Gary Coleman, 1968-2010. R.I.P.

Actor Gary Coleman has died of a intracranial hemorrage as a result of a fall at his home. He was 42.

The diminutive Coleman is best remembered for playing Arnold Jackson on the TV series Diff'rent Strokes which aired on NBC from 1978 to 1985 and on ABC from 1985 to 1986.

The last quarter century had not been kind to Coleman. He took his parents to court over his earnings they misappropriated. Although he won his finances were in such a state that he filed for bankruptcy.

Acting jobs were hard to come by. At one point Coleman took a job as a security guard to make ends meet.

Coleman was one of 135 candidates who ran for Governor of California in 2003 after Gray Davis' recall. He would eventually support Arnold Schwarzenegger's successful gubernatorial bid.

Sometimes he was his own worst enemy with a volatile temper. Matrimony did little to quell his rage.

Then there were his health problems beginning with his congenital kidney disease which required two transplants and stunted his growth. He required constant dialysis. His health took a turn for the worse earlier this year after he suffered two seizures. One of which took place while he was doing a TV interview.

If only that rage could have been channeled into the sort of meaty acting role that would have led people to look at him in a new light. Unfortunately, that chance never came.

Of course, even if it had there's no guarantee it would have led to contentment.

I don't want to sound cliche but given his circumstances he might now very well be in a better place.