Age and birthdate overview
Gary Coleman was born on February 8, 1968, in Zion, Illinois, making him 56 years old as of 2024. He gained fame as a child actor on the sitcom Diff'rent Strokes, where his comedic timing and signature catchphrase became cultural touchstones. This profile clarifies his age at key career points, distinguishes verified milestones from media portrayals, and provides a concise factual timeline for reference.
Why age and birthdate details matter in biographical reporting
Exact birthdates and ages help contextualize career timelines, contractual eligibility during early roles, and transitions into adulthood in the public eye. For figures who began working as child performers, confirming age at specific milestones prevents confusion from recasting, lookalike claims, or satirical impersonations. Reliable sourcing from official records such as birth certificates, legal documents, and authoritative biographies supports consistent and respectful reporting.
Gary Coleman core profile breakdown
Below are key, source-attributed attributes that define Coleman's identity and career phase. The table captures verified data points most useful for searches focused on biographical clarity and timeline accuracy.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Gary Coleman | Legal records |
| Date of birth | February 8, 1968 | Birth certificate / reputable biography |
| Place of birth | Zion, Illinois, United States | Public biographies |
| Age at Diff'rent Strokes start | 10 (series began 1978) | Production archives |
| Age at 1980s peak earnings | 12–15 during peak syndication and endorsements | Contract and earnings reports |
| Age at death | 42 (died May 28, 2010) | Coroner / news reports |
Child star trajectory and contract considerations
Coleman's career began in the mid-1970s with commercials and minor roles, but Diff'rent Strokes established him as a leading child star. During early production years, strict labor laws for minors and structured payment arrangements like trust accounts governed his earnings. Understanding his age at contract signing explains both professional opportunities and legal safeguards that shaped his financial trajectory before adulthood.
Key career stages by age
- 1976: Early guest spots and regional commercials
- 1978–1986: Main cast on Diff'rent Strokes, ages 10–18
- 1980s: Voice work, endorsements, and public appearances at peak earning ages 12–15
- 1990s–2000s: Revival roles, reality TV, and personal ventures in adulthood
- 2010: Passes away at age 42
Age-linked legal and financial context
When evaluating how old Gary Coleman was at any point, it is important to consider how child labor regulations and structured settlements influenced his career. Minor work permits, trust funds for earnings, and ongoing financial oversight were common for child performers of his era. These mechanisms protected income while limiting immediate access, shaping how and when resources became available in adulthood.
Public perception versus verified timelines
Media coverage, retrospective interviews, and impersonators can blur public memory of exact ages. Some confusion arises from satirical portrayals or misreported birth years, but primary documents such as birth certificates and court records preserve factual alignment. By anchoring timelines to verified dates, it becomes easier to distinguish between anecdote and accountable reporting.
Frequently asked questions about Gary Coleman's age
Readers commonly seek clarity on his age at milestone events, the timeline of his career, and the basis for these details. The following points address recurring questions with concise, sourced explanations.
- What was his age when Diff'rent Strokes started? He began the series at age 10 in 1978.
- How old was he during his highest-earning years? He was roughly 12 to 15 years old during the peak syndication and endorsement period in the early 1980s.
- Is his birthdate publicly confirmed? Yes, multiple biographies and legal documents list February 8, 1968, as his date of birth.
- Did age affect his later career opportunities? As with many child performers, transitioning to adult roles involved rebuilding public perception and adapting to industry changes.
- What is the source for age and timeline details? Information draws from verified biographies, contractual records, and reputable news archives that cite official documentation.
Age in perspective: career milestones and cultural footprint
Placing Gary Coleman's age alongside career events helps clarify his trajectory from child star to adult public figure. His early start, legal protections for minors, and documented timeline provide a reliable reference for ongoing discussions. This context supports informed interpretation while reducing reliance on approximation or speculation.