“AlI I ever wanted as a kid was to be a famous TV star... My dream came true when I was lucky enough to land the role of Willis Jackson on ‘Diff’rent Strokes.’ I thought I had it made, and for a little while, I did. But I didn’t know God had other plans for me.”
 -- Excerpted from the Preface (pg. 1)

“What you talking ‘bout, Willis” was Gary Coleman’s character’s signature catchphrase on “Diff’rent Strokes” which millions of viewers kept tuning in to hear every week over the course of the cursed TV show’s eight-year run from 1978 until 1986. I say the sitcom was cursed because of the well-publicized host of woes which would be visited upon the trio of child actors who starred on the program.

The diminutive Coleman had to declare bankruptcy after his trust fund was squandered by his parents. He ended up working as a working as a security guard in a mall where he was charged with assault for punching a female patron.  

Today, the 40 year-old virgin needs dialysis daily due to the congenital kidney disease which stunted growth at 4’8”. He was most recently back in the tabloids in January of this year when he was arrested for domestic violence.

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