Gary Coleman - Actor Profile

Gary Coleman

Acting
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
31Total Films
8.9 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 8, 1968
Birth Place: Zion, Illinois, USA

About Gary Coleman

Gary Wayne Coleman (February 8, 1968 — May 28, 2010) was an American actor, known for his childhood role as Arnold Jackson in the American sitcom Diff'rent Strokes (1978–1986) and for his small stature as an adult. He was described in the 1980s as "one of television's most promising stars". After a successful childhood acting career, Coleman struggled financially later in life. In 1989, he successfully sued his parents and business advisor over misappropriation of his assets, only to declare bankruptcy a decade later.

Gary Coleman Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Gary Coleman reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 31 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Gary Coleman's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 13% of Gary Coleman's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Night of the Living Doo, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Gary Coleman Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Gary Coleman's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Gary Coleman has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Gary Self (archive footage) Average Similar →
2014 Amnesia: Who Are You? Internet Submission 2 Flop Similar →
2011 Midgets vs Mascots Himself Flop Similar →
2008 An American Carol Slave Flop Similar →
2008 The Great Buck Howard Gary Coleman Average Similar →
2007 A Christmas Too Many Pizza Guy Flop Similar →
2006 Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Diff'rent Strokes' Himself Average Similar →
2006 Church Ball Charles Higgins Flop Similar →
2004 Save Virgil Himself, The Devil Flop Similar →
2003 A Carol Christmas Christmas Past Average Similar →
2003 Tupac: Resurrection Self (archival) Super Hit Similar →
2003 Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star Self Flop Similar →
2002 Frank McKlusky, C.I. Gary Coleman Flop Similar →
2001 Night of the Living Doo Gary Coleman (voice) Super Hit Similar →
2000 Shafted Mister Gary Coleman Flop Similar →
1998 Like Father, Like Santa Ignatius Flop Similar →
1998 Dirty Work Self Average Similar →
1996 Fox Hunt Murray Lipschitz, Jr. Flop Similar →
1995 S.F.W. Gary Coleman Average Similar →
1988 Nineteen Summers: San Diego Padres 1969-1988 - Flop Similar →
1986 Gary Coleman: For Safety's Sake - Flop Similar →
1985 Playing with Fire David Phillips Average Similar →
1985 Night of 100 Stars II Self Super Hit Similar →
1984 The Fantastic World of D.C. Collins D. C. Collins Flop Similar →
1983 The Kid with the 200 I.Q. Nick Newell Flop Similar →
1982 Jimmy the Kid Jimmy Flop Similar →
1982 The Kid with the Broken Halo Andy LeBeau Average Similar →
1981 On the Right Track Lester Flop Similar →
1980 Scout's Honor Joey Seymour Hit Similar →
1980 Lucy Moves to NBC VP of Programming Flop Similar →
1979 The Kid from Left Field Jackie Robinson 'J.R.' Cooper Average Similar →

Gary Coleman - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Gary Coleman?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Gary Coleman is "Night of the Living Doo" with a rating of 8.9/10.

How many movies has Gary Coleman acted in?

Gary Coleman has been featured in at least 31 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Gary Coleman?

Other notable films include "Night of 100 Stars II", "Tupac: Resurrection", and "Scout's Honor".

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