Thats a shame - May he rest in peace.
Now for a story - Coleman inspired me.
I don't remember him much for Different Strokes, I didn't really pay the series much mind. I thought it kinda sucked actually. But I do remember reading an article about his addiction to the arcade game Centipede and that he had bought his own. ( things one can do with Hollywood bucks )
Ever since then I wanted an arcade machine. But I was a poor city kid during the 80's, and there would be no way I could afford one. Didn't stop me though.
Combining arcade parts, a dead arcade machine, a television, some hand-built electronics, a ridiculously powerful PC, and winXP X64 which I stripped to the studs (stripped to the point where there is no Start menu, or even a desktop) I built my own, and can play Centipede (and tons of other games) anytime I want.
It took me over 20 years to do it, but I did it. And it was that article on Gary Coleman that started me on my way.