Gary Coleman Documentary Director Hopes Film Can “Cut Through Some of the Misinformation”

As a documentary filmmaker, I have always been fascinated by the lives of people who have lived through extraordinary circumstances, and Coleman’s story is no exception. What struck me most while making this film was not just his incredible talent but also the tragic turn his life took due to factors beyond his control.

Upon his passing away in 2010 at the age of 42, the late Gary Coleman, famously known for his role in “Diff’rent Strokes,” was often remembered in numerous obituaries as a talented child actor who faced challenges in his personal life later on.

The upcoming documentary titled “Gary” on Peacock aims to offer a unique angle on his widely recognized narrative. Directed by Robin Dashwood known for “Hitler’s Countdown to War”, this film traces the journey of the charismatic Coleman, from his commercial debut to his iconic role as Arnold Jackson in “Diff’rent Strokes” (remember his famous catchphrase: “What you talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”). The movie includes conversations with a variety of individuals who have been close to Coleman, such as friends, family members including his parents and ex-spouse. It delves into both well-known phases of his life – his marital struggles, legal troubles, and health complications, as well as lesser-known facts like his lifelong interest in space exploration and his enthusiasm for working as a security guard later in life.

In an interview, Dashwood expressed his desire for the movie to offer a more comprehensive portrayal of a life often sensationalized by tabloids. He explained, “While there’s certainly a lesson in there about the dangers faced by child stars, I hope viewers are touched by the fact that despite being beset by numerous problems beyond his control, he persevered. He never gave up.”

The Hollywood Reporter also discussed with Dashwood the issue of misleading information that has been circulating regarding certain events in Coleman’s life, as well as Coleman’s challenging dynamic with his own fame.

What first got you interested in Gary Coleman as a potential documentary subject?

Lately, there’s been a surge of successful celebrity documentaries, and [Peacock] may have noticed the gap, thinking “No one has explored Gary Coleman’s story yet.” They proposed this concept to RAW, a London-based production company, who took it up. While Americans are well-versed in Gary Coleman’s life due to his significant impact on pop culture, his fame is less widespread in Britain. Perhaps [Peacock] believed that a British production team could offer a fresh perspective uninfluenced by past narratives. RAW approached me with the question, “Would you be interested in working on it?” As a child, I had seen Diff’rent Strokes on TV here, and I appreciated Coleman’s performance, but I was largely unaware of his personal struggles, court cases, illnesses, move to Utah, and tumultuous marriage to Shannon [Price]. This intrigued me, and I was eager to learn more. I found the story to be incredibly tragic yet filled with Gary’s indomitable spirit, which made it compelling. So, this project’s allure lay in uncovering the lesser-known aspects of his life while being captivated by his resilience.

How did you manage to persuade all those significant characters from Gary’s tale to be part of your documentary? What was that process like?

Some individuals expressed great enthusiasm, such as Todd Bridges and his representative Victor Perillo. Others required more encouragement; the parents and Shannon were initially hesitant. However, we engaged in a prolonged conversation with them to address their concerns. We met the parents, even traveling to their location last autumn for lunch as part of our effort to convince them. They’ve understandably been cautious due to past media experiences, but they eventually agreed. Shannon required more time, but she eventually understood that if we were producing a significant documentary about Gary, it would seem strange if others told her story instead. She ultimately recognized the value in having the opportunity to share her perspective on camera.

Given that Coleman received a lot of media attention during his lifetime in the U.S., I’m curious: what aspects of Coleman’s tale do you think will astonish the audience the most?

Our aim here is to separate fact from fiction by dispelling various rumors and gossip, and instead, provide the known details as accurately as possible. In my discussions with crucial figures, I noticed that each person has a unique perspective on the events, which they firmly uphold, and sometimes, these accounts contradict one another. However, I believe the truth lies somewhere within these narratives. What we’re striving for is to present a comprehensive account of the facts surrounding the incident.

Regarding the court case, many have been spreading rumors about what transpired, but let’s focus on the actual facts. Much like Shannon’s relationship with Coleman, there’s a lot of speculation surrounding his death and whether she was involved. In my conversations with people, I discovered that many were unaware that the police had thoroughly investigated and found no evidence suggesting foul play. My hope is to dispel some of the misinformation circulating. I believe that after watching this documentary, viewers will form their own opinions based on the evidence we present.

In the movie, Coleman’s friend Anna mentions that he explicitly requested neither a funeral nor a grave marker after his death, stating “I just want to be left in peace at the end.” Did you find it challenging to adhere to this wish while creating a documentary about him?

It’s indeed an insightful question. To clarify, I hadn’t realized he had made that statement until we’d already started working on the project. There is certainly a complex aspect to this, but I believe our approval from individuals like Anna and Dion, who were his closest companions for most of his life, gave us a sense of security. My aim is for the film to reflect him accurately and pay tribute to him. That’s my hope. Regrettably, I can’t verify this with him, but I aspire that it will remind people of his extraordinary talent, as well as the unfortunate course his life took due to various reasons beyond his control.

Did making this documentary change or alter your view on child acting?

Absolutely, the movie prompted some reflection. Frankly, I’m not well-versed in the current circumstances of child actors in Hollywood, particularly regarding how their earnings are managed and the role various professionals play. However, Gary’s experiences appear to me as highly unjust, with a significant portion of his earnings being legitimately taken by agents, business managers, lawyers, and tax personnel. As a result, he was left with a substantial but not excessive amount.

What do you hope viewers ultimately take away from this film about Coleman and his life?

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but express my heartfelt wish that people remember the extraordinary talent he showcased, particularly during the initial three seasons of Diff’rent Strokes. His comedic delivery was simply outstanding, and his brilliance shone through in every episode.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

2024-08-29 17:25

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