I was a big fan of Gary Coleman as a kid and it's really sad to see that he's had such bad luck over the years.
Sad?!?! What's sad about it? That he grew up? That he doesn't look like a child anymore? Oh well. It happens to all of us. Comparing a photo that was taken when he was a kid to a police mug shot and calling it sad is a little strange don't you think?
Both for sure, but it didn't help that his adoptive parents stole all of his money and he's had severe health problems his whole life. I was a big fan just makes me sad
from wiki: Legal struggles [edit] Financial matters In 1989, Coleman sued his parents and former manager over misappropriation of his $3.8 million trust fund.[6] He won a $1,280,000 ruling on February 23, 1993.[7] Coleman later filed for bankruptcy in 1999; he attributed his financial problems to mismanagement of his trust.[8] [edit] Assault Coleman was charged with assault in 1998 after he punched a woman. Coleman had been working as a security guard, and bus driver Tracy Fields requested his autograph while he was shopping for a bulletproof vest in a California mall. The two argued about the autograph, wherein Fields mocked Coleman's lackluster career as an adult actor. Coleman testified that "I was getting scared, and she was getting ugly"; he said that he thought Fields was going to hit him, so he punched her. Coleman pleaded no contest and received a suspended sentence. He was also ordered to pay Fields $1,665 for hospital bills resulting from the fight.[9] The incident was later parodied on Chappelle's Show. [edit] Citation for disorderly conduct On July 26, 2007, Coleman was cited for misdemeanor disorderly conduct by a Provo, Utah, police officer after he was seen having a "heated discussion" with his wife, Shannon Price.[10][11] On July 3, 2009, Coleman and his wife were involved in a domestic dispute where Coleman's wife was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, and both parties were cited for disorderly conduct.[12] [edit] Divorce Court Coleman and his wife, Shannon Price, appeared on TV's Divorce Court on May 1 and May 2, 2008, due to marital difficulties. [edit] Automobile accident Coleman was involved in an automobile accident in Payson, Utah on September 6, 2008. According to Payson police, Coleman was backing up his truck in a Payson bowling alley parking lot when he allegedly hit 24-year-old Colt Rushton. According to a witness, the tire of Coleman's truck hit Rushton's knee and pulled him under the truck. Coleman's vehicle then hit another car. Rushton was transported to a local hospital where he was treated and released with minor injuries. Police said Coleman's driving speed was not excessive. Witnesses told police the incident stemmed from an argument that started in the bowling alley, after Rushton photographed Coleman. Coleman objected to Rushton taking his picture and the two men started arguing, according to witnesses. There was no citation or arrest for either man. Police said neither man would make a statement at the scene.[13][14] On December 2, 2008, Coleman pleaded no contest to charges of disorderly conduct and reckless driving. The court ordered him to pay a $100 fine for disorderly conduct. The reckless driving charge will be waived in one year if Coleman does not commit any further violations. On January 14, 2010, Coleman settled a civil suit related to the incident for an undisclosed amount.[15][16][17] [edit] Domestic violence assault On January 24, 2010, Coleman was arrested on a domestic violence assault warrant in Santaquin, Utah. Coleman was subsequently booked into the Utah County Jail[18] and released on January 25, 2010.[19] [edit] Candidate for Governor of California Coleman was a candidate for governor in the 2003 California recall election. This campaign was sponsored by the free newsweekly the East Bay Express as a satirical comment on the recall. After Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy, Coleman stated that he would be voting for Schwarzenegger. Coleman placed 8th in a field of 135 candidates, receiving 14,242 votes.
In nature vs. nurture, you guys imply it's nurture with child actors, but I think it's mostly nature. The nurture part is true--they live like grownups, have financial decisions while young, and are usually disappointed in their careers while in their early 20s. But I think the nature part is most of it. These are people who would have lived unusual lives whether or not they had gone into acting. Child actors are usually shorter than average for their age, and much more hyperactive. They aren't shy and are full of chutzpah and moxie. They are emoting extroverts who can really put out on a stage. Kind of like athletes. I look at the unusual hormones they must have to maintain their super activity, and I wonder why more don't get into trouble.