New Gary Coleman Documentary Reveals Untold Stories of the Late Actor’s Troubled Life

Peacock’s latest documentary, GARY, offers a comprehensive 90-minute exploration into the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved yet tragic figures, Gary Coleman. This deep-dive film uncovers the various phases of Coleman’s life, from his meteoric rise to fame as a child star to the personal and financial struggles that haunted him until his untimely death in 2010.

The documentary highlights Coleman’s discovery at the tender age of eight by the legendary Norman Lear, who catapulted him to stardom. However, beneath the surface of Coleman’s success lay a series of troubles, particularly with his parents and management team, who are alleged to have misused his earnings. In a candid interview featured in the film, Coleman recounts the moment he decided to take control of his life by investigating his finances and ultimately firing his entire team.

“Enough of all of you people, I’m sick of all of you people, I don’t want to hear from any of you people. I want accounting, I want it now,” Coleman declared, echoing the frustration that led him to regain control of his finances after two years of intense legal battles.

The film delves into the bitter fight for Coleman’s assets, including an unsuccessful attempt by his parents to establish a conservatorship over his finances. According to his attorney, Drew Rice, Coleman’s funds had been recklessly moved from secure accounts into various investments, most of which failed disastrously.

GARY also sheds light on Coleman’s lesser-known legal troubles, including a brush with the law in Santaquin, Utah, where he was arrested on a domestic assault warrant just months before his passing. Despite these challenges, the documentary paints a picture of a man who fought valiantly against overwhelming odds.

In addition to his legal and financial woes, Coleman faced a lifetime of health issues. Born with a congenital kidney defect, he underwent a kidney transplant at just five years old. Tragically, by the time he was 17, his body had absorbed the donated organ, leaving him to battle further health complications throughout his life. The film also touches on Coleman’s struggles with mental health, an aspect of his life often overshadowed by his fame.

Gary Coleman passed away on May 28, 2010, from a brain hemorrhage following a fall at his home. The documentary does not shy away from the circumstances surrounding his death, adding yet another layer to the complex narrative of his life.

GARY is now available for streaming on Peacock, offering fans and viewers a poignant look into the life of a man who, despite his fame, faced immense struggles behind the scenes.