Todd Bridges: ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ star claims Gary Coleman was exploited by greed

Todd Bridges believes Gary Coleman could have avoided the struggles of child stardom if he hadn’t been compelled to support his family financially.

“That’s what happens when people get greedy,” Coleman’s “Diff’rent Strokes” co-star told Fox News Digital. “They tend to just take money … and steal things. We all lost some money to some people.

“The only thing that’s different in my life is that I made it through. I’m still here. I’m working and doing other stuff. … As far as [co-star] Dana [Plato] and Gary go, unfortunately, they’re both not here. … For Gary’s situation, I just think he was around the wrong people.”

Coleman, who became a household name with the hit ‘70s sitcom, passed away in 2010 at the age of 42. His life and career are now the focus of a new documentary titled “Gary” on Peacock. The film explores his rise to fame, challenges under the spotlight, and the circumstances surrounding his demise.

The documentary features new interviews with Bridges, past managers, Coleman’s estranged parents, and his ex-wife, Shannon Price.

“It’s very important to speak out about Gary Coleman,” said Bridges, 59. “People need to know who he really was. He was a good kid. People need to know that.”

“Diff’rent Strokes” hit NBC in 1978, spotlighting Coleman, a pint-sized 10-year-old with impeccable comic timing. He played Arnold Jackson, the younger of two African American boys adopted by a wealthy White man. The show addressed class and racial issues as well as the usual coming-of-age trials. Arnold’s catchphrase, “Whatchu talkin’ ’bout?” became a cultural phenomenon.

“When I first met Gary, I thought he was a really smart kid,” Bridges recalled. “I didn’t know what to think. … I think he grew up around adults, so it was a lot different for him. I grew up around other kids. But I enjoyed being around him.” He also reminisced about their playful moments, like when they all laughed after Gary fell while attempting to jump rope.

But bringing the show to life came with its struggles. In the documentary, Bridges claims that Coleman was forced by his father to continue working even when he was unwell.

“I was not happy [to see that],” Bridges said. “I knew he was sick. He should’ve had the opportunity to be able to rest when the season was done. Those seasons are not like the seasons today.”

Coleman’s short stature contributed to his child star charm but resulted from a serious health issue—kidney failure. He underwent his first of at least two transplants at age five and needed dialysis. Even as an adult, he grew to a mere 4 feet, 8 inches.

Coleman’s parents, Sue and Willie Coleman, denied the allegations in the documentary. Yet, during his lifetime, Coleman felt exploited. He sued his parents and his former manager in 1989, accusing them of misusing his trust fund. That same year, his mother sought court control of his $6 million fortune, citing his inability to manage his affairs. Coleman stated the move “obviously stems from her frustration at not being able to control my life.”

By 1999, Coleman had filed for bankruptcy protection.

Coleman was the highest-paid child actor on TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s. But as he aged, he faced legal, financial, and health issues. Despite some TV appearances and small roles, he struggled to regain his former glory and even worked as a security guard at one point.

Coleman wasn’t alone in facing difficulties. In 1989, Bridges was acquitted of attempted murder in the shooting of a drug dealer. He testified that he turned to drugs after “Diff’rent Strokes” ended. Plato, who played their sister, pleaded guilty to robbery charges in 1991 and died of an overdose in 1999 at age 34.

Bridges, who overcame his addiction, recollected how he tried to console Coleman when he was in trouble. “I remember saying to Gary, ‘Because I’m your brother, man. It happens. It’s OK. You’ll get out of it.’” He also spoke fondly of Plato, describing her as “a light” and a “spark.”

Following the end of “Diff’rent Strokes,” bets were made on which of the three would die first. Bridges overcame the grim expectations, staying sober for over 31 years and starting the Society of Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment to help other addicts. He is also voicing a character in an upcoming animated series and launching a podcast with his wife discussing sobriety.

Bridges credited his faith for keeping him grounded. “Whenever I’m going through something, I go to God, and things change in my life,” he said. “People ask me why. I tell them I’ve had situations in my life where I knew He was real.”

“What I always tell people is this: For every child actor you see going wrong, I can name you 10 that haven’t,” he noted. “It’s only certain people. … We need to watch out for predators. They’re there and they’re waiting.”

“Gary” premieres Aug. 29.

Source: Fox News Digital, The Associated Press