up on diffrent strokes

[@metop33]

Imagine working someplace for eight years and not having hardly a dime to show for it. That’s what it was like for him to be on a show that he truly did not like especially towards the end and then his parents take all his money and is left with nothing. And then humiliated throughout the media and society in general. So terrible and this guy was a talented smart guy that never really showed his abilities. Rest In Peace GC

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

I come across dudes like this on occasion, and I think, “man that dude is probably a ball to hang out with and have intelligent conversations without “certain pressures” that “certain expectations” bring.”

[@antoniokinsey4041]

Poor guy. I really liked him. He had a lot of problems.

[@beb5407]

HOLLYWOOD WAS THE PROBLEM. HOLLYWOOD WAS THE CAUSE N EFFECT!!!! THEY DESTROYED HIM N WHEN HE WAS NO MORE A MONEY MAKER THEY REPLACED HIM WITH EMMANUEL LEWIS N LEFT HIM TO DRY N DIE.

[@kcoolmuziq_Media_Mogul]

Gary was my WHOLE world as a child I wanted to be him so bad. He was the reason I entered ”The Industry “ as a child. It hurt my heart when I realized how much he was really suffering.

[@Froggolfing]

Back when he had patience and before he went a little crazy. His wife got away with murder

[@JesseWorld1000]

MrRideutah Yes it would seem his wife did get away with murder.

[@stephen-john1677]

He never went crazy, Hollyweird is to blame for that,

[@sujay4533]

@Jessica Smith they are showing rerun of different strokes in india now on tatasky hit channel. It's very sad to hear that gary passed away.

[@beb5407]

@@stephen-john1677 TRUTH TO BE TOLD! 🗣️🗣️🗣️ HOLLYWOOD DID HIM WRONG N CREATED FALSE NARRATIVE N CAUSED THE INCIDENTS THAT ENDED IN HIS DEATH

[@angm345]

I feel so bad for him and how his life was😔

[@ilikevines]

he was an intelligent dude

[@paulblartmallgth6652]

Damn shame he never got his break in adulthood. I could definitely see him in a dramatic role, maybe something he could've drawn from his personal life, like someone who was sick, short and not taken seriously.

[@sethmanrockandroll]

I grew up with Coleman as an adult and I always thought him to be a dynamic and intelligent fellow. Somebody missed the opportunity there for how to use him as an adult, he's just like Danny Devito as far as I'm concerned, he can really command a presence that makes up for whatever he's missing in height... but people kept making fun of him. He could laugh with it though.

[@BroskiRIP]

He's an amazing kid. Was probably 10 years old here but comes across like an adult. Love him.

[@iluvmyboba]

He was 25 years old here. He was born in 1968. This interview was in 1993.

[@lesleyclarke9500]

I think it was his Kidneys that stopped him from growing

[@shellydrelly]

LMAO

[@catnapgee5357]

What was so heartbreaking about this, was here was a talented guy who was so excited to live the rest of his life, only for it to be cut short just a decade and a half later.

[@LinkRocks]

A rare time where the interviewer was respectful towards Gary and didn't treat him like a carnival show act. Gary seemed to appreciate that too.

[@Ariespath9]

The sparkle went away from his eyes... eyes look heartbroken

[@lanabyk8012]

It was very nice of Mr. Coleman to give this interview...

[@sha11235]

Gary was talented. Loved him on DS. But he was even funnier on his guest starring role on Jeffersons.

[@MrOlympia459]

Diff'rentt Strokes in Brazil ! Forever !

[@astabasta63]

Gary Coleman is intelligent beyond his 25 years of life. This is NOT a 25 year old speaking, this is a very wise man.

[@a.b.s_productions]

Gary Coleman was funny as hell. May he Rest In Peace.

[@_TheRam]

I so much preorder this era of tv and media, there’re were so many wholesome characters and individuals that really had interesting things to say. Gary was a good kid who was mistreated by the industry.

[@vswapsy]

💔If he were around more supportive people he would still be alive, doing an amazing podcast, still doing many roles including Tyler Perry productions and so much more! Gary was so eloquent, funny, talented and underestimated 💪🏽❤ rip 🙏🏽

[@seyidaniel3423]

I wish I knew you Gary. You would have definitely had a friend in me

[@RawPower867]

He sounds so much younger than he is

[@saragorman7502]

What a talented guy he was, he made me laugh Gary Coleman did mainly in 'Different Strokes.'

[@anthonya1151]

R.I.P. Gary Coleman

[@adrienb7794]

It s like Gary was stuck in a "child" body for all its life, which must have prevented him in some ways from moving on to more mature roles and created a disconnection between the public perception and what he was inside, a very clever and honest person, as far as I can tell from this interview. add to that some betrayal from its own parents and one might understand the struggle he had to affront. I can only have sympathy for this guy.

[@Doslle]

Nuff said! r.i.p. Gary

[@alfreddreamer9097]

I really loved him when I was a kid. I watched Different Strokes whenever it came on. My grandaddy loved Different Strokes too. I was kind of jealous of Gary Coleman. Everyone loved him. He was super rich and famous. However, I still loved him. He seemed to have such a fun, positive attitude about life.

[@Abr022575]

He was great

[@ulysesslee1848]

He was very sane and grown up!! I pray he is at peace.

[@jwilliams7554]

John Henton said Gary Coleman auditioned for the role of Oberton on the sitcom Living Single

[@HeatherHotcakes]

Very gifted!!

[@Brando1274]

Too bad all those things he tried not to think or worry about tore him apart

[@nelsonmbigura7731]

Difference Strokes, my best comedy ever, from Nairobi Kenya. RIP Gary.

[@gymmaster9771]

You know what? Other than him responding to provoking, taunting and picking on him I’ve never heard many bad things about him, he’s very humble and grateful even with being screwed all his life, I also want to say, a security guard tho?

[@lesleyclarke9500]

Gary coleman looks very well when he was interviewed

[@danceswithcomicbooks7733]

This interviewer was professsional. Ither interviewers sought to embarrass him or preach to him. Man so many people treated him badly from the time he was 9 or 10 when he became famous. People trying to latch onto his fame or money just sucked the life out of him.

[@PaoloState]

A great human being

[@AccurateCrabLegs]

I'm watching this at 3 AM wearing blue shoes and a neon shirt with a beanie on my head.

[@peacheskong2245]

No pants???

[@PaoloState]

Same

[@CruceEntertainment]

Gary became depressed because the child stardom party came to an end. He was an amazing individual. RIP

[@PeterZeeke]

I really feel sad for Coleman. He made me so happy as a kid, such a shame how Hollywood spat him out 😔 I’ll always respect the contribution he made to getting black ppl in the mainstream

[@internetthug509]

He always moved his head too much while speaking...but that’s what made him unique. Great video. We love ya Gary!

[@euqniceuqnic1023]

Lol.. u stupid

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

He did not move his head too much. People have the right to be themselves!

[@BreakingImageFilms]

a true professional :( love you gary

[@Irockgswift]

Gary Coleman was so well spoken & civil during in this interview. At that point why did he became so angry through the years?

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

He was a regular person. When did you become angry,? He was ill, and many people treated him like dirt. Everyone has feelings, just like you.

[@AAN502]

Bless him

[@chrispate9855]

very big little MAN of life... very intelligent he was.

[@troyc4250]

Too bad he couldn’t get out early like he wanted. Sorry Gary, you deserved better.

[@kenshiro7960]

I believe if he had his $18 million his parents stole then I feel he would be alive today

[@DoubleYellowLinesUzu]

Gary Coleman ... AS!

[@tonydphaxking6204]

In Killing Willis I was very surprised to hear that he was soooo NASTY (after 2nd season) on the set.

[@jereedmunds7686]

Hmmm ok,so it was you!!! i am so sorry i did not response sooner. are you still arOund or away. hahaha this wintEr,away. i hope alL Is well. peace...jere ---------- Sent from AT&T's Wireless network using Mobile Email ------Original Message------

[@Toywithme200]

he was nasty cause he was sick with kidney disease and throwing up on the set, and his parents were making him work. todd bridges says this in an interview here on youtube. gary was a great person. a lot of people took advantage of him.

[@tonydphaxking6204]

OK. I accept that. That's a fair comment LadyScorpio.

[@linkbiff1054]

Coleman himself said it was by late season 5 or early season 6. Maybe Todd's story is different.

[@randallreiter8659]

link biff yea Gary said in a interview he enjoyed the show till season 6 when sam and Maggie got on the show he was wanting to be a normal kid and they quit writing shows for Kimberly and Willis and all the show was on him Todd and Gary had both said they were close on the set like brothers it's just around 2000 or 2001 he wanted to distance himself from anything about the show but he and Todd made up and were close again before he died because Todd would come to see him

[@boosaontoosa]

RIP

[@Cooter6]

So epic

[@stefanosprokopis6974]

He was a natural actor

[@jpcancela]

Dayum he looks like The Game

[@MaurandisDaRadusFilms]

True shit

[@4ways2go]

I remember Montgomery Wards

[@4ways2go]

That life stressed him out he just wanted to go places and not be bother.

[@DoItLikeLilah]

&& i wonder what he would've done if someone would have told him that he only had 17 short years of his life left...smh...rip gary.

[@rogersmith6411]

Cold...I love porsia....

[@vswapsy]

❤❤❤

[@rogersmith6411]

Sorry...... Gary.

[@queen_of_domination]

I felt bad for him.

[@Beck-Stein]

His biological parents ditched him. His adoptive parents stole his money. His wife used him. Sad.

[@nate9253]

A sad end to in the end a very sad Man . RIP

[@paulcooper5748]

What you talkin about willis had to say it love gary coleman R.I.P brother.

[@chefbee70]

Sad.... lost it all

[@rogersmith6411]

Gary was right it's lawful his.... give it to him

[@leonguerrero1132]

Hi everybody. I am a native speaker of Spanish. and I don't understand the meaning: Diff'rent strokes. please Could someone explain to me the real meaning of this title?

[@insidethebusinessofacting1949]

Hello, Leon ... From the Collins English Dictionary: "Different strokes (for different folks) means that people are different and that some individuals or groups have different needs and wants from others." I hope this is helpful!

[@leonguerrero1132]

@@insidethebusinessofacting1949 Thank you Sir. I believe that I get it. God bless you.

[@satanclaus8381]

It was so weird to see Arnold at 16 head over heels for girls played by actresses no more than 12.